ASTM E436 is the standard test method for conducting drop-weight tear tests (DWTT) on ferritic steels. Drop-weight tear tests (DWTT) on ferritic steels with thicknesses ranging from 3.18 mm to 19.1 mm are covered by the standard test method ASTM E436. Drop-weight tear testing is a material characterization test for pipelines to prevent brittle fracture and crack arrest (seamless or welded). The values expressed in SI units should be considered standard.
ASTM E436 Standard Test Method for Drop-Weight Tear Tests of Ferritic Steels
What is ASTM E436?
What is the Scope of ASTM E436?
The standard test method, Drop-Weight Tear Tests by ASTM E436, is used to determine the appearance of propagating fractures in plain carbon or low-alloy pipe steels (yield strengths less than 825 MPa) over the temperature range where the fracture mode changes from brittle (cleavage or flat) to ductile. The goal of ASTM E436 is to investigate the impact of metallurgical factors, as well as to evaluate materials to determine suitability and to ensure product quality control.
Purpose: Evaluates the brittle fracture resistance and appearance of propagating fractures in plain carbon or low-alloy pipe steels.
Material Scope: Ferritic steels with thicknesses between 3.18 mm and 19.1 mm (0.125 in. and 0.750 in.) and yield strengths typically less than 825 MPa.
Specimen Size: Typically full-thickness specimens measuring approximately 3 inches wide by 12 inches long (76.2 mm × 305 mm) with a pressed or chevron notch.
Evaluation Metric: Measures the percent shear area on the fractured surface to determine toughness and material suitability, often requiring a minimum shear percentage (such as 85%) for pipeline safety standards.
ASTM E436 Sample Preparation and Equipment
A 76.2 mm by 305 mm full-plate-thickness edge-notch bend specimen with a pressed notch shall be used for ASTM E436 testing.
ASTM E436 requires a Drop-Weight Tear Test (DWTT) machine to carry out the test. An impact system featuring a heavy drop weight (hammer/tup) with defined geometry that falls freely from a controlled height to break the specimen in a single blow
ASTM E436 Testing Procedure and Requirements
The standard test method, Drop-Weight Tear Tests ASTM E436, is used to determine the appearance of propagating fractures in plain carbon or low-alloy pipe steels (yield strengths less than 825 MPa) over the temperature range where the fracture mode changes from brittle (cleavage or flat) to ductile.
In the ASTM E436 test, specimens are completely immersed in a suitable liquid at a specific temperature first, and then the specimens are broken within 10s. Finally, the specimens are placed in the testing machine so that the notch in the specimen is within 1.59 mm of the centerline of the tup on the hammer.
ASTM E436 Result Analysis and Interpretation
Measures the percent shear area on the fractured surface to determine toughness and material suitability, often requiring a minimum shear percentage (such as 85%) for pipeline safety standards.
Updated on September 4, 2026
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