hardness measurement techniques

Hardness measurement techniques assess a material's resistance to locally applied forces, such as indentation or scratching. Common methods include the Brinell test, which presses a ball into the material to see how easily it dents; the Rockwell test, which uses a steel ball or diamond cone to measure depth of penetration; and the Vickers test, which employs a diamond-shaped indenter to evaluate very small areas. These tests provide standardized numbers indicating how hard a material is, helping determine suitability for specific applications like cutting tools, construction, or manufacturing.