The

following data were obtained from a series of Charpy impact tests performed on four ductile
cast irons, each having a different silicon content. Plot the data and determine: (a) the transition
temperature (defined by the mean of the absorbed energies in the ductile and brittle regions)
and (b) the transition temperature (defined as the temperature that provides 10 J absorbed
energy).
Plot the transition temperature versus silicon content and discuss the effect of silicon on the
toughness of the cast iron. What would be the maximum silicon allowed in the cast iron if a part
is to be used at 25ºC?

Temperature Impact energy (J)

2.55% Si 2.85% Si 3.25% Si 3.63% Si
-50 2.5 2.5 2 2
-25 3 2.5 2 2
0 6 5 3 2.5
25 13 10 7 4
50 17 14 12 8
75 19 16 16 13
100 19 16 16 16
125 19 16 16 16

25

20

15

10

0
-60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

2.55% Si 2.85% Si 3.25% Si 3.63% Si

Transition Temp Silicon content (%)
25 2.55
32 2.85
40 3.25
60 3.63

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70