An analysis of Knoop microhardness

Abstract This paper describes a new analysis of Knoop hardness results. The relation is a modified version of Kick's Law which correlates the applied load to the long Knoop diagonal by a term that considers the resistance offered by the test specimen itself. The theory is applied to nine specimens of varient hardness and proven valid by graphical methods. Discussion is given for usage of the modified law to obtain Knoop hardness numbers independent of the applied load. Miscellaneous observations are also given for standardization and limits of Knoop hardness ranges.