Brinell Hardness Number
Full Form of BHN
What is BHN?
The Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) is a quantitative measure of the hardness of a material, determined by pressing a hardened steel or carbide ball of a specified diameter into the material's surface under a fixed load. The hardness number is calculated as the ratio of the applied load to the surface area of the resulting indentation, expressed in kilograms per square millimetre. In India, BHN is widely used in engineering and manufacturing sectors for quality control, material selection, and failure analysis, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. It is a fundamental parameter taught in Indian engineering curricula under materials science and mechanical engineering courses, and frequently appears in competitive exams such as GATE, ESE, and state engineering services. The test is standardized by Indian standards like IS 1500, and is essential for verifying the heat treatment and durability of metals and alloys. Its simplicity and reliability make BHN a staple in workshops, laboratories, and production units across India, from small-scale foundries to large public sector undertakings. For students, understanding BHN is crucial for solving problems in strength of materials and welding technology, and it often features in interview questions for engineering roles.
BHN का फुल फॉर्म
ब्रिनेल कठोरता संख्या
Example
The quality inspector recorded a BHN of 210 for the forged steel crankshaft, confirming it met the required hardness specification.