Hardnesssuch

Hardnesssuch is a coined term in materials science that refers to a proposed composite property describing a material's resistance to permanent deformation across a range of loading conditions. It is intended to extend conventional hardness by incorporating aspects of wear resistance and damage tolerance, particularly under dynamic or impact loading, where traditional hardness scales may be insufficient.

Because hardnesssuch is not standardized, its definition varies by source. In some discussions it combines a static hardness measure with a dynamic response parameter, such as impact resistance or rate-dependent hardness. The term appears mainly in industry discussions, white papers, and exploratory studies rather than in formal standards.

Measurement approaches are heterogeneous. A common framework defines hardnesssuch as Hs = w1·Hstatic + w2·Hdyn, with Hstatic drawn from Rockwell, Vickers, or Brinell tests and Hdyn from dynamic indentation, high-rate nanoindentation, or wear-rate tests. Practical implementation faces challenges in choosing weights, ensuring repeatability, and separating matrix vs. coating contributions. There is no universally accepted test protocol or calibration.

Applications are proposed for material selection in wear-intensive environments, coatings evaluation, and performance ranking of alloys and ceramics. Critics note the lack of standardization and potential for confusion with established properties, such as hardness and toughness. Users are advised to document the method, chosen weights, and testing conditions when reporting hardnesssuch values.