SIST EN 4526:2014

Overview

EN 4526:2013 - "Aerospace series - Metallic materials - Test methods - Sharp edge-notch tensile testing for sheet and strip" - is a European Standard published by CEN for aerospace applications. It specifies requirements for performing sharp edge-notch tensile testing on sheet and strip metallic materials (primarily applicable where a sharp machined notch can be produced, e.g., aluminium and magnesium alloys). EN 4526 is intended to be applied when referenced by an EN technical specification, material standard, drawing, order or inspection schedule.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: A machined sharp edge-notch specimen is loaded in tension to determine the maximum force (P). The ratio of sharp-notch strength to the 0.2% proof stress is used as a comparative index of fracture toughness.
• Specimen and procedure references: Uses specimen form and procedures in ASTM E338-91 and tensile test conditions in EN 2002‑001.
• Test temperature: Normal range 10 °C to 35 °C; for disputes use 23 °C ± 5 °C.
• Materials limitation: Restricted to materials in which the required sharp notch may be machined (explicitly referenced examples include aluminium and magnesium alloys).
• Resources and competence:
  • Test equipment per EN 2002-001 (ambient tensile testing).
  • Appropriate degreasing fluids, recording media, and electronic recording where relevant.
  • Tests must be performed or supervised by qualified personnel with suitable education, training and experience.
• Health & safety: Tests must comply with applicable local health and safety regulations, including precautions for hazardous materials.
• Test reporting: The report must reference EN 4526 and include traceability, test conditions, specimen identification, results (individual/mean values), graphs/plots where necessary, date, tester identity, and any deviations or incidents.

Applications and users

• Practical applications:
  • Comparative assessment of fracture resistance for aerospace sheet and strip materials.
  • Quality control and material acceptance testing during production or procurement.
  • Material selection and R&D when evaluating performance of non‑ferrous and ferrous alloys for structural components.
• Who uses EN 4526:
  • Aerospace materials engineers and metallurgists
  • Testing and certification laboratories
  • Aircraft and component manufacturers, suppliers of metallic sheet and strip
  • Quality assurance and procurement teams involved in aerospace material specifications

Related standards

• EN 2002-001 - Tensile testing at ambient temperature (Aerospace series)
• EN 4258 - Organisation of aerospace metallic material standards
• EN 4259 - Definition of general terms for aerospace metallic materials
• ASTM E338-91 - Sharp notch tension testing (referenced for specimen geometry and procedure)

Keywords: EN 4526, sharp edge-notch tensile testing, aerospace standard, metallic materials, sheet and strip, fracture toughness, ASTM E338, tensile testing.