Impact tests are used in studying the toughness of the material. A material's toughness is a factor of its ability to absorb energy during deformation. Brittle materials have low toughness as a result of the small amount of deformation that they can endure. The impact value of a material can also change with temperature. Generally, at lower temperatures the impact energy of a material is decreased.
Minus 50°C
We test our luminaires with the aid of a pendulum of known mass and length that is dropped from a known height to impact a specimen. The specimen is placed in a specialized chamber with temperatures down to -50°C. The temperature in the chamber should be five degrees lower than the lowest ambient temperature (Ta value) specified by the manufacturer for the luminaire being tested.
Impact resistance
In mechanics, an impact is a high force or shock applied over a short time period when two or more bodies collide.