1. Quantitative Results
Quantitative data is data based on numerical values. In the Charpy impact test, this quantitative data is normally the energy absorbed during the fracture of the sample. The DBTT (Ductile-to-Brittle Transition Temperature) can also be estimated by testing the multiple samples at multiple temperatures to see where there is a drastic increase in required impact energy.
2. Qualitative Results
Qualitative data is non-numerical observational data. In the Charpy impact test, this refers to the observation of the fracture surface of the sample. For example, a brittle sample will have a flat fracture surface, whereas a ductile failure will typically have a rough surface with increased deformation. However, it becomes difficult to accurately state the nature of the failure when both failure modes are present in the sample, which is often the case. In these situations, the amount of surface area related to the ductile and brittle failure is measured.
