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J | Index | L
K
Symbol used in linear elastic fracture mechanics to describe the intensification of applied stress at the tip of a crack of known size and shape. At the onset of rapid crack propagation, the factor is call the critical stress-intensity factor (KIc) or fracture toughness. Various subscripts denote loading conditions or fracture toughness. Units are Mpa/mm or ksi/in
K Factor
Tensile strength in pounds per square inch divided by the Brinell Hardness number.
Kahlbaum Iron
An iron of more than 99.975% purity, produced in Germany.
Kalling-Dommarfvet Process
A desulfurizing process using powdered burnt iron.
Kaolin
The purest form of China clay consisting of silicate of aluminum.
Kappa Carbide
A carbide of iron (Fe23, C6) in which all or part of the iron may be replaced by chromium, molybdenum, and/or tungsten.
Kayser Hardness Test
A method for determining the true hardness of metals at high temperatures.
KC (Plane-stress fracture toughness)
The value of stress intensity at which crack propagation becomes rapid in sections thinner than those in which plane-strain conditions prevail. Units are MPa/m or ksi/in.
Kelvin Temperature Scale
One in which the unit of measurement equals that of the centigrade degree and according to which absolute zero is 0 degrees, equivalent to -273.16 C.
Kerf
The width of a cut.
Keyhole Specimen
A type of notched impact test specimen which has a hole-and-slot notch shaped like a keyhole.
KIc (Plane-strain fracture toughness)
The minimum value of KC. Represents the fracture toughness of a material independent of crack length, or loading system. Units are MPa/m or ksi/in.
Kieselguhr
Diatomaceous earth, a finely porous material used for thermal insulation to 1100 C (2012 F).
Kiln
An oven or furnace for burning, calcimining or drying a substance.
Kiln-Dried
Lumber artificially dried in a specially designed enclosure or lumber kiln.
Kiln Marks
Irregularities on the surface of refractors caused by deformation under load during burning.
Kilovolt (kV)
Unit of electrical potential equal to 1,000 volts.
Kilovolts Constant Potential
The potential in kilovolts of a constant voltage generator.
Kilovolts Peak
The crest value of the potential wave in kilovolts. When only one half of the wave is used, the crest value is to be measured on this half of the wave.
Kip
A term sometimes used to represent a unit load of 1,000 lb.
Kish
Free graphite which separates upon slow cooling of molten hypereutectic iron.
Kissing (Touching)
Gating with minimum metal left at casting breakoff point, having a gate just "kiss" the surface.
Knockout Pins (Ejector Pins)
Small diameter pins affixed to a pattern back-up plate for removing cured mold in the shell-molding process.
Knoop Hardness Number (HK)
A number related to the applied load and to the projected area of a rhombic-based diamond indentor, with edge angles of 172 1/2 30' and 130 1/2.