What Does KHN Stand For?

KHN stands for Knoop Hardness

KHN, or Knoop Hardness Number, is a measurement of a material's hardness determined by the Knoop hardness test. This test involves applying a diamond indenter with an elongated pyramidal shape to the material's surface under a specific load. The KHN value is calculated based on the dimensions of the resulting indentation, specifically its long diagonal, allowing for a precise evaluation of hardness suited for brittle materials and thin layers. KHN is widely used in materials science and engineering to assess the hardness of metals, ceramics, and other materials.