What is the code approved method for testing a nick break specimen?

The code-approved method for testing a nick break specimen involves pulling it in a tensile machine until it breaks. This method is designed to assess the toughness and performance of the weld and the base material under stress. The tensile testing provides quantitative data regarding the material's strength and ductility, which are critical for evaluating weld quality and integrity.

When subjected to tensile forces, a nick break specimen will ultimately fail at the weakest point, which may reveal important information about the weld's properties, including any latent defects or inconsistencies present within the weld. This approach aligns with best practices established under the guidelines of API 1104, which emphasizes the importance of utilizing standardized techniques for testing and evaluating welded joints.

Other methods listed, such as using a hammer and chisel or visually inspecting for cracks, do not meet the rigorous standards required for accurately assessing the structural integrity of the weld. Hammer and chisel methods may introduce variables that compromise test reliability, while visual inspections lack the detailed analysis necessary to fully evaluate the weld's properties. Thus, using a tensile machine to break the specimen provides a controlled and effective means of analysis in accordance with API 1104.