RELATION OF METAL THICKNESS,ENAMEL THICKNESS,AND BOTTOM RADIUS TO IMPACT RESISTANCE OF PORCELAIN ENAMELED UTENSILS*

Three series of standard two-quart pudding pans of different metal thicknesses, coated with one, two, and three coats, respectively, of enamel were tested for impact resistance, using the Enameled Utensil Manufacturers' Council standard impact test. The impact resistance of the pans was increased with increase (1) in metal thickness of the pans, (2) of the enamel thickness, and (3) in the size of the bottom radius. The size of the chip formed on impact also increased with increase in enamel thickness. The literature dealing with the fracture of glass and enamels is reviewed, and the factors influencing spontaneous chipping and chipping caused by bending and impact are discussed.