The mechanised testing and sequential wear‐analysis of replica Bronze Age palstave blades. (24th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrews, Miriam; Polcar, Tomas; Sofaer, Joanna; Pike, Alistair W. G.
• Is Part Of: Archaeometry. Volume 64:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2021-06-24
• Subjects: tin‐bronze -- middle bronze age palstave axes -- metalwork wear‐analysis -- metallography -- mechanised testing -- scanning electron microscope; Archaeometry -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Expertising -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1111/arcm.12685
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-813X

Abstract

Abstract: There have been few attempts to conduct highly controlled laboratory experiments to isolate how wear propagates on metal artefacts with differing metallurgy during simulated use. This reflects a lack of appreciation for the underlying structure of materials within the production of reference datasets for metalwork wear analysis. Here, we present the use of a drop tower (Instron CEAST 9350) to reconstruct use on replica Bronze Age palstave axes with archaeologically relevant microstructures. The development, form, and properties of surface wear at the cutting edge were sequentially analysed by low‐power microscopy (digital), high‐power microscopy (Scanning Electron Microscope), and microhardness indentation. Major deformations of the blade were documented by photography. This intensive approach reveals the impact of abrasive wear associated with sharpening and use, as well as the frequency and morphology of larger deformations generated by repeated impact—all of which, we demonstrate, can be overtly modified by subtle differences in metallurgy.