Here's why a steel ball is used:
* Consistent shape: The spherical shape of the ball ensures consistent contact with the test specimen, leading to reproducible results.
* Hardness: Steel balls are hard enough to penetrate the material being tested, but not so hard that they damage the specimen.
* Smoothness: The smooth surface of the ball minimizes friction and ensures accurate measurements.
While a steel ball is the standard, other materials like carbide or ceramic balls may be used in specific applications depending on the material being tested and the desired test parameters.