A new methodology based on a multiscale analysis of hammering indicators to further investigate the ancient manufacturing techniques of copper-based artefacts
Abstract
Although hammering was a widespread way of shaping copper alloys in several past societies, the mechanical metallurgy and hammering techniques for copper-based alloys have not yet been fully documented. This study aims to propose a new methodology based on a multiscale analysis of hammering indicators. Copper test plates have been subjected to varying degrees of strain hardening using a testing device that simulates ancient hammering conditions. After a topographic study of the impacts, the microstructure of cross-sectioned samples was characterised using EBSD and correlated with mechanical properties via microhardness measurements. The experimental data were cross-referenced with a finite-element numerical simulation to model the mechanical hammering test and to provide a local description of the plastic deformation. The results identified an index of plastic strain from the grain orientation spread (GOS), suitable for comparing the distribution of plastic deformation between samples. The methodology was applied to a replica of an Angkorian vase. The study highlights that coupling microstructural characterisation via EBSD with numerical simulation is a useful complement to conventional metallographic studies. This approach is a first step toward providing new insights into copper-based alloy manufacturing techniques in the future.
Related
- Solid-state NMR methods to investigate biomolecular condensates, protein phase transition, phase separation and coacervates
- A tiered analytical workflow to investigate complex legacy lithic assemblages: insights from the Pauilhac Treasure (France)
- Mycogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using response surface methodology and assessment of their biological potential
- Development of an HPLC method for the determination of phenolic by-products: optimisation of the separation by means of the experimental designs methodology
- Two-Stage Optimization of Oleic Acid Esterification via Response Surface Methodology and Green Chemistry Metrics Selection for Biodiesel from WCO
BibTeX
@article{berard2026methodology,
title = {{A new methodology based on a multiscale analysis of hammering indicators to further investigate the ancient manufacturing techniques of copper-based artefacts}},
author = {Emilie Bérard and César Delomosne and Manon Gosselin and David Bourgarit and François Brisset and Brice Vincent and Sreyneath Meas and Thierry Baudin and Clotilde Berdin},
journal = {Journal of Cultural Heritage},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1016/j.culher.2026.07.002},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05764154v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A new methodology based on a multiscale analysis of hammering indicators to further investigate the ancient manufacturing techniques of copper-based artefacts
AU - Emilie Bérard
AU - César Delomosne
AU - Manon Gosselin
AU - David Bourgarit
AU - François Brisset
AU - Brice Vincent
AU - Sreyneath Meas
AU - Thierry Baudin
AU - Clotilde Berdin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/25
JO - Journal of Cultural Heritage
DO - 10.1016/j.culher.2026.07.002
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05764154v1
AB - Although hammering was a widespread way of shaping copper alloys in several past societies, the mechanical metallurgy and hammering techniques for copper-based alloys have not yet been fully documented. This study aims to propose a new methodology based on a multiscale analysis of hammering indicators. Copper test plates have been subjected to varying degrees of strain hardening using a testing device that simulates ancient hammering conditions. After a topographic study of the impacts, the microstructure of cross-sectioned samples was characterised using EBSD and correlated with mechanical properties via microhardness measurements. The experimental data were cross-referenced with a finite-element numerical simulation to model the mechanical hammering test and to provide a local description of the plastic deformation. The results identified an index of plastic strain from the grain orientation spread (GOS), suitable for comparing the distribution of plastic deformation between samples. The methodology was applied to a replica of an Angkorian vase. The study highlights that coupling microstructural characterisation via EBSD with numerical simulation is a useful complement to conventional metallographic studies. This approach is a first step toward providing new insights into copper-based alloy manufacturing techniques in the future.
SN - 1296-2074
ER -