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Why is the Japanese Sword Curved ?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

William N. Weins Ph.D. P.E.  and
Peter Bleed Ph.D.
William N. Weins Ph.D. P.E.
Affiliation:
University of Nebraska, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0656
Peter Bleed Ph.D.
Affiliation:
University of Nebraska, Department of Anthropology, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0368
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Abstract

The history and methodology of Japanese swordmaking are reviewed with particular reference to materials and processes. In order to gain a better understanding of the structure/property relationships in Japanese swords, a 16th century katana was analyzed metallographically and by attaching strain gages and cutting to relieve the residual stresses in the blade. The results indicate that the curve in the blade can be attributed to the volumetric expansion of the untempered martensite on the cutting edge, which also causes the edge to be in a state of residual compression. The residual compressive stresses are one of the key elements of the Japanese sword which give it superior toughness and cutting ability.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 185: Symposium G – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology II , 1990 , 691
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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