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.

中文翻译：

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仿制青铜时代palstave刀片的机械化测试和顺序磨损分析

很少有人尝试进行高度受控的实验室实验，以隔离在模拟使用期间磨损如何在具有不同冶金学的金属制品上传播。这反映了在生产金属制品磨损分析的参考数据集时缺乏对材料底层结构的认识。在这里，我们展示了使用落塔 (Instron CEAST 9350) 来重建具有考古相关微观结构的青铜时代 palstave 复制品轴的使用。通过低倍显微镜（数字）、高倍显微镜（扫描电子显微镜）和显微硬度压痕依次分析切削刃表面磨损的发展、形式和性质。通过摄影记录了刀片的主要变形。