ASTM D4762-23

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4762 − 23
Standard Guide for
Testing Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4762; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide summarizes the application of ASTM stan-
2.1.1 Standards of Committee D30 on Composite Materials
dard test methods (and other supporting standards) to
C271/C271M Test Method for Density of Sandwich Core
continuous-fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite materi-
Materials
als. The most commonly used or most applicable ASTM
C272/C272M Test Method for Water Absorption of Core
standards are included, emphasizing use of standards of Com-
Materials for Sandwich Constructions
mittee D30 on Composite Materials.
C273/C273M Test Method for Shear Properties of Sandwich
1.2 This guide does not cover all possible standards that
Core Materials
could apply to polymer matrix composites and restricts discus-
C297/C297M Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of
sion to the documented scope. Commonly used but non-
Sandwich Constructions
standard industry extensions of test method scopes, such as
C363/C363M Test Method for Node Tensile Strength of
application of static test methods to fatigue testing, are not
Honeycomb Core Materials
discussed. A more complete summary of general composite
C364/C364M Test Method for Edgewise Compressive
testing standards, including non-ASTM test methods, is in-
Strength of Sandwich Constructions
cluded in the Composite Materials Handbook (CMH-17).
C365/C365M Test Method for Flatwise Compressive Prop-
Additional specific recommendations for testing textile (fabric,
erties of Sandwich Cores
braided) composites are contained in Guide D6856.
C366/C366M Test Methods for Measurement of Thickness
of Sandwich Cores
1.3 This guide does not specify a system of measurement;
C393/C393M Test Method for Core Shear Properties of
the systems specified within each of the referenced standards
Sandwich Constructions by Beam Flexure
shall apply as appropriate. Note that the referenced standards
C394/C394M Test Method for Shear Fatigue of Sandwich
of ASTM Committee D30 are either SI-only or combined-unit
Core Materials
standards with SI units listed first.
C480/C480M Test Method for Flexure Creep of Sandwich
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Constructions
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
C481 Test Method for Laboratory Aging of Sandwich Con-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
structions
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
C613 Test Method for Constituent Content of Composite
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Prepreg by Soxhlet Extraction
D2344/D2344M Test Method for Short-Beam Strength of
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Polymer Matrix Composite Materials and Their Laminates
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D3039/D3039M Test Method for Tensile Properties of Poly-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mer Matrix Composite Materials
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D3171 Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Materials
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
D3410/D3410M Test Method for Compressive Properties of
Polymer Matrix Composite Materials with Unsupported
Gage Section by Shear Loading
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D30 on Composite
D3479/D3479M Test Method for Tension-Tension Fatigue
Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.01 on Editorial and
Resource Standards.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D4762 – 18. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/D4762-23. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
PA 15096, http://www.sae.org. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4762 − 23
of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials D6416/D6416M Test Method for Two-Dimensional Flexural
D3518/D3518M Test Method for In-Plane Shear Response Properties of Simply Supported Sandwich Composite
of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials by Tensile Test of Plates Subjected to a Distributed Load
D6484/D6484M Test Method for Open-Hole Compressive
a 645° Laminate
Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates
D3529 Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite
D6507 Practice for Fiber Reinforcement Orientation Codes
Prepreg
for Composite Materials
D3530 Test Method for Volatiles Content of Composite
D6641/D6641M Test Method for Compressive Properties of
Material Prepreg
Polymer Matrix Composite Materials Using a Combined
D3531/D3531M Test Method for Resin Flow of Carbon
Loading Compression (CLC) Test Fixture
Fiber-Epoxy Prepreg
D6671/D6671M Test Method for Mixed Mode I-Mode II
D3532/D3532M Test Method for Gel Time of Carbon Fiber-
Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Unidirectional Fiber
Epoxy Prepreg
Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
D3800 Test Method for Density of High-Modulus Fibers
D6742/D6742M Practice for Filled-Hole Tension and Com-
D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials
pression Testing of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates
D4018 Test Methods for Properties of Continuous Filament
D6772/D6772M Test Method for Dimensional Stability of
Carbon and Graphite Fiber Tows
Sandwich Core Materials
D4102 Test Method for Thermal Oxidative Resistance of
D6790/D6790M Test Method for Determining Poisson’s
Carbon Fibers
Ratio of Honeycomb Cores
D4255/D4255M Test Method for In-Plane Shear Properties
D6856 Guide for Testing Fabric-Reinforced “Textile” Com-
of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials by the Rail Shear
posite Materials
Method
D6873/D6873M Practice for Bearing Fatigue Response of
D5229/D5229M Test Method for Moisture Absorption Prop-
Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates
erties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix
D7028 Test Method for Glass Transition Temperature (DMA
Composite Materials
Tg) of Polymer Matrix Composites by Dynamic Mechani-
D5379/D5379M Test Method for Shear Properties of Com-
cal Analysis (DMA)
posite Materials by the V-Notched Beam Method
D7078/D7078M Test Method for Shear Properties of Com-
D5448/D5448M Test Method for Inplane Shear Properties
posite Materials by V-Notched Rail Shear Method
of Hoop Wound Polymer Matrix Composite Cylinders
D7136/D7136M Test Method for Measuring the Damage
D5449/D5449M Test Method for Transverse Compressive
Resistance of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Com-
Properties of Hoop Wound Polymer Matrix Composite
posite to a Drop-Weight Impact Event
Cylinders D7137/D7137M Test Method for Compressive Residual
Strength Properties of Damaged Polymer Matrix Compos-
D5450/D5450M Test Method for Transverse Tensile Prop-
ite Plates
erties of Hoop Wound Polymer Matrix Composite Cylin-
D7205/D7205M Test Method for Tensile Properties of Fiber
ders
Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars
D5467/D5467M Test Method for Compressive Properties of
D7248/D7248M Test Method for High Bearing - Low By-
Unidirectional Polymer Matrix Composite Materials Us-
pass Interaction Response of Polymer Matrix Composite
ing a Sandwich Beam
Laminates Using 2-Fastener Specimens
D5528 Test Method for Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Tough-
D7249/D7249M Test Method for Facesheet Properties of
ness of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix
Sandwich Constructions by Long Beam Flexure
Composites
D7250/D7250M Practice for Determining Sandwich Beam
D5687/D5687M Guide for Preparation of Flat Composite
Flexural and Shear Stiffness
Panels with Processing Guidelines for Specimen Prepara-
D7264/D7264M Test Method for Flexural Properties of
tion
Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
D5766/D5766M Test Method for Open-Hole Tensile
D7291/D7291M Test Method for Through-Thickness “Flat-
Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates
wise” Tensile Strength and Elastic Modulus of a Fiber-
D5961/D5961M Test Method for Bearing Response of Poly-
Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Material
mer Matrix Composite Laminates
D7332/D7332M Test Method for Measuring the Fastener
D6115 Test Method for Mode I Fatigue Delamination
Pull-Through Resistance of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Growth Onset of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Poly-
Matrix Composite
mer Matrix Composites
D7336/D7336M Test Method for Static Energy Absorption
D6264/D6264M Test Method for Measuring the Damage
Properties of Honeycomb Sandwich Core Materials
Resistance of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Matrix Com-
D7337/D7337M Test Method for Tensile Creep Rupture of
posite to a Concentrated Quasi-Static Indentation Force
Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars
D6415/D6415M Test Method for Measuring the Curved
D7522/D7522M Test Method for Pull-Off Strength for FRP
Beam Strength of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Matrix
Laminate Systems Bonded to Concrete or Masonry Sub-
Composite strates
D4762 − 23
D7565/D7565M Test Method for Determining Tensile Prop- D8337/D8337M Test Method for Evaluation of Bond Prop-
erties of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites erties of FRP Composite Applied to Concrete Substrate
using Single-Lap Shear Test
Used for Strengthening of Civil Structures
D8387/D8387M Test Method for High Bypass – Low Bear-
D7615/D7615M Practice for Open-Hole Fatigue Response
ing Interaction Response of Polymer Matrix Composite
of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates
Laminates
D7616/D7616M Test Method for Determining Apparent
D8388/D8388M Practice for Flexural Residual Strength
Overlap Splice Shear Strength Properties of Wet Lay-Up
Testing of Damaged Sandwich Constructions
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites Used for
D8453/D8453M Practice for Open-Hole Flexural Strength
Strengthening Civil Structures
of Sandwich Constructions
D7617/D7617M Test Method for Transverse Shear Strength
D8454/D8454M Test Method for Open-Hole Compressive
of Fiber-reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars
Strength of Sandwich Constructions
D7705/D7705M Test Method for Alkali Resistance of Fiber
D8505/D8505M Specification for Basalt and Glass Fiber
Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Matrix Composite Bars used
Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars for Concrete Reinforce-
in Concrete Construction
ment
D7750 Test Method for Cure Behavior of Thermosetting
D8509/D8509M Guide for Test Method Selection and Test
Resins by Dynamic Mechanical Procedures using an
Specimen Design for Bolted Joint Related Properties
Encapsulated Specimen Rheometer
D8510/D8510M Test Method for Local Buckling and Crip-
D7766/D7766M Practice for Damage Resistance Testing of
pling under Axial Compressive Loading
Sandwich Constructions
D8511/D8511M Guide for Design and Analysis of Local
D7905/D7905M Test Method for Determination of the
Buckling and Crippling Test Specimens
Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Unidirec-
E1922 Test Method for Translaminar Fracture Toughness of
tional Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
Laminated and Pultruded Polymer Matrix Composite
D7913/D7913M Test Method for Bond Strength of Fiber-
Materials
Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite Bars to Concrete
F1645/F1645M Test Method for Water Migration in Honey-
by Pullout Testing
comb Core Materials
D7914/D7914M Test Method for Strength of Fiber Rein-
2.1.2 Standards of Committee D20 on Plastics
forced Polymer (FRP) Bent Bars in Bend Locations
C581 Practice for Determining Chemical Resistance of
D7956/D7956M Practice for Compressive Testing of Thin
Thermosetting Resins Used in Glass-Fiber-Reinforced
Damaged Laminates Using a Sandwich Long Beam Flex- Structures Intended for Liquid Service
ure Specimen D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
D7957/D7957M Specification for Solid Round Glass Fiber Impact Resistance of Plastics
Reinforced Polymer Bars for Concrete Reinforcement D543 Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to
Chemical Reagents
D7958/D7958M Test Method for Evaluation of Performance
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
for FRP Composite Bonded to Concrete Substrate using
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
Beam Test
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D8066/D8066M Practice Unnotched Compression Testing
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics
of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates
Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
D8067/D8067M Test Method for In-Plane Shear Properties
D671 Test Method for Flexural Fatigue of Plastics by
of Sandwich Panels Using a Picture Frame Fixture
Constant-Amplitude-of-Force (Withdrawn 2002)
D8101/D8101M Test Method for Measuring the Penetration
D695 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid
Resistance of Composite Materials to Impact by a Blunt
Plastics
Projectile
D696 Test Method for Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expan-
D8131/D8131M Practice for Tensile Properties of Tapered
sion of Plastics Between −30°C and 30°C with a Vitreous
and Stepped Joints of Polymer Matrix Composite Lami-
Silica Dilatometer
nates
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
D8132/D8132M Test Method for Determination of Prepreg
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
Impregnation by Permeability Measurement
als
D8285/D8285M Practice for Compressive Properties of Ta-
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
pered and Stepped Joints of Polymer Matrix Composite
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
Laminates by Sandwich Construction Long Beam Flexure
D953 Test Method for Pin-Bearing Strength of Plastics
D8287/D8287M Test Method for Compressive Residual
D1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-
Strength Properties of Damaged Sandwich Composite
Gradient Technique
Panels
D1822 Test Method for Determining the Tensile-Impact
D8335 Guide for Identification of Fiber-Reinforced
Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials
D8336 Test Method for Characterizing Tack of Prepregs 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Using a Continuous Application-and-Peel Procedure www.astm.org.
D4762 − 23
Resistance of Plastics marizes the application of standards from ASTM Committee
D2471 Practice for Gel Time and Peak Exothermic Tempera- D30 on Composite Materials that apply to continuous-fiber
ture of Reacting Thermosetting Resins (Withdrawn 2008)
reinforced polymer matrix composite materials. For reference
D2583 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plas- and comparison, many commonly used or applicable ASTM
tics by Means of a Barcol Impressor (Withdrawn 2022)
standards from other ASTM Committees are also included.
D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced
Resins
5. Standard Specimen Preparation
D2734 Test Methods for Void Content of Reinforced Plastics
5.1 Preparation of polymer matrix composite test specimens
D2990 Test Methods for Tensile, Compressive, and Flexural
is described in Guide D5687/D5687M.
Creep and Creep-Rupture of Plastics
D3418 Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthal-
6. Standard Test Methods
pies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differ-
ential Scanning Calorimetry
6.1 ASTM test methods for the evaluation of polymer
D3846 Test Method for In-Plane Shear Strength of Rein-
matrix composites are summarized in the tables. Advantages,
forced Plastics
disadvantages, and other comments for each test method are
D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Proper-
included where appropriate. Where possible, a single preferred
ties: Determination and Report of Procedures
test method is identified.
D4473 Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Prop-
TEST METHOD CATEGORY TABLE
erties: Cure Behavior
D5083 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Reinforced
Lamina/Laminate Static Properties Table 1
Lamina/Laminate Dynamic Properties Table 2
Thermosetting Plastics Using Straight-Sided Specimens
Laminate/Structural Response Table 3
D6272 Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
Sandwich Constructions Table 4
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi- Constituent/Precursor/Thermophysical Properties Table 5
Environmental Conditioning/Resistance Table 6
als by Four-Point Bending
2.1.3 Standards of Other ASTM Committees
E228 Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid
Materials With a Push-Rod Dilatometer
7. Standard Data Reporting
E289 Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Rigid
7.1 Composite Material Description—Data reporting of the
Solids with Interferometry
description of composite materials is documented in Guide
E1269 Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity
D8335. This guide establishes essential and desirable identifi-
by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
cation elements for fiber-reinforced composite materials and
E1461 Test Method for Thermal Diffusivity by the Flash
for fibers, fillers, and core materials used in these composite
Method
materials.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions related to composite materials are defined in 8. Standard Specifications
Terminology D3878.
8.1 ASTM D30 develops standard specifications for com-
3.2 Symbology for specifying the orientation and stacking
posite materials used in civil structures under Subcommittee
sequence of a composite laminate is defined in Practice D6507.
D30.10. Other subcommittees under ASTM D30 will not
develop standard specifications.
3.3 For purposes of this document, “low modulus” compos-
ites are defined as being reinforced with fibers having a
8.2 Specification D7957/D7957M covers glass fiber rein-
modulus ≤20 GPa (≤3.0 × 10 psi), while “high-modulus”
forced polymer (GFRP) bars, provided in cut lengths and bent
composites are reinforced with fiber having a modulus >20
shapes and having an external surface enhancement for con-
GPa (>3.0 × 10 psi).
crete reinforcement.
4. Significance and Use
8.3 Specification D8505/D8505M covers basalt and glass
fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars for concrete reinforce-
4.1 This guide is intended to aid in the selection of standards
for polymer matrix composite materials. It specifically sum- ment.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 1 Lamina/Laminate Static Test Methods
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
In-Plane Tensile Test Methods
D3039/D3039M Tensile Strength Straight sided speci- Tabbed configurations Preferred for most uses.
men. Suitable for require careful adhe- Provides additional
both random, dis- sive selection and configurations, requirements,
continuous and special specimen and guidance that are not found
continuous-fiber preparation. in D5083.
composites. Tabbed Certain laminate Limited to laminates that are
and untabbed con- layups prone to edge balanced and symmetric with
figurations available. delamination which respect to the test direction.
can affect tensile
strength results.
Tensile Modulus, Requires use of Modulus measurements typi-
Poisson’s Ratio, strain or displace- cally robust.
Stress-Strain Re- ment transducers.
sponse Modulus measure-
ments do not re-
quire use of tabs.
D638 Tensile Strength, “Dumbbell” shaped Stress concentration Not recommended for high-
Tensile Modulus specimen. at the radii. modulus composites.
Ease of test speci- Unsuitable for highly Technically equivalent to ISO
men preparation. oriented fiber com- 527-1.
posites.
D5083 Tensile Strength, Straight-sided, unt- Suitable for plastics A straight-sided alternative to
Tensile Modulus abbed specimen and low-modulus D638.
only. composites. Technically equivalent to ISO
527-4 except as noted below:
(a) This test method does not
include testing of the Type I
dog-bone shaped specimen
described in ISO 527-4. Testing
of this type of specimen, pri-
marily used for reinforced and
unreinforced thermoplastic
materials, is described in D638.
(b) The thickness of test speci-
mens in this test method in-
cludes the 2 mm to 10 mm
thickness range of ISO 527-4,
but expands the allowable test
thickness to 14 mm.
D5450/D5450M Transverse (90°) Ten- Hoop wound cylin- Limited to hoop- Must ensure adequate bonding
sile Strength der with all 90° wound cylinders. to fixture.
(hoop) plies loaded Limited to transverse
in axial tension. tensile properties.
Develops data for Must bond specimen
specialized process/ to fixture.
form.
In-Plane Compression Test Methods
D6641/D6641M Compressive Strength Untabbed, or tabbed Tabbed specimens Preferred method.
straight-sided speci- are required for deter- Thickness must be sufficient to
men loaded via a mining compressive prevent column buckling.
combination of strength of laminates Limited to laminates that are
shear and end- containing more than balanced and symmetric and
loading. 50% 0° plies. contain at least one 0° ply.
Smaller lighter, less For strength determination, unt-
expensive fixture abbed specimens are limited to
than that of D3410/ a maximum of 50 % 0° plies, or
D3410M. equivalent.
Better also at non-
ambient environ-
ments.
Suitable for continu-
ous fiber compos-
ites.
Compressive Requires use of Unidirectional tape or tow com-
Modulus, Poisson’s strain or displace- posites can be tested using unt-
Ratio, ment transducers. abbed specimens to determine
Stress-Strain Re- unidirectional modulus and
sponse Poisson’s ratio.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 1 Continued
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
In-Plane Compression Test Methods, continued
D695 Compressive “Dogbone” shaped Failure mode is often Not recommended for highly
Strength, specimen with load- end-crushing. oriented or continuous fiber
Compressive Modulus ing applied at the Stress concentrations composites.
ends via a platen. at radii. Specimen Modified version of D695 re-
Tabs are optional. must be dog boned leased as SACMA SRM 1 test
and ends must be method is widely used in aero-
accurately machined. space industry, but ASTM D30
No assessment of and CMH-17 prefer use of
alignment. D6641/D6641M method.
D3410/D3410M Compressive Strength Straight sided speci- Strain gages required Expensive and heavy/bulky fix-
men with load ap- to verify alignment. turing.
plied by shear via Poor for non-ambient Thickness must be sufficient to
fixture grips. testing due to mas- prevent column buckling.
Suitable for random, sive fixture.
discontinuous and
continuous fiber
composites.
Tabbed and unt-
abbed configura-
tions available.
Compressive Requires use of
Modulus, Poisson’s strain or displace-
Ratio, ment transducers.
Stress-Strain Re-
sponse
D5467/D5467M Compressive Sandwich beam An expensive speci- Must take care to avoid core
Strength, specimen loaded in men that is not rec- failure modes.
Compressive 4-point bending. ommended unless Limited to high-modulus com-
Modulus, Stress- Intended result is a the structure warrants posites.
Strain Response compression failure its use. Due to the nature of the speci-
mode of the Strain gages required men construction and applied
facesheet. to obtain modulus flexural loading these results
Data is especially and strain-to-failure may not be equivalent to a
applicable to sand- data. similar laminate tested by other
wich structures. Narrow (1 in. wide) compression methods such as
Fixturing is simple specimen may not be D3410/D3410M or D6641/
compared to other suitable for materials D6641M.
compression tests. with coarse features,
such as fabrics with
large filament count
tows (12K or more) or
certain braided mate-
rials.
D5449/D5449M Transverse (90°) Hoop-wound cylin- Limited to hoop- Must ensure adequate bonding
Compressive Strength der with all 90° wound cylinders. to fixture.
(hoop) plies loaded Limited to transverse
in compression. compressive proper-
Develops data for ties.
specialized process/ Must bond specimen
form. to fixture.
D8066/D8066M Compressive Straight-sided, Limited to multi- Provides a longer and wider
Strength, Compres- untabbed, un- directional laminates gage section than D695,
sive Modulus, Stress- notched configura- with balanced and D3410/D3410M and D6641/
Strain Response, tion. Procedure and symmetric stacking D6641M. Appropriate for testing
Poisson’s Ratio apparatus nearly sequences. Prohibits larger cell-size fabrics.
equivalent to D6484/ use of end loading to
D6484M. avoid end brooming/
crushing failures.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 1 Continued
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
In-Plane Shear Test Methods
D3518/D3518M Shear Modulus, Tensile test of Poor specimen for Widely used due to its low cost
Stress-Strain [+45/-45]ns layup. measuring ultimate and simplicity.
Response, Simple test speci- shear strength due to Specimen gage section is not
Maximum Shear men and test large non-linear re- under pure shear stress,
Stress method. sponse. and stress fields local to free
Limited to material edges are complex.
forms/processes that
can be made in flat
±45° form.
Biaxial transducers
required to obtain
modulus and strain-
to-failure data.
Maximum shear
stress determination
is dependent upon
instrumentation-based
strain measurements
at high shear strain
magnitudes.
D5379/D5379M Shear Strength, V-notched specimen May be necessary to Recommended for quantitative
Shear Modulus, loaded in special tab the specimen. data, or where shear modulus
Stress-Strain Re- bending fixture. Specimen can be dif- or stress/strain data are re-
sponse Along with D7078/ ficult to machine. quired. Enables correlation with
D7078M, provides Biaxial strain gages out-of-plane properties.
the best shear re- required to obtain Must monitor strain data for
sponse of the stan- modulus and strain- specimen buckling.
dardized methods. to-failure data. Limited to the following forms:
Provides shear Requires good strain- (a ) unidirectional tape or tow
modulus and gage installation tech- laminates with fibers parallel or
strength. nique. perpendicular to loading axis.
Can be used to test In-plane tests not (b) woven fabric laminates with
most composite suitable for materials the warp direction parallel or
types. with coarse features, perpendicular to loading axis.
Produces a rela- such as fabrics with (c) laminates with equal num-
tively pure and uni- large filament count bers of 0° and 90° plies with
form shear stress tows (12K or more) or the 0° plies parallel or perpen-
state. certain braided mate- dicular to loading axis.
rials. (d) short-fiber composites with
Unacceptable failure majority of the fibers randomly
modes, especially distributed.
with high-strength The most accurate modulus
laminates, can occur measurements obtained from
due to localized fail- laminates of the [0/90] family.
ure of the specimen
at the loading points.
D4255/D4255M Shear Strength, Rail shear methods. Difficult test to run. Expensive specimen.
Shear Modulus, Suitable for both Historically has had Best reserved for testing of
Stress-Strain Re- random and continu- poor reproducibility. laminates.
sponse ous fiber compos- Stress concentrations
ites. at gripping areas.
Strain gages required
to obtain modulus
and strain-to-failure
data.
D5448/D5448M Shear Strength, Hoop-wound cylin- Limited to hoop- Must ensure adequate bonding
Shear Modulus, der with all 90° wound cylinders. to fixture.
Stress-Strain Re- (hoop) plies loaded Limited to in-plane
sponse in torsion. shear properties.
Develops data for Must bond specimen
specialized process/ to fixture.
form.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 1 Continued
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
D7078/D7078M Shear Strength, V-notched specimen Specimen can be dif- Recommended for quantitative
Shear Modulus, loaded in rail shear ficult to machine. data, or where shear modulus
Stress-Strain Re- fixture. Biaxial strain gages or stress/strain data are re-
sponse Along with D5379/ required to obtain quired.
D5379M, provides modulus and strain- Enables correlation with out-of-
the best shear re- to-failure data. plane properties.
sponse of the stan- Requires good strain- Must monitor strain data for
dardized methods. gage installation tech- specimen buckling.
Provides shear nique. Material form limitations are
modulus and equivalent to those for D5379/
strength. D5379M. The most accurate
Can be used to test modulus measurements ob-
most composite tained from laminates of the
types. [0/90] family.
Produces a rela-
tively pure and uni-
form shear stress
state.
Generally does not
require tabs.
Permits testing of
fabric and textile
composites with
large unit cells.
Less susceptible to
loading point failures
than D5379/
D5379M.
Out-of-Plane Tensile Test Methods
D6415/D6415M Curved Laminate Right-angle curved A complex stress Limited to composites with de-
Strength laminate specimen state is generated in fined layers (no through-the-
loaded in 4-point the specimen that thickness reinforcement).
bending. may cause an unin- For structural comparison, the
Suitable for continu- tended complex fail- same manufacturing process
ous fiber compos- ure mode. should be used for both the test
ites. There is typically a specimen and the structure.
large amount of scat- Non-standard versions of the
ter in the curved curved-beam test yield a differ-
beam strength data. ent stress state that may affect
While the failure the strength and failure mode.
mode is largely out-
of-plane, the result is
generally considered
a structural test of a
curved beam rather
than a material prop-
erty.
Interlaminar Tensile See above. See above. Tests for interlaminar tensile
Strength strength limited to unidirectional
materials with fibers oriented
continuously along the legs and
around the bend.
D7291/D7291M Flatwise Tensile Cylindrical or re- Results are sensitive Requires bonding and machin-
Strength, Flatwise duced gage section to system alignment ing of laminate and end-tabs.
Modulus “spool” specimen and load eccentricity. End-tabs may be reused within
loaded in tension. Surface finish and geometric limits.
Uses adhesively parallelism affect Low crosshead displacement
bonded thick metal strength results. rate (0.1 mm/mim [0.005 in.
end-tabs for load Results are sensitive /min].
introduction. to thermal residual Valid tests require failures away
Suitable for continu- stresses, adhesive, from the end-tab bondline.
ous or discontinuous and surface prepara-
fiber composites. tion at end-tab bond-
Subjects a relatively lines.
large volume of ma-
terial to an almost
uniform stress field.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 1 Continued
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
Out-of-Plane Shear Test Methods
D2344/D2344M Short Beam Strength Short rectangular Short Beam Strength Intended primarily for quality
beam specimen may be related to in- control, comparative data, and
loaded in 3-point terlaminar shear assessment of environmental
bending. strength, but the effects.
Short Beam stress state is quite
Strength is a good mixed, and so results
indicator of resin- are not recommended
dominated proper- as an assessment of
ties. shear strength due to
Simple, inexpensive stress concentrations
specimen and test and high secondary
configuration. stresses at loading
points.
Shear modulus can-
not be measured.
D5379/D5379M Interlaminar Shear V-notched specimen May be necessary to Recommended for quantitative
Strength, loaded in special tab the specimen. data, or where shear modulus
Interlaminar Shear bending fixture. Specimen can be dif- or stress/strain data are re-
Modulus Along with D7078/ ficult to machine. quired.
D7078M, provides Strain gages required Enables correlation with in-
the best shear re- to obtain modulus plane properties.
sponse of the stan- and strain-to-failure Must monitor strain data for
dardized methods. data. specimen buckling.
Provides shear Requires good strain-
modulus and gage installation tech-
strength. nique.
Can be used to test Requires a very thick
most composites. laminate, 20 mm
Produces a rela- (0.75 in.) for out-of-
tively pure and uni- plane properties.
form shear stress
state.
D3846 Shear Strength Specimen with two Failures may be sen- Specimen loaded in compres-
machined notches sitive to accuracy of sion utilizing the D695 loading/
loaded in compres- notch machining. stabilizing jig.
sion. Stress concentrations Shear loading occurs in a plane
Suitable for ran- at notches. between two machined
domly dispersed Failure may be influ- notches. Often a problematic
and continuous fiber enced by the applied test. Note that this is an out-of-
reinforced materials. compression stress. plane shear test (using recog-
May be preferable Requires post-failure nized terminology), despite the
to D2344/D2344M measurement of title that indicates in-plane
for materials with shear area. Shear shear loading.
randomly dispersed modulus cannot be
fiber orientations. measured.
D7078/D7078M Interlaminar Shear V-notched specimen Specimen can be dif- Recommended for quantitative
Strength, loaded in rail shear ficult to machine. data, or where shear modulus
Interlaminar Shear fixture. Along with Strain gages required or stress/strain data are re-
Modulus D5379/D5379M, to obtain modulus quired.
provides the best and strain-to-failure Enables correlation with in-
shear response of data. plane properties. Must monitor
the standardized Requires good strain- strain data for specimen buck-
methods. Provides gage installation tech- ling.
shear modulus and nique.
strength. Requires an ex-
Can be used to test tremely thick
most composites. laminate, typically
Produces a rela- consisting of multiple
tively pure and uni- co-bonded sub-
form shear stress laminates, for out-of-
state. plane properties.
Less susceptible to
loading point failures
than D5379/
D5379M.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 1 Continued
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
Laminate Flexural Test Methods
D790 Flexural Strength, Flat rectangular Stress concentrations Failure mode may be tension,
Flexural Modulus, specimen loaded in and secondary compression, shear, or combi-
Flexural Stress-Strain 3-point bending. stresses at loading nation.
Response Suitable for ran- points.
domly dispersed Results sensitive to
and continuous fiber specimen and loading
reinforced materials. geometry, strain rate.
Ease of test speci-
men preparation
and testing.
D6272 Flexural Strength, Flat rectangular Center-point deflec- The quarter-span version is rec-
Flexural Modulus, specimen loaded in tion requires second- ommended for highmodulus
Flexural Stress-Strain 4-point bending. ary instrumentation. composites.
Response Suitable for ran- Results sensitive to Failure mode may be tension,
domly dispersed specimen and loading compression, shear, or combi-
and continuous fiber geometry, strain rate. nation.
reinforced materials. Span-to-depth ratio
Ease of test specim must increase for
en preparation and laminates with high
testing. tensile strength with
Choice of two pro- respect to in-plane
cedures enable ad- shear strength.
justable tension/
compression/
shear load distribu-
tion.
D6416/D6416M Pressure-Deflection Two-dimensional For studies of failure The same caveats applying to
Response, plate flexure in- mechanics and other D7249/D7249M could apply to
Pressure-Strain duced by a well- quantitative sandwich D6416/D6416M.
Response, defined distributed analyses, only small However, this method is not
Plate Bending and load. panel deflections are limited to sandwich composites;
Shear Stiffness Apparatus, instru- allowed. D6416/D6416M can be used to
mentation ensure The test fixture is evaluate the 2-dimensional flex-
applied pressure necessarily more ural properties of any square
distribution is elaborate, and some plate.
known. calibration is required Distributed load is provided us-
Failures typically to verify simply- ing a water-filled bladder.
initiate away from supported boundary Ratio of support span to aver-
edges. conditions. age specimen thickness should
Specimens are rela- Results highly depen- be between 10 to 30.
tively large, facilitat- dent upon panel edge
ing study of manu- boundary conditions
facturing defects and pressure distribu-
and process vari- tion.
ables. Relatively large speci-
men and support fix-
ture geometry.
D7264/D7264M Flexural Strength, Recommended for Center-point deflec- Standard support span-to-
Flexural Modulus, high-modulus com- tion measurement thickness ratio is 32:1.
Flexural Stress-Strain posites. requires secondary For 4-point load, load points are
Response Flat rectangular instrumentation. set at one-half of the support
specimen loaded in Results sensitive to span.
3 or 4-point bend- specimen and loading Failure mode may be tension,
ing. geometry, strain rate. compression, shear, or combi-
Suitable for ran- Span-to-depth ratio nation.
domly dispersed may need to increase
and continuous fiber for laminates with
reinforced materials. high tensile strength
Ease of test speci- with respect to in-
men preparation plane shear strength.
and testing.
Standardized load
and support spans
to simplify calcula-
tions and to stan-
dardize geometry.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 1 Continued
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
Fracture Toughness Test Methods
D5528 Mode I Interlaminar Flat rectangular Specimens must be Calculations assume linear
Fracture Toughness, specimen with de- hinged at the loading elastic behavior.
G lamination insert points. Crack growth should be ob-
Ic
loaded in tension. Crack growth not al- served from both sides of the
Suitable for unidirec- ways well behaved. specimen.
tional tape or tow
laminates.
Relatively stable
delamination growth.
D6671/D6671M Mixed Mode I/II Inter- Flat rectangular Specimens must be Good alignment is critical.
laminar Fracture specimen with de- hinged at the loading Calculations assume linear
Toughness, G lamination insert points. Crack growth elastic behavior.
c
loaded in bending. not always well be-
Suitable for unidirec- haved.
tional tape or tow Complicated loading
laminates. apparatus.
Tests at most mode
mixtures.
Constant mode mix-
tures with crack
growth.
Can obtain initiation
and propagation
toughness values.
D7905/D7905M Mode II Interlaminar Flat rectangular Fracture toughnesses Calculations assume linear
Fracture Toughness, specimen with de- obtained only from a elastic behavior. Compliance
G lamination insert pre-implanted insert calibration is specified for data
IIc
loaded in 3-point and a pre-crack; a reduction.
bending. conventional resis-
Suitable for unidirec- tance (toughness ver-
tional tape or tow sus crack length)
laminates. curve cannot be gen-
erated.
E1922 Translaminar Fracture Flat rectangular Results are only valid
Toughness, K specimen containing for the particular lami-
TL
an edge notch nate tested.
loaded in tension. Laminates producing
Simple test to per- large damage zones
form. do not give valid val-
ues.
9. Keywords mixed mode; mode I; mode II; mode III; modulus of elasticity;
moisture content; moisture diffusivity; OHC; OHT; open-hole
9.1 bearing strength; bearing-bypass interaction; buckling;
compressive strength; open-hole tensile strength; out-of-plane
coefficient of thermal expansion; compaction; composite ma-
compressive strength; out-of-plane shear strength; out-of-plane
terials; composites; compression; compressive strength; con-
tensile strength; panel; peel; penetration resistance; permeabil-
stituent content; crack-growth testing; creep; creep strength;
ity; plate; Poisson’s ratio; polymer matrix composites; prepreg;
crippling; CTE; curved-beam strength; damage; damage resis-
reinforcement; reinforcement content; reinforcement volume;
tance; damage tolerance; data recording; data records; delami-
resin; resin content; sandwich construction; shear; shear modu-
nation; density; drop-weight impact; elastic modulus; fastener
lus; shear strength; short-beam strength; specific heat; stepped
pull-through; fatigue; fiber; fiber volume; filament; filled-hole
compression strength; filled-hole tensile strength; flatwise joint; strain energy release rate; strength; structure; tack;
tapered joint; tensile strength; tension; thermal conductivity;
tensile strength; flexural modulus; flexure; fracture; fracture
toughness; gel time; glass transition temperature; hoop-wound; thermal diffusivity; thermal expansion coefficient; tow;
impact; impact strength; lamina; laminate; matrix content; V-notched beam strength; void content; winding; yarn
D4762 − 23
TABLE 2 Lamina/Laminate Dynamic Test Methods
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
In-Plane Tension/Tension Fatigue Test Methods
D3479/D3479M Tension-Tension Stress- Uses D3039/D3039M ten- Stress concentrations at Careful specimen prepa-
Cycles (S-N) Data sile test specimen, with the end tabs. ration is critical.
axial tension-tension cy- End tab machining and Appropriate specimen ge-
clic loading. bonding required. ometry may vary from
Suitable for both random material to material.
and continuous-fiber com- User should be prepared
posites. to do preliminary fatigue
tests to optimize tab con-
figurations and materials.
In-Plane Flexural Fatigue Test Methods
D671 Flexural Stress-Cycles Constant-force cantilever Stress concentrations at This test method should
(S-N) Data specimen. notches. not be used for
Inexpensive high cycle Results sensitive to speci- continuous-fiber compos-
fatigue (HCF) method. men thickness. ites.
Not suitable for Flexural tests are typically
continuous-fiber compos- considered structural
ites. tests, not material prop-
erty tests.
Fatigue Crack-Growth/Toughness Test Methods
D6115 Mode I Fatigue Delamina- Uses D5528 DCB Does not produce da/dN
tion Initiation; Toughness- specimen, with cyclic data.
Cycles (G-N) Data loading. The limitations and com-
Produces threshold fa- ments for D5528 also ap-
tigue data ply.
(G versus N).
Imax
Tensile Creep Test Methods
D2990 Tensile Strain versus Time Uses D638 tensile Stress concentrations at Not suitable for continu-
specimen, with long- specimen radii. ous fiber composites; in-
duration loading. stead use D3039/D3039M
Ease of test specimen type specimen.
preparation.
Flexural Creep Test Methods
D2990 Flexural Deflection versus Uses D790 flexure Continuous-fiber flexural Not widely used in ad-
Time specimen, with long- material response is vanced composites indus-
duration loading. complex, making results try.
Includes both 3 and hard to interpret or gener-
4-point bending test set- alize.
ups. Results sensitive to speci-
Simple to set up and run. men and loading geom-
etry.
Failure mode may vary.
Tensile Impact Test Methods
D1822 Tensile Impact Energy of Relatively inexpensive Stress concentrations at Not suitable for continu-
Rupture test machine. the radii. ous fiber composites.
Very small test speci-
mens.
Not instrumented.
Flexural Impact Test Methods
D256 Impact Energy of Rupture Notched specimen. Not instrumented. This test provides a struc-
Flexibility in testing meth- Varying failure modes. tural impact property, not
ods. Sensitive to test specimen a material impact
geometry variations. property.
D4762 − 23
TABLE 3 Laminate/Structural Test Methods
Description and
Test Method Specimen Measured Property Disadvantages Comments
Advantages
Notched Laminate Tension Test Methods
D5766/D5766M Open Hole Tensile Straight-sided, untabbed, Limited to multi- Provides require-
Strength open hole configuration. directional laminates ments and guid-
Procedure nearly equiva- with balanced and sym- ance on specimen
lent to D3039/D3039M. metric stacking se- configuration and
quences. failure modes.
D6742/D6742M Filled
...