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Considerations For ASTM D3039 Composite Tensile Testing

The document discusses the ASTM D3039 composite tensile testing methodology. It describes how ASTM D3039 has become a widely used standard, especially for determining tensile strength, modulus, and Poisson's ratio of polymer matrix composites. The document outlines several key considerations for properly conducting ASTM D3039 tests, including knowing the material type, specimen thickness, machining specimens, tabbing specimens, and ensuring proper test alignment and controls.

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Amina MASMOUDI
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116 views3 pages

Considerations For ASTM D3039 Composite Tensile Testing

The document discusses the ASTM D3039 composite tensile testing methodology. It describes how ASTM D3039 has become a widely used standard, especially for determining tensile strength, modulus, and Poisson's ratio of polymer matrix composites. The document outlines several key considerations for properly conducting ASTM D3039 tests, including knowing the material type, specimen thickness, machining specimens, tabbing specimens, and ensuring proper test alignment and controls.

Uploaded by

Amina MASMOUDI
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5 Considerations for ASTM D3039

Composite Tensile Testing


The ASTM D3039 testing methodology is a great choice for polymer
matrix composite tensile testing because of its usability across a wide
range of industries.

In fact, ASTM D3039 is called out by CMH17, formerly MIL-HBK-17, for


determination of design allowable values for tensile strength, modulus
and Poisson’s ratio.

Additionally, ASTM D3039 is used as a quality control tool for composite


fiber overwrap applications. In these applications, composite overwraps
are applied and cured on site to concrete columns for seismic
reinforcement. Composite tensile testing provides evidence that the
material has been laid up and cured per manufacturers’ instructions.
A Standard Born out of Necessity

Decades ago, producers of composite materials faced a problem. When it


came time to test their products for strength and safety, the only
available test methods were standards developed by and for the plastics
industry. Various aerospace firms developed their own proprietary
standards to meet their needs.

To obtain tensile properties representative of the materials, and to work


toward industry standardization, the ASTM D30 committee developed
ASTM D3039, a consensus standard for polymer matrix composite tensile
testing. Since the 1970s, this specification has grown to become the most
popular composite tensile testing standard in use today. 
5 Considerati ons for Composite Tensile Testi ng per ASTM D3039

Before embarking on a testing program using the ASTM D3039 testing


standard, there are a few considerations to make, including the type of
material, panel thickness, specimen machining and tabbing, and proper
test controls.
1. Know your Material

The ASTM D3039 testing methodology is specific to continuous high


modulus, reinforced polymer matrix composites (that is to say, polymeric
materials that contain reinforcing fibers, like carbon or aramid). Matrix
materials include epoxies, bismaleimides (BMIs), polyamides, and
thermoplastics such as PEEK.

If your material is discontinuously reinforced, ASTM D638 generally is a


better suited test method. Likewise, ceramic matrix composite materials
are generally tested to ASTM C1359, and metals to ASTM E8.
2. Specimen Thickness

ASTM D3039 testing specimens are usually machined from flat cured
panels. Ideally, the panels should be between 0.040 inches and 0.200
inches depending on the layup. Any thicker, and the specimen may fail in
shear at the gripping area or internally prior to reaching the true tensile
strength of the material. Any thinner, and the specimen will be
unnecessarily affected by environmental factors, like the surface stress
along the grips.
3. Machining of Specimens

Proper machining of ASTM D3039 testing specimens is crucial to obtaining


results representative of the material, with low scatter. The specimens are
rectangular with a uniform thickness cross-section. Best practice is to
grind the edges of each specimen to insure parallelism and a good surface
finish. The standard requires less than 64 rms, but Element generally
obtains less than 20 rms.

While machining, it is important to be within 0.5 degrees of the fiber


direction. Grinding specimens to thickness is not appropriate due to fiber
path damage.
4. Tabbing of Test Specimens

To achieve an accurate determination of composite tensile strength, the


gage area must have a nearly uniform stress distribution. The use of end
tabs helps introduce the load from the grips to the specimen in a uniform
way. Tabs are not always required or even desired. With carefully aligned
hydraulic grips and an appropriate gripping surface, woven composites,
90 degree tape and +/- 45 degree layups may be tested more effectively
without tabbing. Zero degree tape lamina specimens are best tested with
tapered tabs.

Regardless of the tab type utilized, the test machine grips should extend
past the end of the specimen tabs.
5. Test Alignment and Control

Test machine grip alignment is also critical to obtaining accurate results


with ASTM D3039 testing. Generally hydraulically loaded grips are used.
The alignment of the grips is adjusted and verified with a bar with 9 strain
gages, assuring the loading is purely tension, without bending.

Strain may be measured with a calibrated extensometer or strain gages.


Modulus is most often calculated between 1000 and 6000 microstrain.
Biaxial strain measurements are used to obtain Poisson’s ratio.

The entire load train may be heated or cooled in an environmental


chamber so the tensile properties can be characterized from cryogenic
temperatures up to the degradation temperature of the material. 
Final Thoughts

Choosing the right testing methods for your materials is often just as
important as the results you receive. Having a working knowledge of the
material type, end application, and your testing requirements will help
ensure that you choose the right test methods. If you are in need of
polymer matrix composite tensile testing and are considering the ASTM
D3039 testing methodology, an accredited lab can help you make
informed decisions, allowing you to get the most valuable insights
possible. The more you know about your materials, the better they will
work for you – for years to come. 

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