A Closer Look at Composite Compression Test Methods

29 Mar 2013

With the different compression test methods for composite compression testing, have you ever wondered which one is the best for your specific application?

With the different compression test methods for composite compression testing, have you ever wondered the following: Which one is the best for my application? While compression test methods are very similar, there are differences in how they are performed and how the data is presented. More specifically, some methods better simulate certain situations that are encountered in the field more than others. But what are these methods and what do they do?

An example of several compression methods include:

• ISO 14126 covers compression test methods, both shear and end loaded, for carbon fiber reinforced plastics and other composites.
• There are separate ASTM methods that cover those two modes of compression, ASTM D3410 for shear loaded and ASTM D6641 for combined loaded compression.
• The ASTM methods are very specific regarding fixturing while the ISO method leaves fixture selection to the user.
• The ISO method is very rigid in how it is performed and its specimen dimensions.
• The ASTM methods are more readily adapted to successfully test new composite materials without modification.

Which compression method do you think is the most applicable for your industry? Please leave a comment or question below and one of our experts will get back to you.