Designation: D3410/D3410M − 03 (Reapproved 2008)

Standard Test Method for

Compressive Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite
Materials with Unsupported Gage Section by Shear
Loading1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3410/D3410M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

1.1 This test method determines the in-plane compressive priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
properties of polymer matrix composite materials reinforced by bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
high-modulus fibers. The composite material forms are limited
2. Referenced Documents
to continuous-fiber or discontinuous-fiber reinforced compos-
ites for which the elastic properties are specially orthotropic 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
with respect to the test direction. This test procedure introduces D695 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid
the compressive force into the specimen through shear at Plastics
wedge grip interfaces. This type of force transfer differs from D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
the procedure in Test Method D695 where compressive force is tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
transmitted into the specimen by end-loading, Test Method D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D6641/D6641M where compressive force is transmitted by D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced
combined shear and end loading, and Test Method D5467/ Resins
D5467M where compressive force is transmitted by subjecting D2734 Test Methods for Void Content of Reinforced Plastics
a honeycomb core sandwich beam with thin skins to four-point D3171 Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite
bending. Materials
D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials
1.2 This test method is applicable to composites made from
D5229/D5229M Test Method for Moisture Absorption Prop-
unidirectional tape, wet-tow placement, textile (for example,
erties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix
fabric), short fibers, or similar product forms. Some product
Composite Materials
forms may require deviations from the test method.
D5379/D5379M Test Method for Shear Properties of Com-
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units posite Materials by the V-Notched Beam Method
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text the D5467/D5467M Test Method for Compressive Properties of
inch-pounds units are shown in brackets. The values stated in Unidirectional Polymer Matrix Composite Materials Us-
each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system ing a Sandwich Beam
must be used independently of the other. Combining values D6641/D6641M Test Method for Compressive Properties of
from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the Polymer Matrix Composite Materials Using a Combined
standard. Loading Compression (CLC) Test Fixture
NOTE 1—Additional procedures for determining compressive properties E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
of resin-matrix composites may be found in Test Methods D695, D5467/ E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
D5467M, and D6641/D6641M. E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the someter Systems
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the E111 Test Method for Young’s Modulus, Tangent Modulus,
and Chord Modulus
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D30 on
Composite Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.04 on
2
Lamina and Laminate Test Methods. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008. Published December 2008. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D3410/D3410M – 03. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D3410_D3410M-03R08. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a nate is a balanced and symmetric laminate of the [0i/90j]ns
Lot or Process family as viewed from the reference coordinate system, such
E132 Test Method for Poisson’s Ratio at Room Temperature that the membrane-bending coupling terms of the stress-strain
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in relation are zero.
ASTM Test Methods 3.2.6 transition strain, e transition , n—the strain value at the
E251 Test Methods for Performance Characteristics of Me- mid-range of the transition region between the two essentially
tallic Bonded Resistance Strain Gages linear portions of a bilinear stress-strain or strain-strain curve
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics (a transverse strain-longitudinal strain curve as used for deter-
E1237 Guide for Installing Bonded Resistance Strain Gages mining Poisson’s ratio).
E1309 Guide for Identification of Fiber-Reinforced
Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials in Databases 3.3 Symbols:
E1434 Guide for Recording Mechanical Test Data of Fiber- 3.3.1 A—cross-sectional area of specimen.
Reinforced Composite Materials in Databases 3.3.2 By—percent bending in specimen.
E1471 Guide for Identification of Fibers, Fillers, and Core 3.3.3 CV—sample coefficient of variation, in percent.
Materials in Computerized Material Property Databases 3.3.4 E—modulus of elasticity in the test direction.
2.2 ASTM Adjunct:
Compression Fixture, D3410 Method B3 3.3.5 F cu —ultimate compressive stress (compressive
2.3 Other Documents: strength).
ANSI Y14.5M-19824 3.3.6 Gxz—through-thickness shear modulus of elasticity.
ANSI/ASME B46.1-19854 3.3.7 h—specimen thickness.
3. Terminology 3.3.8 i, j, n—as used in a layup code, the number of repeats
for a ply or group of plies of a material.
3.1 Terminology D3878 defines terms relating to high-
modulus fibers and their composites. Terminology D883 de- 3.3.9 lg—specimen gage length.
fines terms relating to plastics. Terminology E6 defines terms 3.3.10 n—number of specimens.
relating to mechanical testing. Terminology E456 and Practice 3.3.11 P—force applied to test specimen.
E177 define terms relating to statistics. In the event of a
3.3.12 Pf—force applied to test specimen at failure.
conflict between terms, Terminology D3878 shall have prece-
dence over the other Terminology standards. 3.3.13 Pmax—maximum force before failure.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 3.3.14 s—as used in a layup code, denotes that the preceding
3.2.1 nominal value, n—a value, existing in name only, ply description for the laminate is repeated symetrically about
assigned to a measurable property for the purpose of conve- its midplane.
nient designation. Tolerances may be applied to a nominal 3.3.15 sn−1—sample standard deviation.
value to define an acceptable range for the property. 3.3.16 w—specimen width.
3.2.2 orthotropic material, n—a material with a property of 3.3.17 xi—measured or derived property.
interest that, at a given point, possesses three mutually perpen-
3.3.18 x̄—sample mean (average).
dicular planes of symmetry defining the principal material
coordinate system for that property. 3.3.19 ε̄—indicated normal strain from strain transducer.
3.2.3 principal material coordinate system, n—a coordinate 3.3.20 νc—compressive Poisson’s ratio.
system with axes that are normal to the planes of symmetry that 3.3.21 σc—compressive normal stress.
exist within the material.
3.2.4 reference coordinate system, n—a coordinate system 4. Summary of Test Method
for laminated composites used to define ply orientations. One 4.1 A flat strip of material having a constant rectangular
of the reference coordinate system axes (normally the Carte- cross section, as shown in the specimen drawings of Figs. 1-4,
sian x-axis) is designated the reference axis, assigned a is loaded in compression by a shear force acting along the
position, and the ply principal axis of each ply in the laminate grips. The shear force is applied via wedge grips in a
is referenced relative to the reference axis to define the ply specially-designed fixture shown in Figs. 5-7. The influence of
orientation for that ply. this wedge grip design on fixture characteristics is discussed in
3.2.5 specially orthotropic, adj—a description of an ortho- 6.1.
tropic material as viewed in its principal material coordinate 4.2 To obtain compression test results, the specimen is
system. In laminated composites, a specially orthotropic lami- inserted into the test fixture which is placed between the
platens of the testing machine and loaded in compression. The
3
A blueprint of the detailed drawing for the construction of the fixture shown in ultimate compressive stress of the material, as obtained with
Fig. 4 is available at a nominal cost from ASTM International Headquarters, 100 this test fixture and specimen, can be obtained from the
Barr Harbor Dr., PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959. Order
maximum force carried before failure. Strain is monitored with
Adjunct ADJD3410.
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., strain or displacement transducers so the stress-strain response
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. of the material can be determined, from which the ultimate

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)

Notes:
1. Drawing interpretation per ANSI Y14.5M-1982 and ANSI/ASME B46.1-1985.
2. See Section 8 and Table 2 and Table 3 of the test standard for values of required or recommended width, thickness, gage length, tab length and overall length.
3. See test standard for values of material, ply orientation, use of tabs, tab material, tab angle, and tab adhesive.
4. Ply orientation tolerance relative to -A- 60.5°.
FIG. 1 Compression Test Specimen Drawing, (SI with Tabs)

compressive strain, the compressive modulus of elasticity, seating problems induced by the conical wedges of the
Poisson’s ratio in compression, and transition strain can be so-called Celanese compression test fixture previously utilized
derived. in this test method (1).5 Earlier versions of this test method
containing full details of the Celanese test method, including
5. Significance and Use Test Method D3410/D3410M-95, are available.4 Another fix-
5.1 This test method is designed to produce compressive ture characteristic that can have a significant effect on test
property data for material specifications, research and results is the surface finish of the mating surfaces of the wedge
development, quality assurance, and structural design and grip assembly. Since these surfaces undergo sliding contact
analysis. Factors that influence the compressive response and they must be polished, lubricated, and nick-free (11.5.1).
should therefore be reported include the following: material, NOTE 2—An acceptable level of polish for the surface finish of wedge
methods of material preparation and layup, specimen stacking grip mating surfaces has been found to be one that ranges from 2 to 12
sequence, specimen preparation, specimen conditioning, envi- micro in. rms with a mean finish of 7 micro in. rms.
ronment of testing, specimen alignment and gripping, speed of 6.1.1 The specimen gripping faces of the wedge grips are
testing, time at temperature, void content, and volume percent typically roughened in some manner, as required for the
reinforcement. Properties, in the test direction, that may be particular application. Examples include serrated (7 to 8
obtained from this test method include: serrations/cm) or thermal-sprayed tungsten carbide particle
5.1.1 Ultimate compressive strength, (100 grit) grip faces (see also 8.3.3).
5.1.2 Ultimate compressive strain,
5.1.3 Compressive (linear or chord) modulus of elasticity, 6.2 Test Method Sensitivity—Compression strength for a
5.1.4 Poisson’s ratio in compression, and single material system has been shown to differ when deter-
5.1.5 Transition strain. mined by different test methods. Such differences can be
attributed to specimen alignment effects, specimen geometry
6. Interferences effects, and fixture effects even though efforts have been made
6.1 Test Fixture Characteristics—This test method transmits
force to the specimen via tapered rectangular wedge grips. The 5
Boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this
rectangular wedge grip design is used to eliminate the wedge test method.

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)

FIG. 2 Compression Test Specimen Drawing, (SI without Tabs)

to minimize these effects. Examples of differences in test alignment. Fiber alignment relative to the specimen coordinate
results between various test methods can be found in Refs axis should be maintained as carefully as possible, although no
(1,2). standard procedure to ensure this alignment exists. Procedures
6.3 Material and Specimen Preparation—Compression found satisfactory include the following: fracturing a cured
modulus, and especially ultimate compressive stress, are sen- unidirectional laminate near one edge parallel to the fiber
sitive to poor material fabrication practices, damage induced direction to establish the 0° direction, or laying in small
by improper specimen machining, and lack of control of fiber filament count tows of contrasting color fiber (aramid in carbon

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)

Notes:
1. Drawing interpretation per ANSI Y14.5M-1982 and ANSI/ASME B46.1-1985.
2. See Section 8 and Table 2 and Table 3 of the test standard for values of required or recommended width, thickness, gage length, tab length, and overall length.
3. See test standard for values of material, ply orientation, use of tabs, tab material, tab angle and tab adhesive.
4. Ply orientation tolerance relative to -A- 60.5°.
FIG. 3 Compression Test Specimen Drawing, (Inch-Pound with Tabs)

laminates and carbon in aramid or glass laminates) parallel to associated fixturing, (2) improper installation of specimen, or
the 0° direction either as part of the prepreg production or as (3) poor specimen preparation.
part of panel fabrication. 6.8 Edge Effects in Angle-Ply Laminates—Premature fail-
6.4 Tabbing and Tolerances—The data resulting from this ures and lower stiffnesses are observed due to edge softening in
test method has been shown to be sensitive to the flatness and laminates containing off-axis plies. Because of this, the
parallelism of the tabs, so care should be taken to ensure that strength and modulus for angle-ply laminates can be underes-
the specimen tolerance requirements are met. This usually timated. For quasi-isotropic laminates and those containing
requires precision grinding of the tab surfaces after bonding even higher percentages of 0° plies, the effect is less.
them to the specimen.
6.5 Thickness and Gage Length Selection—The gage sec- 7. Apparatus
tion for this test method is unsupported, resulting in a tradeoff 7.1 Micrometers—The micrometer(s) shall use a suitable
in the selection of specimen gage length and the specimen size diameter ball interface on irregular surfaces such as the
thickness. The gage length must be short enough to be free bag side of a laminate and a flat anvil interface on machined
from Euler (column) buckling, yet long enough to allow stress edges or very smooth tooled surfaces. The accuracy of the
decay to uniaxial compression and to minimize Poisson re- instruments shall be suitable for reading to within 1 % of the
straint effects as a result of the grips. Minimum thickness sample width and thickness. For typical specimen geometries,
requirements are provided in 8.2.3. an instrument with an accuracy of 62.5 µm [60.0001 in.] is
6.6 Gripping—A high percentage of grip-induced failures, desirable for thickness measurement, while an instrument with
especially when combined with high material data scatter, is an an accuracy of 625 µm [60.001 in.] is desirable for width
indicator of specimen gripping problems. measurement.
6.7 System Alignment—Excessive bending will cause pre- 7.2 Compression Fixture:
mature failure, as well as highly inaccurate modulus of 7.2.1 Fixture—The fixture uses rectangular wedges and
elasticity determination. Every effort should be made to elimi- allows for variable width and thickness specimens. A sectional
nate bending from the test system. Bending may occur for the schematic and photographs of the fixture are shown in Figs.
following reasons: (1) misaligned (or out-of tolerance) grips or 5-7. Each set of specimen wedge grips fits into a mating set of

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)

Notes:
1. Drawing interpretation per ANSI Y14.5M-1982 and ANSI/ASME B46.1-1985.
2. See Section 8 and Table 2 and Table 3 of the test standard for values of required or recommended width, thickness, gage length, tab length, and overall length.
3. See test standard for values of material, ply orientation, use of tabs, tab material, tab angle and tab adhesive.
4. Ply orientation tolerance relative to -A- 60.5°.
FIG. 4 Compression Test Specimen Drawing, (Inch-Pound without Tabs)

wedges that fits into the upper and lower wedge housing block cally holds the specimen captive outside the fixture housing
assemblies. By using wedges of different thicknesses, speci- blocks (as shown in Fig. 8), or by using a custom jig or
mens of varying thickness can be tested in this fixture. As machinist’s square for a specimen inserted into wedge grips
indicated in Fig. 5, the wedge grips are sometimes provided already in the fixture housing blocks. Alignment jigs and
with slots at the outer ends, to accommodate end bars. The ends procedures other than those described are acceptable provided
of the specimen can be butted against these bars during grip they perform the same function.
screw tightening, to ensure that an equal length of specimen is
gripped by each pair of wedge grips. These bars can be 7.3 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall be in con-
removed prior to the test, or remain in place to provide an formance with Practices E4, and shall satisfy the following
(uncontrolled) degree of end-loading to the otherwise shear- requirements:
loaded specimen. These bars also promote equal movement of 7.3.1 Testing Machine Heads—The testing machine shall
each of the wedges of a pair during specimen loading, thus have two loading heads, with at least one movable along the
reducing induced specimen bending. Typically, the upper testing axis.
wedge housing block assembly is attached to the upper 7.3.2 Fixture Attachment—Typically the upper portion of
crosshead of the test machine while the lower wedge housing the fixture is attached directly to the upper crosshead, and a flat
block assembly rests on a lower platen. platen attached to the lower crosshead is used to support the
7.2.2 Specimen Alignment Jig—Compression test results lower portion of the fixture. The platen should be at least 20
generated by this test method are sensitive to the alignment of mm [0.75 in.] thick. The fixture may be coupled to the testing
the specimen with respect to the longitudinal axis of the machine with a joint capable of eliminating angular restraint,
wedges in the test fixture. Specimen alignment can be accom- such as a hemispherical ball on the machine that fits into a
plished by using an alignment jig or gage block that mechani- hemispherical recess.

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)

FIG. 7 Photograph of Compression Test Fixture

FIG. 5 Schematic of Compression Test Fixture

FIG. 6 Photograph of Compression Test Fixture

FIG. 8 Two Examples of Jigs for Specimen Alignment With
Wedge Grips Outside the Fixture Housing Blocks (for Other
Alignment Procedures see 7.2.2)

NOTE 3—The use of a joint capable of eliminating angular restraint,

such as a hemispherical ball, and the use of rigid, parallel crossheads 7.3.4 Force Indicator—The testing machine force-sensing
should both be considered for this test method (3). To determine the most device shall be capable of indicating the total force being
appropriate test configuration, a test fixture check-out procedure using resisted by the test specimen. This device shall be essentially
untabbed aluminum specimens with back-to-back strain gages can be
performed to determine the effect of attachment configuration on the free from inertia-lag at the specified rate of testing and shall
accuracy and repeatability of test results. indicate the force with an accuracy over the force range(s) of
interest of within 61 % of the indicated value, as specified by
7.3.3 Drive Mechanism—The testing machine drive mecha-
Practices E4. The force range(s) of interest may be fairly low
nism shall be capable of imparting to the movable head a
for modulus evaluation or much higher for strength evaluation,
controlled displacement rate with respect to the stationary
or both, as required.
head. The displacement rate of the movable head shall be
capable of being regulated as specified in 11.3. NOTE 4—Obtaining precision force data over a large range of interest in

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
the same test, such as when both elastic modulus and ultimate force are ture compensation factor and the coefficient of thermal expan-
being determined, place extreme requirements on the load cell and its ion of the specimen material.
calibration. For some equipment, a special calibration may be required.
For some combinations of material and load cell, simultaneous precision
7.4.1.3 Temperature compensation is recommended when
measurement of both elastic modulus and ultimate compressive stress may testing at Standard Laboratory Atmosphere. Temperature com-
not be possible, and measurement of modulus and ultimate compresssive pensation is required when testing in non-ambient temperature
stresss may have to be performed in separate tests using a different load environments. When appropriate, use a traveler specimen
cell range for each test. (dummy calibration specimen) with identical layup and strain
7.4 Strain-Indicating Device—Longitudinal strain shall be gage orientations for thermal strain compensation.
simultaneously measured on opposite faces of the specimen to 7.4.1.4 Consider the transverse sensitivity of the selected
allow for a correction as a result of any bending of the strain gage. Consult the strain gage manufacturer for recom-
specimen and to enable detection of Euler (column) buckling. mendations on transverse sensitivity corrections. This is par-
Back-to-back strain measurement shall be made for all five ticularly important for a transversely mounted gage used to
specimens when the minimum number of specimens allowed determine Poisson’s ratio, as discussed in Note 15.
by this test method are tested. If more than five specimens are 7.4.2 Extensometers—Extensometers shall satisfy, at a
to be tested, then a single strain-indicating device may be used minimum, Practice E83, Class B-2 requirements for the strain
for the number of specimens greater than the five, provided the range of interest, and shall be calibrated over that strain range
total number of specimens are tested in a single test fixture that in accordance with Practice E83. For extremely stiff materials,
remains in the load frame throughout the tests (see Note 5), that or for measurement of transverse strains, the fixed error
no modifications to the specimens or test procedure are made allowed by Class B-2 extensometers may be too large. The
throughout the duration of the tests, and provided the bending extensometer shall be essentially free of inertia lag at the
requirement of 11.9.1 is met for the first five specimens. If specified speed of testing.
these conditions are not met, then all specimens must be 7.5 Conditioning Chamber—When conditioning materials
instrumented with back-to-back devices. When Poisson’s ratio in other than ambient laboratory environments, a temperature-/
is to be determined, the specimen shall be instrumented to also moisture-level controlled environmental conditioning chamber
measure strain in the lateral direction. Strain gages are recom- is required that shall be capable of maintaining the required
mended due to the short gage length of the specimen. Attach- relative temperature to within 63°C [65°F] and the required
ment of the strain-indicating device to the specimen shall not relative vapor level to within 65 %. Chamber conditions shall
cause damage to the specimen surface. be monitored either on an automated continuous basis or on a
manual basis at regular intervals.
NOTE 5—Portions of the test fixture may be removed from the loading
frame as required in Section 11. 7.6 Environmental Test Chamber—An environmental test
chamber is required for test environments other than ambient
7.4.1 Bonded Resistance Strain Gages—Strain gage selec-
testing laboratory conditions. This chamber shall be capable of
tion is a compromise based on the procedure and the type of
maintaining the gage section of the test specimen within 63°C
material to be tested. Strain gages should have an active grid
[65°F] of the required test temperature during the mechanical
length of 3 mm [0.125 in.] or less (1.5 mm [0.063 in.] is
test. In addition, the chamber may have to be capable of
preferable). Gage calibration certification shall comply with
maintaining environmental conditions such as fluid exposure or
Test Methods E251. When testing woven fabric laminates, relative humidity during the test (see 11.4).
gage selection should consider the use of an active gage length
which is at least as great as the characteristic repeating unit of
8. Sampling and Test Specimens
the weave. Some guidelines on the use of strain gages on
composites are presented below with a general discussion on 8.1 Sampling—Test at least five specimens per test condi-
the subject in Refs (4,5). tion unless valid results can be gained through the use of fewer
7.4.1.1 Surface preparation of fiber-reinforced composites specimens, such as in the case of a designed experiment. For
in accordance with Practice E1237 can penetrate the matrix statistically significant data, the procedures outlined in Practice
material and cause damage to the reinforcing fibers, resulting E122 should be consulted. The method of sampling shall be
in improper specimen failures. Reinforcing fibers shall not be reported.
exposed or damaged during the surface preparation process. NOTE 6—If specimens are to undergo environmental conditioning to
Consult the strain gage manufacturer regarding surface prepa- equilibrium, and are of such type or geometry that the weight change of
ration guidelines and recommended bonding agents for com- the material cannot be properly measured by weighing the specimen itself
(such as a tabbed mechanical specimen), then a traveler of the same
posites. nominal thickness and appropriate size (but without tabs) shall be used to
7.4.1.2 Select gages having large resistances to reduce determine when equilibrium has been reached for the specimens being
heating effects on low-conductivity materials. Resistances of conditioned.
350 ohms or higher are preferred. Use the minimum possible 8.2 Geometry—The test specimen shall have a constant
gage excitation voltage consistent with the desired accuracy (1 rectangular cross section with a specimen width variation of no
to 2 V is recommended) to further reduce the power consumed more than 61 % and a specimen thickness variation of no
by the gage. Heating of the specimen by the gage may affect more than 62 %. Specimen geometry requirements are listed
the performance of the material directly, or it may affect the in Table 1, and specimen geometry recommendations are listed
indicated strain due to a difference between the gage tempera- in Table 2. Dimensionally-toleranced specimen drawings for

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
TABLE 1 Compression Specimen Geometry Requirements 8.2.3 Overall Specimen Length and Gage Length—The
(Unless Otherwise Noted) overall specimen length and gage length shall be determined by
Parameter Requirement the tab length and gage length chosen for the specimen. These
Specimen Requirements: requirements are listed in Table 1 and also shown in Figs. 1 and
shape constant rectangular cross section
overall specimen length as neededA
2. The choice of specimen gage length is a trade-off between a
specimen gage length as neededA length short enough to be free from Euler (column) buckling,
specimen width as neededA yet long enough to both allow stress decay to uniform uniaxial
specimen thickness see Table 3
specimen width tolerance ±1 % of width
compression and minimize Poisson restraint effects due to the
specimen thickness tolerance ±2 % of thickness grips (6,7). The distance required for admissible stress decay in
Tab Requirements (if used): a shear-loaded compression specimen has been shown to
specimen thickness variation at ±1 % of thickness
tabbed ends increase with increasing specimen thickness and increasing
A
See Table 2 for recommendations
Ex/Gxz ratio (6). For a typical carbon/epoxy specimen
(Ex = 138.6 GPa [20.1 Msi], Gxz = 4.6 GPa [0.67 Msi], h = 2.4
mm [0.05 in.]), a uniform uniaxial compression stress state was
achieved in 2.4 mm [0.094 in.]. This result shows a gage length
of 12 mm [0.5 in.] is sufficient to allow stress decay for this
both tabbed and untabbed forms are shown as examples in material. Reference (4), also presents data suggesting admis-
Figs. 1 and 2 (SI version) and Figs. 3 and 4 (inch-pound sible stress decay for a 12-mm [0.5-in.] gage length for both
version). Both the specimen width and thickness shall contain unidirectional boron- and glass-reinforced epoxy. For matrix
a sufficient number of fibers or yarns to be statistically materials that result in a composite with a high Ex/Gxz ratio
representative of the bulk material, or the material shall not be (such as glass/PTFE, Ex/Gxz = 406) this gage length is not long
tested using this test method. enough to allow admissible stress decay. The insensitivity of
8.2.1 Specimen Width—The nominal specimen width shall the shear-loaded type of test specimen to gage length below the
be as recommended in Table 2. critical buckling length has also been shown experimentally in
8.2.2 Specimen Thickness—Specimen thickness, gage Ref (8). Recommended specimen gage length is 12 to 25 mm
length, and width are related by Eq 1. The lower the expected [0.5 to 1.0 in.] to balance the competing requirements of stress
modulus and the higher the expected ultimate compressive decay length and Euler buckling length. For gage lengths
stress, the greater the specimen thickness must be in order to longer than 25 mm [1.0 in.], the required specimen thickness
prevent Euler (column) buckling in the test section. A conser- (8.2.3 and Table 3) may become unreasonable for typical
vative assumption of pinned-end conditions for column buck- fixturing. A tab length of 64 mm [2.5 in.] and resulting overall
ling was used in Eq 1 to compensate for beam-column effects lengths of 140 to 155 mm [5.5 to 6.0 in.] are recommended.
produced by the bending moments induced by specimen and 8.3 Use of Tabs—Tabs are not required. The key factor in
fixture tolerances. The requirement for the use of back-to-back the selection of specimen tolerances and gripping methods is
strain measurements (7.4) provides the final assessment of the successful introduction of force into the specimen and the
specimen stability and quality of test results. Table 3 shows prevention of premature failure due to a significant disconti-
calculations for minimum specimen thickness as a function of nuity. Therefore the need to use tabs, and specification of the
expected modulus and ultimate compressive stress in the major tab design parameters, shall be determined by the end
direction of force application for gage lengths of 12, 20, and 25 result: acceptable failure mode and location. If acceptable
mm [0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 in.] using an assumed value of Gxz of 4 failure modes occur with reasonable frequency (>50 % of the
GPa [600 000 psi] (Gxz can be determined using Test Method tests) then there is no reason to change a given gripping method
D5379/D5379M). (see 11.10).
lg 8.3.1 Tabs bonded to the specimen are recommended when
h$ (1)
0.9069 ŒS 12
1.2F cu
G xz DS D
Ec
F cu
testing unidirectional materials in the fiber direction. However
unidirectional [90]n materials, [0i/90j]ns or [90i/0j]ns laminates
(when j ≥ i) and fabric-based materials can often be success-
where: fully tested without tabs.
Ec = longitudinal modulus of elasticity, MPa [psi], 8.3.2 Tab Geometry—The typical tab configuration is shown
Fcu = ultimate compressive stress, MPa [psi], in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. A tab bevel angle of 90° (untapered, as
Gxz = through-thickness shear modulus, MPa [psi], shown) is recommended. Tab thickness may vary, but is
h = specimen thickness, mm [in.], and commonly 1.5 mm [0.06 in.]. The selection of a tab configu-
lg = length of gage section, 13 mm [0.50 in.]. ration that can successfully produce a gage section compres-
NOTE 7—The conservative assumption of pinned-end conditions for
column buckling in Eq 1 is based on linear elastic material response. The sion failure is dependent upon the specimen material, specimen
shear response of commonly used composites is highly nonlinear, and ply orientation, and the type of grips being used. For alignment
inelastic buckling calculations even for clamped-end conditions may not purposes, it is essential that the tabs be of matched thicknesses
always yield higher buckling loads than for the elastic pinned-end and the tab surfaces be parallel.
condition. The use of back-to-back gages ensures that the thickness
selected based on Eq 1 is sufficient to prevent column buckling. Back-to- 8.3.3 Friction Tabs—Tabs need not always be bonded to the
back strain measurements will also indicate any secondary bending effects material under test to be effective in introducing the force into
because of imperfections. the specimen. Friction tabs, essentially nonbonded tabs held in

9
 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
TABLE 2 Compression Specimen Geometry Recommendations
Fiber Orientation Width, mm [in.] Gage Length, mm [in.] Tab Length, mm [in.] Overall Length, mm [in.] Tab Thickness, mm [in.]
0°, unidirectional 10 [0.5] 10–25 [0.5–1.0] 65 [2.5] 140–155 [5.5–6.0] 1.5 [0.06]
90°, unidirectional 25 [1.0] 10–25 [0.5–1.0] 65 [2.5] 140–155 [5.5–6.0] 1.5 [0.06]
Specially orthotropic 25 [1.0] 10–25 [0.5–1.0] 65 [2.5] 140–155 [5.5–6.0] 1.5 [0.06]

TABLE 3 Minimum Required Specimen Thickness (mm [in.])

Minimum Required Thickness (mm [in.]) for 10-mm [0.5-in.] Gage Length
Longitudinal Modulus, Expected Compression Strength, Fcu, MPa [ksi]
GPa [Msi] 300 [50] 600 [100] 900 [150] 1200 [200] 1500 [250] 1800 [300]
25 [5] 1.27 [0.058] 1.89 [0.087] 2.45 [0.114] 3.02 [0.142] 3.64 [0.174] 4.36 [0.214]
50 [7] 1.00 [0.049] 1.33 [0.074] 1.73 [0.096] 2.14 [0.120] 2.58 [0.147] 3.08 [0.180]
75 [10] 1.00 [0.041] 1.09 [0.062] 1.41 [0.081] 1.74 [0.101] 2.10 [0.123] 2.52 [0.151]
100 [15] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.050] 1.22 [0.066] 1.51 [0.082] 1.82 [0.101] 2.18 [0.123]
200 [20] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.044] 1.00 [0.057] 1.07 [0.071] 1.29 [0.087] 1.54 [0.107]
300 [30] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.047] 1.00 [0.058] 1.05 [0.071] 1.26 [0.087]
400 [50] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.045] 1.00 [0.055] 1.09 [0.068]
500 [70] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.047] 1.00 [0.057]
Minimum Required Thickness (mm [in.]) for 20-mm [0.75-in.] Gage Length
Longitudinal Modulus, Expected Compression Strength, Fcu, MPa [ksi]
GPa [Msi] 300 [50] 600 [100] 900 [150] 1200 [200] 1500 [250] 1800 [300]
25 [5] 2.53 [0.087] 3.77 [0.131] 4.90 [0.171] 6.04 [0.214] 7.28 [0.262] 8.72 [0.320]
50 [7] 1.79 [0.074] 2.67 [0.111] 3.46 [0.145] 4.27 [0.180] 5.15 [0.221] 6.17 [0.271]
75 [10] 1.46 [0.062] 2.18 [0.092] 2.83 [0.121] 3.49 [0.151] 4.21 [0.185] 5.04 [0.226]
100 [15] 1.27 [0.050] 1.89 [0.075] 2.45 [0.099] 3.02 [0.123] 3.64 [0.151] 4.36 [0.185]
200 [20] 1.00 [0.044] 1.33 [0.065] 1.73 [0.086] 2.14 [0.107] 2.58 [0.131] 3.08 [0.160]
300 [30] 1.00 [0.040] 1.09 [0.053] 1.41 [0.070] 1.74 [0.087] 2.10 [0.107] 2.52 [0.131]
400 [50] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.041] 1.22 [0.054] 1.51 [0.068] 1.82 [0.083] 2.18 [0.101]
500 [70] 1.00 [0.040] 1.00 [0.040] 1.10 [0.046] 1.35 [0.057] 1.63 [0.070] 1.95 [0.086]
Minimum Required Thickness (mm [in.]) for 25-mm [1.0-in.] Gage Length.
Longitudinal Modulus, Expected Compression Strength, Fcu, MPa [ksi]
GPa [Msi] 300 [50] 600 [100] 900 [150] 1200 [200] 1500 [250] 1800 [300]
25 [5] 3.17 [0.116] 4.72 [0.174] 6.12 [0.228] 7.55 [0.285] 9.10 [0.349] 10.91 [0.427]
50 [7] 2.24 [0.098] 3.33 [0.147] 4.33 [0.193] 5.34 [0.241] 6.44 [0.295] 7.71 [0.361]
75 [10] 1.83 [0.082] 2.72 [0.123] 3.53 [0.161] 4.36 [0.201] 5.26 [0.247] 6.30 [0.302]
100 [15] 1.58 [0.067] 2.36 [0.101] 3.06 [0.132] 3.77 [0.164] 4.55 [0.201] 5.45 [0.247]
200 [20] 1.12 [0.058] 1.67 [0.087] 2.16 [0.114] 2.67 [0.142] 3.22 [0.174] 3.86 [0.214]
300 [30] 1.00 [0.047] 1.36 [0.071] 1.77 [0.093] 2.18 [0.116] 2.63 [0.142] 3.15 [0.174]
400 [50] 1.00 [0.040] 1.18 [0.055] 1.53 [0.072] 1.89 [0.090] 2.28 [0.110] 2.73 [0.135]
500 [70] 1.00 [0.040] 1.05 [0.047] 1.37 [0.061] 1.69 [0.076] 2.04 [0.093] 2.44 [0.114]

place by the pressure of the grip, and often used with emery and E-glass fabric tabs have been shown to produce satisfac-
cloth or some other light abrasive between the tab and the tory results for unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced compos-
coupon, have been successfully employed in some applica- ites (10).
tions. In specific cases, lightly serrated wedge grips have been 8.3.5 Adhesive Material—Any high-elongation (tough) ad-
successfully used with only emery cloth as the interface hesive system that meets the environmental requirements may
between the grip and the coupon. However, the abrasive used be used when bonding tabs to the material under test. A
must be able to withstand significant compressive forces. Some bondline of uniform thickness is required to minimize induced
types of emery cloth have been found ineffective in this bending during the test.
application due to disintegration of the abrasive.6 An alterna- 8.4 Specimen Preparation:
tive is to use grip surfaces thermal-sprayed with tungsten 8.4.1 Panel Fabrication—Control of fiber alignment is im-
carbide particles (9). portant. Improper fiber alignment will reduce the measured
8.3.4 Tab Material—When tabs are used, the most com- properties. Erratic fiber alignment will also increase the coef-
monly used materials are steel and continuous E-glass fiber- ficient of variation. Suggested methods of maintaining fiber
reinforced polymer matrix materials (woven or unwoven), in a alignment are discussed in Section 6. The panel preparation
[0/90]ns laminate configuration. Tabs bonded to the specimen method used shall be reported.
are recommended for unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced 8.4.2 Machining Methods—Specimen preparation is ex-
composites that are to be tested in the fiber direction. Both steel tremely important. The specimens may be molded individually
to avoid edge and cutting effects or they may be cut from
6
E-Z Flex Metalite K224 cloth, grit 120-J, or 120 grit D Burtie abrasive screen,
panels. If they are cut from panels, precautions shall be taken
both available from Norton Co., Troy, NY 12181, have been found satisfactory in to avoid notches, undercuts, rough or uneven surfaces, or
this application. Other equivalent types of abrasive should be suitable. delaminations caused by inappropriate machining methods.

10
 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
Final dimensions should be obtained by precision sawing, specimen area as A = w × h at three places in the gage section
milling, or grinding. Mold or machine edges flat and parallel and report the area as the average of these three determinations
within the specified tolerances. to the accuracy in 7.1. Record the average area in units of
8.4.3 Labeling—Label the specimens so that they will be mm2 (in.2).
distinct from each other and traceable back to the raw material, 11.2.5 Apply strain gages (or extensometers) to both faces
and in a manner that will both be unaffected by the test and not of the specimen (see 7.4) as shown in Figs. 1-4.
influence the test.
11.3 Loading Rate—It is desired to maintain a constant
9. Calibration strain rate in the gage section. If strain control is not available
9.1 The accuracy of all measuring equipment shall have on the testing machine, this may be approximated by repeated
certified calibrations that are current at the time of use of the monitoring and adjusting of the rate of force application to
equipment. maintain a nearly constant strain rate, as measured by strain
transducer response versus time. Select the strain rate so as to
10. Conditioning produce failure within 1 to 10 min from the beginning of force
10.1 Standard Conditioning Procedure—Condition in ac- application. If the ultimate strain of the material cannot be
cordance with Procedure C of Test Method D5229/D5229M; reasonably estimated, conduct initial trials using standard
store and test at standard laboratory atmosphere (23 6 3°C [73 crosshead speeds until the ultimate strain of the material and
6 5°F] and 50 6 10 % relative humidity) unless a different the compliance of the system are known, and the strain rate can
environment is specified as part of the experiment. be adjusted. The suggested standard rates are:
11.3.1 Strain-Controlled Tests—A standard strain rate of
11. Procedure
0.01 min−1.
11.1 Parameters To Be Specified Before Test: 11.3.2 Constant Head-Speed Tests—A standard crosshead
11.1.1 The compression specimen sampling method, speci- displacement of 1.5 mm/min [0.05 in./min].
men type and geometry, and if required, conditioning travelers.
11.1.2 The compressive properties and data reporting for- NOTE 10—Use of wedge grips can cause extreme compliance in the
mat desired. system, especially when using compliant tab materials. In some such
cases, actual strain rates 10 to 50 times lower than estimated by crosshead
NOTE 8—Determine specific material property, accuracy, and data speeds have been observed.
reporting requirements prior to test for proper selection of instrumentation
and data recording equipment. Estimate operating stress and strain levels 11.4 Test Environment—Condition the specimen to the de-
to aid in transducer selection, calibration of equipment, and determination sired moisture profile and, if possible, test under the same
of equipment settings. conditioning fluid exposure level. However, cases such as
11.1.3 The environmental conditioning test parameters. elevated temperature testing of a moist specimen place unre-
11.1.4 If performed, the sampling method, specimen alistic requirements on the capabilities of common testing
geometry, and test parameters used to determine density and machine environmental chambers. In such cases testing at
reinforcement volume. elevated temperature with no fluid exposure control may be
necessary, and moisture loss during mechanical testing may
11.2 General Instructions:
occur. Reducing exposure time in the test chamber can mini-
11.2.1 Report any deviations from this test method, whether
mize this loss, although care should be taken to ensure that the
intentional or inadvertent.
specimen temperature is at equilibrium. This loss may be
11.2.2 If specific gravity, density, reinforcement volume, or
further minimized by increasing the relative humidity in an
void volume are to be reported, then obtain these samples from
uncontrolled chamber by hanging wet, coarse fabric inside the
the same panels as the test samples. Specific gravity and
chamber, and keeping it moist with a drip bottle placed outside
density may be evaluated by means of Test Methods D792.
the chamber. In addition, fixtures may be preheated, tempera-
Volume percent of the constituents may be evaluated by one of
ture may be ramped up quickly, and hold time at temperature
the matrix digestion procedures of Test Methods D3171, or, for
may be minimized before testing. Environmentally conditioned
certain reinforcement materials such as glass and ceramics, by
travelers may be used to measure moisture loss during expo-
the matrix burn-off technique of Test Method D2584. Void
sure to the test environment. Weigh a traveler before testing
content may be evaluated from the equations of Test Method
and place it in the test chamber at the same time as the
D2734 and are applicable to both Test Methods D2584 and
specimen. Remove the traveler immediately after fracture and
D3171.
reweigh it to determine moisture loss. Record modifications to
11.2.3 Condition the specimens, either before or after strain
the test environment.
gaging, as required. Condition travelers if to be used.
11.4.1 Store the specimen in the conditioned environment
NOTE 9—Gaging before conditioning may impede moisture absorption until test time, if the testing area environment is different than
locally underneath the strain gage or the conditioning environment may
the conditioning environment.
degrade the strain gage adhesive, or both. On the other hand, gaging after
conditioning may not be possible for other reasons, or the gaging activity 11.4.2 Monitor test temperature by placing an appropriate
itself may cause loss of conditioning equilibrium. When to gage speci- thermocouple within 25 mm [1.0 in.] of the specimen gage
mens is left to the individual application and shall be reported. section. Maintain the temperature of the specimen, and the
11.2.4 Following final specimen machining and any traveler, if one is being used for thermal strain compensation or
conditioning, but before the compression testing, determine the moisture loss evaluation, within 63°C [65°F] of the required

11
 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
condition. Taping thermocouple(s) to the test specimen (and grips are closed onto the specimen the entire grip length should
the traveler) is an effective measurement method. be in contact with the wedge grip faces. If necessary, adjust the
11.5 Fixture Installation: head position and repeat 11.6.5.
11.6.6 Keeping the grips closed onto the specimen, slowly
NOTE 11—The following procedure is intended for vertical testing close the distance between the housing blocks by moving the
machines.
crosshead while watching the force indicator. Stop the cross-
11.5.1 Ensure that the sliding surfaces of the fixture wedges, head when the specimen begins to take a compressive force.
guide rods, and bearings are flat (wedges), polished, lubricated, The application of a small amount of initial compressive force,
and nick- and corrosion-free. followed by immediate removal, may be helpful in seating the
11.5.2 Inspect the parallelism of the platens and the condi- fixture grips before the test. This preload should be kept to a
tion of the mating surfaces of the wedge housing blocks. minimum, in no case more than 5 % of the ultimate force for
Correct if needed. the material, and use of the technique shall be recorded in the
11.5.3 Place the lower wedge housing block on the lower test results.
platen. Attach the upper wedge housing block to the upper
11.7 Transducer Installation—If the strain transducer(s)
crosshead or insert it into the upper wedge housing holding
other than strain gages are to be used, attach them to the
fixture, centered over the lower wedge housing block. While
specimen at the mid-span, mid-width location. Attach the strain
the load cell may be connected to either crosshead as required,
recording instrumentation to the strain gages or other transduc-
the entire assembly must be centered on the line of action of
er(s) on the specimen. Remove any remaining preload and zero
applied force.
the transducer(s).
11.5.4 Move a crosshead to close the distance between the
two housing blocks while guiding the bearing guide rods into 11.8 Loading—Apply the force to the fixture at the specified
the mating bearing of the companion housing block. The lower rate until failure while recording data.
housing block can be fitted with guide rods long enough to 11.9 Data Recording—Record force versus strain (or dis-
allow the rods to remain in the bearings while the wedge/ placement) continuously or at frequent regular intervals. If a
specimen assembly is loading into and out of the housing transition region or initial ply failures are noted, record the
blocks. force, strain, and mode of damage at such points. If the
11.6 Specimen/Insertion: specimen is to be failed, record the maximum force, the failure
11.6.1 If necessary, move the testing machine crosshead to force, and the strain (or transducer displacement) at, or as near
open the distance between the two housing blocks so that both as possible to, the moment of failure.
upper and lower wedge grip assemblies may be accessed.
NOTE 13—Other valuable data that can be useful in understanding
11.6.2 If specimen alignment is to be performed with the testing anomalies and gripping or specimen slipping problems include
grip/specimen assembly outside the fixture housing blocks (see force versus crosshead displacement data and force versus time data.
7.2.2), perform this procedure. Place the completed grip/
11.9.1 A difference in the stress-strain or force-strain slope
specimen assembly into the lower housing block and close the
from opposite faces of the specimen indicates bending in the
distance between the housing blocks as described in 11.6.6.
specimen. For the elastic property test results to be considered
NOTE 12—The ends of the wedge grips should be even with each other valid, percent bending in the specimen shall be less than 10 %
following insertion into the housing blocks to avoid inducing a bending as determined by Eq 2. Determine percent bending at the
moment that results in premature failure of the specimen at the grips. midpoint of the strain range used for chord modulus calcula-
When using an untabbed specimen, a folded strip of medium-grade
abrasive cloth between the specimen faces and the grip jaws (grit side tions (Table 4). The same requirement shall be met at failure
toward specimen) may provide a non-slip grip on the specimen without strain for the strength and strain-to-failure data to be consid-
jaw serration damage to the surface of the specimen. When using tabbed ered valid. This requirement shall be met for all five of the
specimens, insert the specimen so that the grip jaws grip the entire length specimens requiring back-to-back strain measurement. If
of the tab.
possible, a plot of percent bending versus average strain should
11.6.3 If the specimen is to be aligned with the wedge grips be recorded to aid in the determination of failure mode.
in the fixture housing blocks, raise the lower jaws within the ε1 2 ε2
lower housing assembly so that grip-faces open to allow B y 5 Percent Bending 5 3 100 (2)
ε 1 1ε 2
specimen insertion. Place the specimen between the grips such
that the entire grip length will contact the grip faces when
closed. Center the specimen from side to side (see 7.2.2) and
then lower the grips, lightly clamping the specimen. Arrange
TABLE 4 Specimen Alignment and Chord Modulus Calculation
any pre-attached transducer lead-wires as required. Strain Ranges
11.6.4 If necessary, free the upper wedge grips so that they
Longitudinal Strain Range for Chord
are in the fully open position. Moving the crosshead, close the Modulus Calculation
Longitudinal Strain
Checkpoint for Bending, µε
distance between the housing blocks and guide the upper end Start Point, µε End Point, µε
of the specimen into the opening between the upper wedge 1000A 3000 2000
A
grips. Stop the head and zero the force on the testing machine. This strain range was specified to represent the lower half of the stress/strain
curve. For materials that fail below 6000 µε, a strain range of 25 to 50 % of ultimate
11.6.5 Manually close the upper grips to check specimen is recommended.
vertical displacement. As with the lower grips, when the upper

12
 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
where: theses of the M failure mode. For example, a typical gage-
By = percent bending in specimen, section compression failure for a [90/0]ns laminate having
ε1 = indicated strain from Gage 1, elements of Angled, Kink-banding, and longitudinal Splitting
ε2 = indicated strain from Gage 2, and in the middle of the gage section would have a failure mode
εave = average longitudinal strain (ε1 + ε2)/2 at the data point code of M(AKS)GM. Examples of overall visual specimen
closest to the strain checkpoint for bending. failures and associated Failure Identification Codes (four
11.9.2 Rapid divergence of the strain readings on the acceptable and four unacceptable) are shown in Fig. 9.
opposite faces of the specimen, or rapid increase in percent 11.10.1 Acceptable Failure Modes—The first character of
bending, is indicative of the onset of Euler (column) buckling, the Failure Identification Code describes the failure mode. All
which is not an acceptable compression failure mode for this of the failure modes in the “First Character” Table of Fig. 9 are
test method. Record any indication of Euler buckling. acceptable with the exception of end-crushing or Euler buck-
11.10 Failure Identification Codes—Record the mode, area, ling. An Euler buckling failure mode cannot be determined by
and location of failure for each specimen. Choose a standard visual inspection of the specimen during or after the test,
failure identification code based on the three-part code shown therefore it must be determined through inspection of the
in Fig. 9. A multimode failure can be described by including stress-strain or force-strain curves when back-to-back strain
each of the appropriate failure-mode codes between the paren- indicating devices are used (see 7.4).

FIG. 9 Compression Test Specimen Three-Part Failure Identification Codes and Overall Specimen Failure Schematics

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 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)
11.10.2 Acceptable Failure Area—The most desirable fail- chord modulus of elasticity to three significant figures. Also
ure area is the middle of the gage section since the gripping/ report the strain range used in the calculation. A graphical
tabbing influence is minimal in this region. Because of the example of chord modulus is shown in Fig. 10.
short gage length of the specimens in this test method, it is very 12.3.1.1 The recommended strain ranges should only be
likely that the failure location will be near the grip/tab used for materials that do not exhibit a transition region (a
termination region of the gage section. Although not as significant change in the slope of the stress-strain curve) within
desirable as the middle of the gage section, this is an acceptable the recommended strain range. If a transition region occurs
failure area. If a significant fraction (>50 %) of the failures in within the recommended strain range, then a more suitable
a sample population occurs at the grip or tab interface, strain range should be used and reported.
reexamine the means of force introduction into the specimen. E chord 5 ∆σ/∆ε (7)
Factors considered should include the tab alignment, tab
material, tab adhesive, grip type, grip pressure, and grip where:
alignment. Any failure that occurs inside the grip/tab portion of Echord = chord modulus of elasticity, MPa [psi],
the specimen is unacceptable. ∆σ = difference in applied compressive stress between the
two strain points of Table 4, MPa [psi], and
12. Calculation ∆ε = difference in the average compressive strain be-
12.1 Compressive Stress/Ultimate Compressive Stress— tween the two strain points of Table 4 (use absolute
Calculate the ultimate compression strength using Eq 3 and strain, not microstrain, nominally 0.002).
report the results to three significant figures. If the compressive 12.3.2 Compressive Modulus of Elasticity (Other
modulus is to be calculated, determine the compressive stress Definitions)—Other definitions of elastic modulus may be
at each required data point using Eq 4. evaluated and reported at the user’s discretion. If such data are
F cu 5 P max/A (3) generated and reported, report also the definitions used, the
c
σ 5 P i /A (4) strain range used, and the results to three significant figures.
i
Test Method E111 provides additional guidance in the deter-
where: mination of Modulus of Elasticity.
Fcu = compressive strength, MPa [psi],
NOTE 14—An example of another modulus definition is the secondary
Pmax = maximum force before failure, N [lbf], chord modulus of elasticity for materials that exhibit essentially bilinear
Pi = force at ith data point, N [lbf], stress-strain behavior. An example of secondary chord modulus is shown
A = cross-sectional area at test section, mm2 [in.2], and in Fig. 10.
σic = compressive stress as the ith data point, MPa [psi].
12.4 Compressive Poisson’s Ratio:
12.2 Compressive Strain and Ultimate Compression
NOTE 15—If bonded resistance strain gages are being used, the error
Strain—If compressive modulus or ultimate compressive strain produced by the transverse sensitivity effect on the transverse gage will
is to be calculated, determine the average compressive strain at generally be much larger for composites than for metals. An accurate
each required data point using Eq 5 and 6, respectively, and measurement of Poisson’s ratio requires correction for this effect. Contact
report the results to three significant figures. the strain gage manufacturer for information on the use of correction
factors for transverse sensitivity.
ε li1ε 2i
ε ic 5 (5) 12.4.1 Compressive Poisson’s Ratio By Chord Method—
2
Select the appropriate Poisson’s ratio strain range from Table
ε cu cu
1 1ε 2 4. Determine (by plotting or otherwise) the transverse strain
ε cu 5 (6)
2 (strain in the plane of the specimen and perpendicular to the
where: applied force), εt, at each of the two longitudinal strain range
εic = average compressive strain at ith data point, µε, endpoints (measured parallel to the applied force), εl. If data
εli = gage-1 compressive strain at ith data point, µε, are not available at the exact strain range endpoints (as often
ε2i = gage-2 compressive strain at ith data point, µε, occurs with digital data), use the closest available data point.
εcu = average ultimate compressive strain, µε. Calculate Poisson’s ratio in the appropriate strain range by Eq
ε1cu = gage-1 ultimate compressive strain, µε, and 8 and report to three significant figures.
ε2cu = gage-2 ultimate compressive strain, µε. 12.4.1.1 When determining Poisson’s ratio, match the trans-
12.3 Compressive Modulus of Elasticity: verse strain with the appropriate longitudinal strain. For
12.3.1 Compressive Chord Modulus of Elasticity—Select instance, match output from a single transverse strain gage
the appropriate chord modulus strain range from Table 4. with the output from the single longitudinal gage mounted in
Calculate the compressive chord modulus of elasticity from the an adjacent location on the same side of the specimen. If
stress-strain data using Eq 7. If data are not available at the back-to-back transverse gages are used, average their output
exact strain range end points (as often occurs with digital data), and compare to the average longitudinal strain.
use the closest available data point. Report the compressive ν c 5 ∆ε t /∆ε l (8)

14
 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)

FIG. 10 Typical Compression Stress-Strain Curves

where: tudinal strain that corresponds to the intersection point and

νc = Poisson’s ratio, record this value as the transition strain. Report also the
∆εt = difference in transverse strain occurring between the method of linear fit (if used) and the strain ranges over which
two longitudinal strain points, and the linear fit or chord lines were determined. A graphical
∆εl = difference in longitudinal compressive strain occur- example of transition strain is shown in Fig. 10.
ring between the two strain points of Table 4 (use
12.6 Statistics—For each series of tests calculate the aver-
absolute strain, not microstrain, nominally either
age value, standard deviation and coefficient of variation (in
0.001, 0.002, or 0.005).
percent) for each property determined.
12.4.2 Compressive Poisson’s Ratio (Other Definitions)—
Other definitions of Poisson’s ratio may be evaluated and
reported at the user’s discretion. If such data are generated and
x̄ 5 S( D
1
n i51
n

xi (9)

!S ( ~ ! D
reported, report also the definitions used, the strain range used, n
2
and the results to three significant figures. Test Method E132 x i 2 x̄
i51
provides additional guidance in the determination of Poisson’s s n21 5 (10)
~n 2 1!
ratio.
CV 5 100 3 s n21 /x̄ (11)
12.5 Transition Strain—Where applicable, determine the
transition strain from either the bilinear longitudinal stress where:
versus longitudinal strain curve or the bilinear transverse strain x̄ = sample mean (average),
versus longitudinal strain curve. Create a best linear fit or chord sn−1 = sample standard deviation,
line for each of the two linear regions and extend the lines until CV = sample coefficient of variation, in %,
n = number of specimens, and
they intersect. Determine to three significant figures the longi-

15
 D3410/D3410M − 03 (2008)

xi = measured or derived property. 13.1.2.3 The failure identification code will be reported in
Fields P15 and R64. The failure location is optional in Fields
13. Report P14 and R63 since the failure identification code includes this
13.1 The information reported for this test method includes information.
material identification and mechanical testing data. These data 13.1.2.4 “Transition strain” is the progress damage param-
shall be reported in accordance with Guides E1309 and E1471. eter recorded in Fields P58 and R60. Values of the transition
Each data item discussed is identified as belonging to one of strain are considered essential for test validity in Fields P59,
the following categories: (ET) Essential for Test validity, (RT) R61, and R62.
Recommended for Test validity, (EM) Essential for Material 13.1.2.5 Statistical parameters for specimen dimensions and
traceability, or (O) Optional. The following information applies bending strain are optional. These include Fields R1-R9 and
to the use of these documents for reporting data: R33. The testing summary sub-block is also optional (Fields
13.1.1 Guide E1309 Identification of Composite Materials R14-R18).
in Computerized Material Property Databases:
13.1.1.1 The consolidation method should be reported as the 14. Precision and Bias
process stage type in Field F8. 14.1 Precision—The precision, defined as the degree of
13.1.1.2 The nominal cure cycle is essential for valid mutual agreement between individual measurements, cannot
material traceability in one set of process stage conditions in yet be estimated because of an insufficient amount of data.
Fields F9-F18. The actual cure cycle is recommended in a Round-robin data are available in ASTM STP 808(2).
second set of process stage conditions in Fields F9-F18.
13.1.2 Guide E1434 Development of Standard Data Re- 14.2 Bias—Bias cannot be determined for this test method
cords for Computerization of Mechanical Test Data for High- as no acceptable reference standard exists.
Modulus Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials:
13.1.2.1 The response for Field H6, Type of Test, is “Com- 15. Keywords
pression.” 15.1 composite materials; compressive modulus of elastic-
13.1.2.2 Measured values will be reported for Fields M4 ity; compressive properties; compressive strength; Poisson’s
and M6. Nominal values are acceptable for Fields M7-M9. ratio

REFERENCES

(1) Hofer, K. E., and Rao, P. N., “A New Static Compression Fixture for IITRI Compression Test Method for Stiffness and Strength
Advanced Composite Materials,” Journal of Testing and Evaluation, Determination,” Composites Science and Technology, 1989 ,
1977, 5(4). 32(1):pp. 57–76.
(2) Adsit, N. R., “Compression Testing of Graphite/Epoxy,” Compression (7) Tan, S. C., “Stress Analysis and the Testing of Celanese and IITRI
Testing of Homogeneous Materials and Composites, ASTM STP 808, Compression Specimens,” Composites Science and Technology, Vol
Chait and Papirno, Ed., ASTM, 1983, pp. 175–186. 44 , 1992, pp. 57-70.
(3) Wegner, P. M., and Adams, D. F., “Verification of the Combined (8) Adams, D. F., and Lewis, E. Q., “Influence of Specimen Gage Length
Loading Compression Test Method,” Final Report No. DOT/FAA/AR- and Loading Method on the Axial Compression Strength of a
00/26, Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center, Atlantic Unidirectional Composite Material,” Experimental Mechanics, 1991,
City, NJ, August 2000. 31(1):pp. 14–20.
(4) Pendleton, R. P., and Tuttle, M. E., Manual on Experimental Methods (9) Coguill, R. J., and Adams, D. F, “Selection of the Proper Wedge Grip
for Mechanical Testing of Composites. 1989 , Bethel, CT; Society for Surface for Tensile Testing Composite Materials,” Proceedings of the
Experimental Mechanics. 44th International SAMPE Symposium, Long Beach California, May
(5) Masters, J. E. and Ifju, P. G., “Strain Gage Selection Criteria for 1999, pp. 2332-2345.
Textile Composite Materials,” Journal of Composites Technology & (10) Adams, D. F., and Odom, E. M., “Influence of Specimen Tabs on the
Research, Vol 19, No. 3, 100, pp. 152-167. Compressive Strength of a Unidirectional Composite Material,”
(6) Bogetti, T. A., Gillespie, J. W. J., and Pipes, R. B., “Evaluation of the Journal of Composite Materials, 1990, 25(6):pp.774–786.

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