5 Considerations for ASTM D3039

Composite Tensile Testing

By Engaged Expert John Moylan

https://www.element.com/nucleus/2017/02/01/20/22/astm-d3039-testing-considerations

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 Considerations for Composite Tensile Testing 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.

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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.

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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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