ASTM D 1002

Metal Specimens – Lap Shear Strength of Adhesively Bonded

Introduction

The strength of adhesive bonds depends greatly upon the conditions under which the
bonding process is carried out. Therefore, variations in this process lead to variations in the
accuracy of the results acquired from strength tests of these bonds. It is the responsibility of
the manufacturer to prepare samples in accordance with the ASTM standard. However,
once this work is done, an Instron® universal testing system is ideal for completing high
quality testing and providing accurate results.

Test Configuration and Sample Preparation

The ASTM standard specifies that “the testing machine shall conform to the requirements of
Practices E 4.” For this test the Instron 5569 electromechanical test frame was configured
with a 50 kN load cell and 30 kN capacity mechanical wedge action grips with coarse
serrated faces. The standard further specifies that “the long axis of the test specimen
coincide with the direction of applied pull through the center line of the grip assembly.” In
order to insure that the load be applied in exactly the same direction as the center line,
spacers were inserted into the grips and clamped very tightly to prevent slipping. Normally,
over-tightening the grip faces causes jaw breaks but because the adhesive is expected to
break at a much lower load than the metal this consideration may be overlooked. For a
detailed image of the gripping point see Figure 1. The test was run at a crosshead speed of
1.3 mm/min until failure. See Figure 2 for a view immediately following the test.

Results The results confirm that the Instron test frame and software are more than adequate to
complete testing following ASTM D 1002. The accompanying graph (Figure 3) and results table (Table
1) exhibit the required results. Though this test used the 30 kN wedge action grips accompanied by
spacers, other test configurations are acceptable and, sometimes, are preferable. Most notably,
screw action grips or pneumatic side action grips that can be manually offset obviate the need for
spacers. The elimination of spacers is more precise and could potentially improve results by reducing
any slippage. Should spacers be used it is recommended that they be bonded to the specimen using
the same adhesive and bonding process (over a larger surface area than the joint of interest) to
maintain continuity throughout the specimen.
ASTM C1609

Bending Testing – Fibre Reinforced Concrete Beams

ASTM C1609 is used to measure the flexural performance of fibre reinforced concrete
beams. The purpose of ASTM C1609 is to not only determine the peak strength of the
concrete but also to find the residual strength of the fibre after the first crack appears. For
this reason, the test extends past the initial peak. The standard also specifies that the test
must be performed in servo control at very slow net deflection rates. Net deflection is the
average of two displacement sensors placed on either side of the specimen.

Recommended specimen sizes per ASTM C1609 are:

• 150 by 150 by 500 mm (6 by 6 by 20 in)

• 100 by 100 by 350 mm (4 by 4 by 14 in)

• Two loading noses apply load on the top of the beam

• For a 150 by 150 by 500 mm (6 by 6 by 20 in) beam, the spacing between the loading
noses is 150 mm (6 in)

• For a 100 by 100 by 350 mm (4 by 4 by 14 in) beam, spacing between the loading noses is
300 mm (12 in)

• The 3rd point loading fixture features two supports under-Neath the beam

• The distance between the two support points, or the span length, should be three times
the specimen depth or 300 mm (12 in), whichever is greater

• Loading nose and lower support rollers shall be able to rotate on their axes

• A net deflection flex jig surrounds the beam and clamps to the beam at its neutral axis
directly over the supports

Two displacement transducers, one on each side of the beam, are mounted mid-span to
measure beam deflection. The output of each transducer is averaged together to provide
the net deflection measurement, ensuring accurate measurement of mid-span deflection
and minimizing errors due to concrete specimen twisting or seating in the supports.

ASTM C1609 concrete bend testing fixture

ASTM D790

Bend Testing – Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials

ASTM D790 is used to measure the flexural strength and flexural modulus of unreinforced
and reinforced plastics, including high-modulus composites and electrical insulating
materials. The standard includes detailed specifications on the recommended bend fixture
for this type of testing, as listed here:

• The rectangular specimen is loaded by a loading nose midway between the supports
(three-point-loading)

• The recommended support span-to-depth ratio per ASTM D790 is 16 to 1. A ratio larger
than 16:1 may be necessary for laminated thermosetting materials and materials used for
electrical insula on

• The recommended loading nose and supports are cylindrical rollers

• The default radii of the loading nose and supports are 5.0 ± 0.1 mm (0.197 ± 0.004 in)

• If default radii are not used, minimum recommended radius is 3.2 mm (1⁄8 in). For
specimens 3.2 mm or greater in depth, the radius of the supports may be up to 1.6 times
the specimen depth

• The maximum radius of the loading nose shall be no more than four times the specimen
depth

• The specimen shall be long enough to allow for overhanging on each end of at least 10%
of the support span (at least 6.4 mm (1⁄4 in) on each end)

Cylindrical rollers for ASTM D790 bend testing

ASTM D790, ISO 178

Flexural Properties

Scope:

The flexural test measures the force required to bend a beam under three point loading
conditions. The data is often used to select materials for parts that will support loads
without flexing. Flexural modulus is used as an indication of a material’s stiffness when
flexed. Since the physical properties of many materials (especially thermoplastics) can vary
depending on ambient temperature, it is sometimes appropriate to test materials at
temperatures that simulate the intended end use environment.

Test Procedure:

Most commonly the specimen lies on a support span and the load is applied to the center by
the loading nose producing three point bending at a specified rate. The parameters for this
test are the support span, the speed of the loading, and the maximum deflection for the
test. These parameters are based on the test specimen thickness and are defined differently
by ASTM and ISO. For ASTM D790, the test is stopped when the specimen reaches 5%
deflection or the specimen breaks before 5%. For ISO 178, the test is stopped when the
specimen breaks. Of the specimen does not break, the test is continued as far a possible and
the stress at 3.5% (conventional deflection) is reported.

Elevated or Reduced Temperature Test Procedure:

A thermal chamber is installed on the universal test machine. The chamber is designed to
allow the test mounts from the base and crosshead of the universal tester to pass through
the top and bottom of the chamber. Standard test fixtures are installed inside the chamber,
and testing is conducted inside the controlled thermal environment the same as it would be
at ambient temperature. The chamber has internal electric heaters for elevated
temperatures and uses external carbon dioxide gas as a coolant for reduced temperatures.

Specimen size:

A variety of specimen shapes can be used for this test, but the most commonly used
specimen size for ASTM is 3.2mm x 12.7mm x 125mm (0.125" x 0.5" x 5.0") and for ISO is
10mm x 4mm x 80mm.
Data:

Flexural stress at yield, flexural strain at yield, flexural stress at break, flexural strain at
break, flexural stress at 3.5% (ISO) or 5.0% (ASTM) deflection, flexural modulus.
Stress/Strain curves and raw data can be provided.

Equipment Used:

Universal Tester

Flexural test fixtures