Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Flatwise Compressive Properties of Sandwich Cores: Standard Test Method For
Flatwise Compressive Properties of Sandwich Cores: Standard Test Method For
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C365/C365M − 16
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
1
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
C365/C365M − 16
3.2.9 t—thickness of a test specimen 6.2 System Alignment—Non-uniform loading over the sur-
3.2.10 x1—test result for an individual specimen from the face of the test specimen may cause premature failure. Non-
sample population for a given property uniform loading may result from non-uniform specimen
thickness, failure to locate the specimen concentrically in the
3.2.11 x̄—mean or average (estimate of mean) of a sample fixture, or system or fixture misalignment.
population for a given property
6.3 Geometry—Specific geometric factors that affect sand-
3.2.12 δ—LVDT or compressometer deflection
wich flatwise compressive strength include core cell geometry,
3.2.13 σzfc0.02—flatwise compressive stress at 2 % LVDT/ core thickness, and specimen shape (square or circular).
compressometer deflection Flatwise compressive strength and modulus measurements are
particularly sensitive to thickness variations over the cross-
4. Summary of Test Method sectional area of the specimen, which can cause local loading
4.1 This test method consists of subjecting a sandwich core eccentricities, as well as toe regions in the force versus
to a uniaxial compressive force normal to the plane of the displacement curves due to specimen seating.
facings as the core would be placed in a structural sandwich 6.4 Environment—Results are affected by the environmental
construction. The force is transmitted to the sandwich core conditions under which specimens are conditioned, as well as
using loading platens attached to the testing machine. the conditions under which the tests are conducted. Specimens
tested in various environments can exhibit significant differ-
5. Significance and Use ences in both strength behavior and failure mode. Critical
5.1 Flatwise compressive strength and modulus are funda- environments must be assessed independently for each core
mental mechanical properties of sandwich cores that are used material tested.
in designing sandwich panels. Deformation data can be
obtained, and from a complete force versus deformation curve, 7. Apparatus
it is possible to compute the compressive stress at any applied 7.1 Micrometers and Calipers—A micrometer with a 4 to
force (such as compressive stress at proportional limit force or 7 mm [0.16 to 0.28 in.] nominal diameter ball-interface or a flat
compressive strength at the maximum force) and to compute anvil interface shall be used to measure the specimen thick-
the effective modulus of the core. ness. A ball interface is recommended for thickness measure-
5.2 This test method provides a standard method of obtain- ments of stabilized specimens (in accordance with 8.3) when at
ing the flatwise compressive strength and modulus for sand- least one facing plane surface is irregular (e.g. the bag-side of
wich core structural design properties, material specifications, a thin facing laminate that is neither smooth nor flat). A
research and development applications, and quality assurance. micrometer or caliper with a flat anvil interface is recom-
mended for thickness measurements of stabilized specimens
5.3 In order to prevent local crushing of some honeycomb when both facing plane surfaces are smooth (e.g. tooled
cores, it is often desirable to stabilize the facing plane surfaces surfaces). A micrometer or caliper with a flat anvil interface
with a suitable material, such as a thin layer of resin or thin shall be used for measuring length and width (or diameter), as
facings. Flatwise compressive strength data may be generated well as the specimen thickness when the facing plane surfaces
using either stabilized specimens (reported as stabilized com- are not stabilized (e.g. bare). The use of alternative measure-
pression strength) or non-stabilized specimens (reported as ment devices is permitted if specified (or agreed to) by the test
bare compression strength). It is customary aerospace industry requestor and reported by the testing laboratory. The accuracy
practice to determine compression modulus only when using of the instrument(s) shall be suitable for reading to within 1 %
stabilized specimens. of the sample length and width (or diameter) and thickness. For
5.4 Factors that influence the flatwise compressive strength typical specimen geometries, an instrument with an accuracy
and shall therefore be reported include the following: core of 60.012 mm [60.0005 in.] is adequate for thickness
material, methods of material fabrication, core geometry (cell measurement, whereas an instrument with an accuracy of
size), core density, specimen geometry, specimen preparation, 60.25 mm [60.010 in.] is adequate for length and width (or
specimen conditioning, environment of testing, specimen diameter) measurement.
alignment, loading procedure, and speed of testing. 7.2 Loading Platens—Force shall be introduced into the
specimen using one fixed flat platen and one spherical seat
6. Interferences (self-aligning) platen. The platens shall be well-aligned and
6.1 Material and Specimen Preparation—Poor material fab- shall not apply eccentric forces. A satisfactory type of appara-
rication practices and damage induced by improper specimen tus is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The platen surfaces shall extend
machining are known causes of high data scatter in composites beyond the test specimen periphery. If the platens are not
and sandwich structures in general. A specific material factor sufficiently hardened, or simply to protect the platen surfaces,
that affects sandwich cores is variability in core density. a hardened plate (with parallel surfaces) can be inserted
Important aspects of sandwich core specimen preparation that between each end of the fixture and the corresponding platen.
contribute to data scatter include the existence of joints, voids 7.3 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall be in ac-
or other core discontinuities, out-of-plane curvature, and sur- cordance with Practices E4 and shall satisfy the following
face roughness. requirements:
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
2
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
C365/C365M − 16
FIG. 1 Platen, Transducer, and Rod Setup FIG. 2 Close-up of Specimen Between Loading Platens
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
3
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
C365/C365M − 16
plane, in regard to the orientation that the core would be placed in a 9. Calibration
structural sandwich construction. For example, for a honeycomb core the
cross-sectional area is defined in the plane of the cells, which is 9.1 The accuracy of all measuring equipment shall have
perpendicular to the orientation of the cell walls. certified calibrations that are current at the time of use of the
equipment.
8.2.1 Continuous Bonding Surfaces (for example, Balsa
Wood, Foams)—The minimum facing area of the specimen 10. Conditioning
shall be 625 mm2 [1.0 in.2].
10.1 The recommended pre-test condition is effective mois-
8.2.2 Discontinuous Cellular Bonding Surfaces (for ture equilibrium at a specific relative humidity as established
example, Honeycomb)—The required facing area of the speci- by Test Method D5229/D5229M; however, if the test requestor
men is dependent upon the cell size, to ensure a minimum does not explicitly specify a pre-test conditioning environment,
number of cells are tested. Minimum facing areas are recom- no conditioning is required and the test specimens may be
mended in Table 1 for the more common cell sizes. These are tested as prepared.
intended to provide approximately 60 cells minimum in the test
specimen. The largest facing area listed in the table (5625 10.2 The pre-test specimen conditioning process, to include
mm2 [9.0 in.2]) is a practical maximum for this test method. specified environmental exposure levels and resulting moisture
Cores with cell sizes larger than 9 mm [0.375 in.] may require content, shall be reported with the test data.
NOTE 5—The term moisture, as used in Test Method D5229/D5229M,
a smaller number of cells to be tested in the specimen. includes not only the vapor of a liquid and its condensate, but the liquid
8.3 Specimen Preparation and Machining—Prepare the test itself in large quantities, as for immersion.
specimens so that the loaded surfaces will be parallel to each 10.3 If no explicit conditioning process is performed, the
other and perpendicular to the sides of the specimen. Take specimen conditioning process shall be reported as “uncondi-
precautions when cutting specimens from large sheets of core tioned” and the moisture content as “unknown.”
to avoid notches, undercuts, and rough or uneven surfaces due
11. Procedure
to inappropriate machining methods. Obtain final dimensions
by water-lubricated precision sawing, milling, or grinding. The 11.1 Parameters to be Specified Before Test:
use of diamond tooling has been found to be extremely 11.1.1 The specimen sampling method, specimen geometry,
effective for many material systems. Record and report the and conditioning travelers (if required).
specimen cutting preparation method. 11.1.2 The properties and data reporting format desired.
NOTE 3—In order to prevent local crushing of some honeycomb cores, NOTE 6—Determine specific material property, accuracy, and data
it is often desirable to reinforce the facing plane surfaces with a suitable reporting requirements prior to test for proper selection of instrumentation
material. In such instances, the facing plane surfaces may be dipped in a and data recording equipment. Estimate the specimen strength to aid in
thin layer of resin, or thin facings may be bonded to the facing plane transducer selection, calibration of equipment, and determination of
surfaces of the core. When either of these stabilization techniques is used, equipment settings.
the test shall be reported as a stabilized compression test, and the method,
configuration, and process of stabilization utilized shall be reported. When 11.1.3 The environmental conditioning test parameters.
honeycomb core facing plane surfaces are not stabilized, the test shall be
11.2 General Instructions:
reported as a bare compression test. It is customary aerospace industry
practice to determine compression modulus only when using stabilized 11.2.1 Report any deviations from this test method, whether
specimens. intentional or inadvertent.
NOTE 4—Testing of core materials with typical manufacturing thickness 11.2.2 If core density is to be reported, then obtain these
tolerances (60.08 to 60.13 mm [60.003 to 60.005 in.]) may produce samples from the same sheet of core being tested. Density may
variant flatwise compressive modulus values, as this tolerance is too large be evaluated in accordance with Test Method C271/C271M.
to preclude specimen seating effects within the specified displacement
range. Such effects are often characterized by the presence of toe regions
11.2.3 Following final specimen machining, but before
in the force versus displacement data (see Annex A1). To minimize the toe conditioning and testing, measure the specimen length and
region and provide Hookean (linear) behavior in the specified displace- width (or diameter) and thickness. The accuracy of these
ment range, it is recommended that the core be produced or machined with measurements shall be within 1.0 % of the dimension. Measure
a facing area thickness tolerance equal to 60.05 % of the nominal core the specimen length and width (or diameter) with an accuracy
thickness (for example, 60.013 mm [60.0005 in.] for 1.0 inch thick core).
of 6250 µm [60.010 in.]. Measure the specimen thickness
8.4 Labeling—Label the test specimens so that they will be with an accuracy of 613 µm [60.0005 in.]. Record the
distinct from each other and traceable back to the sheet of dimensions to three significant figures in units of millimetres
origin, and will neither influence the test nor be affected by it. [inches].
11.3 Condition the specimens as required. Store the speci-
mens in the conditioned environment until test time, if the test
environment is different than the conditioning environment.
TABLE 1 Recommended Minimum Specimen Cross-Sectional
Area 11.4 Following final specimen conditioning, but before
Minimum Cell Size Maximum Cell Size Minimum Cross-Sectional
testing, re-measure the specimen length and width (or diam-
(mm [in.]) (mm [in.]) Area (mm2 [in.2]) eter) and thickness as in 11.2.3.
... 3.0 [0.125] 625 [1.0] 11.5 Speed of Testing—Set the speed of testing so as to
3.0 [0.125] 6.0 [0.250] 2500 [4.0]
6.0 [0.250] 9.0 [0.375] 5625 [9.0] produce failure within 3 to 6 min. If the ultimate strength of the
material cannot be reasonably estimated, initial trials should be
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
4
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
C365/C365M − 16
conducted using standard speeds until the ultimate strength of 12. Validation
the material and the compliance of the system are known, and
12.1 Values for ultimate properties shall not be calculated
speed of testing can be adjusted. The suggested standard head
for any specimen that breaks at some obvious flaw, unless such
displacement rate is 0.50 mm/min [0.020 in./min].
flaw constitutes a variable being studied. Retests shall be
11.6 Test Environment—If possible, test the specimen under performed for any specimen on which values are not calcu-
the same fluid exposure level used for conditioning. However, lated.
cases such as elevated temperature testing of a moist specimen
place unrealistic requirements on the capabilities of common 12.2 A significant fraction of failures in a sample population
testing machine environmental chambers. In such cases, the occurring along one corner or one edge shall be cause to
mechanical test environment may need to be modified, for re-examine the means of force introduction into the specimen.
example, by testing at elevated temperature with no fluid Factors considered should include the loading platen
exposure control, but with a specified limit on time to failure alignment, specimen surface characteristics, and uneven ma-
from withdrawal from the conditioning chamber. Record any chining of specimen surfaces and edges.
modifications to the test environment.
NOTE 7—When testing a conditioned specimen at elevated temperature 13. Calculation
with no fluid exposure control, the percentage moisture loss of the 13.1 Ultimate Strength—Calculate the ultimate flatwise
specimen prior to test completion may be estimated by placing a
conditioned traveler coupon of known weight within the test chamber at compressive strength using Eq 1 and report the results to three
the same time the specimen is placed in the chamber. The traveler coupon significant figures.
should be configured to mimic the specimen, such that moisture evapo-
F fcu
z 5 P max/A (1)
ration is comparable to that of the test specimen. Upon completion of the
test, the traveler coupon is removed from the chamber, weighed, and the where:
percentage weight calculated and reported.
Fzfcu = ultimate flatwise compressive strength, MPa [psi],
11.7 Specimen Installation—Mark a rectangle or circle (de- Pmax = ultimate force prior to failure, N [lbf], and
pending upon the specimen’s cross-sectional shape) on the A = cross-sectional area, mm2 [in.2].
lower platen to help center the specimen between the platens.
13.2 2 % Deflection Stress—If 2 % deflection is achieved
Place the specimen on the lower platen, accommodating the
prior to stopping the test, calculate the flatwise compressive
LVDT or compressometer as necessary.
stress at 2 % deflection using Eq 2 and report the results to
NOTE 8—Take care to align specimens well between the platens, in
order to distribute the applied force as uniformly as possible over the
three significant figures.
entire loading surface. This will help to ensure that the specimen edges are σ fc0.02
z 5 P 0.02/A (2)
loaded uniformly. Non-uniform loading often results in failures that are
confined to one corner or one edge of the specimen. where:
11.8 Pre-loading—Move the actuator or crosshead such that σzfc0.02 = flatwise compressive stress at 2 % deflection, MPa
the loading platen contacts the LVDT/compressometer and [psi],
P0.02 = applied force corresponding to δ0.02, N [lbf],
specimen, and apply a standard initial load of 45 N [10 lbf].
δ0.02 = recorded deflection value such that δ/t is closest to
Zero and balance the LVDT or compressometer.
0.02, and
11.9 Loading—Apply a compressive force to the specimen t = measured thickness of core specimen prior to
at the specified rate while recording data. Load the specimen loading, mm [in.].
until failure, or until the measured LVDT/compressometer 13.3 Compressive Modulus—Calculate the flatwise com-
deflection equals 2 % of the initial core thickness.
pressive chord modulus using Eq 3 and report the results to
11.10 Data Recording—Record force versus head displace- three significant figures. The deflection values selected are
ment and force versus LVDT/compressometer deflection data intended to represent the lower half of the core’s stress-strain
continuously, or at frequent regular intervals; for this test curve. For core materials which fall bellow δ/t = 0.006, a
method, a sampling rate of 2 to 3 data recordings per second, deflection range of 25 to 50 % of ultimate is recommended.
and a target minimum of 100 data points per test are recom- However, for some other materials, another range may be more
mended. If a compliance change or initial failures are noted, appropriate. Other definitions of chord modulus may be evalu-
record the force, displacement, and mode of damage at such ated and reported at the user’s discretion. If such data are
points. Record the maximum force, the failure force, the head generated and reported, report also the definitions used, the
displacement and the LVDT/compressometer deflection at, or deflection range used, and the results to three significant
as near as possible to, the moment of failure. Also record the figures.
force and head displacement at 2 % deflection, if that deflection
level is achieved prior to failure. NOTE 9—To account for seating effects related to specimen thickness
variance, toe: compensation may be made in accordance with Annex A1,
11.11 Failure Modes—Uniform compressive failure of the unless it is shown that the toe region of the curve is not due to the take-up
sandwich core is the only acceptable failure mode. Compres- of slack, seating of the specimen, or other artifact, but rather is an
authentic material response.
sive failures confined to one corner or edge of the specimen
shall be considered invalid. E fcz 5 ~~ P 0.003 2 P 0.001! ·t ! / ~~ δ 0.003 2 δ 0.001! ·A ! (3)
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
5
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
C365/C365M − 16
where: 14.1.7 Method of preparing the test specimen, including
Ezfc = core flatwise compressive chord modulus, MPa specimen labeling scheme and method, specimen geometry,
[psi], sampling method, and specimen cutting method.
P0.003 = applied force corresponding to δ0.003, N [lbf], 14.1.8 For honeycomb core specimens, method of stabiliz-
P0.001 = applied force corresponding to δ0.001, N [lbf], ing the specimen (if performed), including material(s), process-
δ0.003 = recorded deflection value such that δ/t is closest to ing cycle, specimen geometry after stabilization, and so forth.
0.003, and 14.1.9 Results of any nondestructive evaluation tests.
δ0.001 = recorded deflection value such that δ/t is closest to 14.1.10 Calibration dates and methods for all measurements
0.001. and test equipment.
13.4 Statistics—For each series of tests calculate the aver- 14.1.11 Details of loading platens and apparatus, including
age value, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (in dimensions and material(s) used.
percent) for ultimate flatwise compressive strength and modu- 14.1.12 Type of test machine, alignment results, and data
lus: acquisition sampling rate and equipment type.
14.1.13 Type, range, and sensitivity of LVDT or
xH 5 S( D
n
i51
x i /n (4) compressometer, or any other instruments used to measure
loading platen deflection.
S n21 ŒS ( n
i51
D
x i2 2 nxH 2 / ~ n 2 1 ! (5)
14.1.14 Measured length and width (or diameter) and thick-
ness for each specimen (prior to and after conditioning, if
CV 5 100 3 S n21 /xH (6) appropriate).
14.1.15 Weight of specimen.
where: 14.1.16 Conditioning parameters and results.
x̄ = sample mean (average), 14.1.17 Relative humidity and temperature of the testing
Sn-1 = sample standard deviation, laboratory.
CV = sample coefficient of variation, %, 14.1.18 Environment of the test machine environmental
n = number of specimens, and chamber (if used) and soak time at environment.
xi = measured or derived property.
14.1.19 Number of specimens tested.
14. Report 14.1.20 Speed of testing.
14.1.21 Individual ultimate flatwise compressive strengths
14.1 Report the following information, or references point-
and average value, standard deviation, and coefficient of
ing to other documentation containing this information, to the
variation (in percent) for the population.
maximum extent applicable (reporting of items beyond the
control of a given testing laboratory, such as might occur with 14.1.22 Individual ultimate flatwise compressive modulus
material details or panel fabrication parameters, shall be the values and average value, standard deviation, and coefficient of
responsibility of the requestor): variation (in percent) for the population.
14.1.1 The revision level or date of issue of this test method. 14.1.23 Force versus crosshead displacement data for each
14.1.2 The name(s) of the test operator(s). specimen so evaluated.
14.1.3 Any variations to this test method, anomalies noticed 14.1.24 Force versus recorded LVDT/compressometer de-
during testing, or equipment problems occurring during testing. flection data for each specimen so evaluated.
14.1.4 Identification of all the materials constituent to the 14.1.25 Failure mode, location of failure, and percentage of
sandwich core specimen tested (including stabilization materi- failure area of core for each specimen.
als if utilized), including for each: material specification,
material type, manufacturer’s material designation, manufac- 15. Precision and Bias
turer’s batch or lot number, source (if not from manufacturer), 15.1 Precision—The data required for the development of a
date of certification, and expiration of certification. precision statement is not available for this test method.
14.1.5 Description of the fabrication steps used to prepare
the sandwich core including: fabrication start date, fabrication 15.2 Bias—Bias cannot be determined for this method as no
end date, process specification, and a description of the acceptable reference standards exist.
equipment used.
14.1.6 If requested, core density test method, specimen 16. Keywords
sampling method and geometries, test parameters, and test 16.1 compressive modulus; compressive strength; core; flat-
results. wise compression; sandwich
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
6
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
C365/C365M − 16
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
7
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG
C365/C365M − 16
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.
This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/
&RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW
ODOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG7KX1RY*07
8
'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\
+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQSXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG