ASTM D3410/D3410M-16 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials with Unsupported Gage Section by Shear Loading — ASTM D3410/D3410M-16 (revised/reaffirmed 2024). This test method defines a shear-loaded compression procedure that introduces compressive force through wedge-grip shear at an unsupported gage section to determine in-plane compressive properties of fiber‑reinforced polymer matrix composites.

Abstract

ASTM D3410/D3410M specifies specimen preparation, fixturing (wedge/grip shear loading), test execution, and data reporting required to obtain in-plane compressive properties (ultimate compressive strength and strain, compressive modulus, Poisson’s ratio, transition strain) for polymer matrix composites reinforced with high‑modulus fibers. The method is suited to continuous-fiber and discontinuous-fiber forms (unidirectional tape, fabric, wet-tow, short fiber products) and provides results in either SI or inch-pound units.

General information

• Status: Active (standard D3410/D3410M-16, reaffirmed/revised in 2024; listed as active with last update Nov 14, 2024).
• Publication date: Originally published March 15, 2016; current revision/reaffirmation recorded November 14, 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 83.140.20 (Laminated sheets / composite materials).
• Edition / version: D3410/D3410M-16 (with 2024 revision/reaffirmation, often noted as D3410/D3410M-16R24).
• Number of pages: 16 pages.

Scope

This test method determines the in‑plane compressive properties of polymer matrix composite materials reinforced by high‑modulus fibers by introducing compressive force via shear at wedge grip interfaces into an unsupported gage section. It is applicable to unidirectional tape, wet‑tow placement, textile (fabric), short‑fiber and similar product forms; some product forms may require deviations. The method is distinct from end‑loading (Test Method D695), combined shear/end loading (D6641/D6641M), and sandwich/honeycomb beam four‑point bending approaches (D5467/D5467M). Units are specified independently in SI and inch‑pound systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Test objective: determine ultimate compressive strength and strain, compressive (linear or chord) modulus, Poisson’s ratio in compression, and transition strain for polymer matrix composites.
• Loading method: shear loading through wedge‑type grips into an unsupported gage section (pure shear transfer into the gage).
• Specimen forms: unidirectional laminates, fabrics, wet‑tow, short fiber forms; requirements for stacking sequence, tabbing, and specimen preparation noted where applicable.
• Test conditions and reporting: conditioning, environment, alignment, gripping, test speed, and test temperature must be reported; results provided separately in SI and inch‑pound units.
• Fixturing and adjuncts: detailed fixture drawings and construction are provided in an adjunct document (ADJD3410) for building the compression fixture used with wedge grips.
• Comparative context: this method complements other ASTM compression methods (D6641/D6641M combined loading, D695 end‑loading, D5467 sandwich beam) and is selected when shear‑introduced compression is desired.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, composite manufacturers, aerospace and defense engineers, research and development groups, and quality assurance organizations to characterize compressive behavior of carbon‑, glass‑, and other fiber‑reinforced polymer laminates for design, specification, acceptance testing, and comparative R&D studies. The method is commonly specified in aerospace material specifications and composite materials testing programs.

Related standards

Frequently referenced and complementary ASTM standards include: Test Method D6641/D6641M (combined loading compression), Test Method D695 (compression of rigid plastics / end‑loading), Test Method D5467/D5467M (sandwich beam compression for honeycomb core skins), Test Methods D7136/D7137 (impact damage and Compression After Impact sequences), and the ADJD3410 adjunct for fixture drawings. These standards are part of ASTM Committee D30 (Composite Materials) test family.

Keywords

composite materials; polymer matrix composite; compressive properties; shear loading; unsupported gage section; wedge grips; compressive strength; compressive modulus; Poisson’s ratio; specimen preparation; fixture adjunct; ASTM D3410.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3410/D3410M is a test method that prescribes a shear‑loaded compression test (wedge grip into an unsupported gage section) to measure in‑plane compressive properties of fiber‑reinforced polymer matrix composites.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, fixturing (shear wedge grips), test execution, measurement and calculation of compressive strength, compressive modulus, compressive strain, Poisson’s ratio, and required reporting details. It applies to continuous and discontinuous fiber composite forms and specifies separate SI and inch‑pound units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and test labs, composite manufacturers, aerospace and defense organizations, R&D teams, and QA departments that need reliable compressive property data for specification, design, and qualification of composite materials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original edition is dated March 15, 2016 (D3410/D3410M-16). The standard is recorded as active and was reaffirmed or revised with a document update in 2024 (document noted as updated Nov 14, 2024 in the ASTM record). Users should confirm the edition required by their contract or specification.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM D30 series on composite materials and specifically complements other composite compression and damage/CAI test methods (for example D6641/D6641M, D5467/D5467M, D695, D7136/D7137). An adjunct ADJD3410 provides fixture drawings.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Compressive properties, polymer matrix composite, shear loading, unsupported gage section, wedge grips, compressive strength, compressive modulus, Poisson’s ratio, specimen preparation, ASTM D3410.