ASTM D3786/D3786M-18 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method (designation ASTM D3786/D3786M-18; reapproved 2023). This test method describes measurement of the resistance of textile fabrics to bursting using a hydraulic or pneumatic diaphragm (Mullen-type) bursting tester, and is intended for knitted, woven, nonwoven and many laminated fabric constructions.

Abstract

This standard defines the diaphragm-burst (hydraulic or pneumatic) test procedure used to determine bursting strength and bursting distension of textile fabrics. It describes specimen preparation, fixture sizes, test execution, units (SI and inch‑pound systems treated independently), reporting requirements, and notes on applicability and alternatives for materials that exceed instrument range.

General information

• Status: Active (2018 edition, reapproved).
• Publication date: 2018 edition; reapproved June 1, 2023 (reapproval recorded July 14, 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 59.080.30 — Textile fabrics.
• Edition / version: D3786/D3786M-18 (2018 edition, reapproved 2023).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (concise procedure standard).

Publication and status information as recorded by standards repositories and distribution services.

Scope

This test method measures the resistance of textile fabrics to bursting by applying hydraulic or pneumatic pressure through a deformable diaphragm beneath a clamped specimen. It is generally applicable to a wide variety of textile products (knitted, woven, nonwoven, laminated); for ball-burst measurements see Test Method D3787 and for some high-range materials consider Test Method D6797. The SI and inch‑pound unit systems are treated independently in reporting.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of a diaphragm (Mullen) bursting tester—hydraulic or pneumatic.
• Measurement outputs: bursting strength (pressure) and distension at burst; reporting in specified units.
• Specimen clamping and fixture sizes appropriate to the test (standard fixture geometries referenced by the method).
• Applicability: knitted, woven, nonwoven, laminated fabrics; limitations noted for materials exceeding instrument range.
• Guidance to use alternate test methods (D3787 or D6797) where more appropriate for specific failure modes or higher loads.

Typical use and users

Used by textile test laboratories, quality control departments, textile and apparel manufacturers, material researchers, and suppliers of technical fabrics to characterize the multidirectional bursting resistance of fabrics (particularly where tensile tests alone are insufficient, e.g., knitted and highly extensible textiles).

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside: ASTM D3787 (ball burst test), ASTM D6797 (high-strength fabric burst tests when applicable), and international equivalents such as ISO 13938-1 for diaphragm bursting. These related methods are used where test geometry or failure mode differs.

Keywords

bursting strength, diaphragm burst, Mullen test, hydraulic burst, pneumatic burst, textile fabrics, knitted fabric, nonwoven, bursting distension, ASTM D3786

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3786/D3786M-18(2023) is a standard test method that specifies the diaphragm (Mullen) bursting test procedure to measure the resistance of textile fabrics to hydrostatic or pneumatic bursting.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, test apparatus (diaphragm bursting tester), test execution, measurement of bursting pressure and distension, units and reporting, and applicability limits; it also points users to alternate methods when appropriate.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile testing laboratories, fabric and garment manufacturers, quality assurance personnel, and researchers who need a standardized measure of multidirectional fabric strength—especially for knitted and extensible fabrics.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is the 2018 edition reapproved in 2023 (designation shows -18 with 2023 reapproval), and is treated as current/active in standards repositories unless later updated by ASTM.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is one of several ASTM fabric burst/tensile test methods; closely related standards include D3787 (ball‑burst) and D6797 (other burst testing approaches), and it has international parallels such as ISO 13938-1.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Bursting strength, diaphragm burst, Mullen test, bursting distension, textile testing, knitted fabric, nonwoven.