ASTM D3039/D3039M-17 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials — a procedure for determining the in‑plane tensile properties of polymer‑matrix composite materials reinforced by high‑modulus fibers, applicable to continuous or discontinuous fiber laminates that are balanced and symmetric with respect to the test direction.

Abstract

This test method defines specimen geometry, conditioning, gripping, alignment, test speeds, and data reduction needed to obtain tensile properties such as ultimate tensile strength, ultimate tensile strain, tensile (chord) modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, and transition strain for polymer‑matrix composite laminates. The method provides both SI and inch‑pound units as separate, normative systems and is intended for use in material specifications, R&D, quality assurance and structural design.

General information

• Status: Active (current approved edition in force).
• Publication date: October 15, 2017 (designated D3039/D3039M‑17).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 49.025.40 — Rubber and plastics (composite materials testing).
• Edition / version: D3039/D3039M‑17 (revises earlier D3039 editions).
• Number of pages: 13 pages.

Scope

The standard establishes a tensile test method to measure in‑plane tensile response of polymer‑matrix composites reinforced with high‑modulus fibers. It is limited to laminates whose layup is balanced and symmetric relative to the test direction, and covers test specimen preparation, measurement, conditioning, and reporting requirements necessary to obtain comparable tensile property data in either SI or inch‑pound units.

Key topics and requirements

• Measured properties: ultimate tensile strength, ultimate tensile strain, tensile (chord) modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, and transition strain.
• Specimen geometry and tabbing to prevent grip damage and ensure valid failure location.
• Test machine and gripping requirements (wedge or hydraulic grips, alignment fixtures) and recommended load capacities depending on material type.
• Conditioning and environmental controls, and clear reporting of material layup, void content, specimen stacking sequence, and test rate.
• Dual‑unit reporting (SI and inch‑pound) treated as separate, non‑equivalent systems within the standard.

Typical use and users

Widely used by materials engineers, composite labs, aerospace and automotive manufacturers, research institutions, and quality/inspection teams to generate consistent tensile data for material specifications, qualification, design allowables, R&D comparisons, and acceptance testing. Data from this test support structural design, certification, and materials selection decisions.

Related standards

Commonly referenced companion or complementary standards used in composite characterization include ASTM D3410 (compression of polymer matrix composites), ASTM D3518 (in‑plane shear by ±45° laminate), ASTM D5379 (shear properties by V‑notched beam), ASTM D2344 (short‑beam interlaminar shear), ASTM D6641 (combined loading compression), and other ASTM and ISO composite test methods for flexure, impact and environmental conditioning. These methods are typically used together to produce a full mechanical characterization of composite laminates.

Keywords

ASTM D3039, tensile test, polymer matrix composites, composite laminates, tensile strength, tensile modulus, Poisson's ratio, specimen tabbing, in‑plane tensile properties, D3039/D3039M‑17

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3039/D3039M‑17 is the ASTM test method that specifies how to measure the in‑plane tensile properties of polymer‑matrix composite materials reinforced by high‑modulus fibers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen dimensions and preparation (including tabbing), conditioning, grip and alignment requirements, test machine and rate, data acquisition and reduction, and required reporting to obtain tensile strength, strain, modulus and related quantities in either SI or inch‑pound units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Composite materials laboratories, aerospace and automotive material/design engineers, manufacturing and QA teams, test labs and research groups use D3039 to produce comparable tensile property data for specifications, design allowables, R&D and acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The edition D3039/D3039M‑17 (approved Oct 15, 2017) is the current published edition and is listed as active in standards catalogues. Users should check with ASTM or their standards subscription for any subsequent reaffirmations or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D3039 is one of a family of ASTM D30 series test methods for composite materials (Committee D30, subcommittee D30.04 for lamina/laminate test methods). It is commonly used alongside other D30 test methods (compression, shear, flexure, interlaminar tests) to characterize composite mechanical behavior.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Tensile properties, polymer matrix composite, laminate, tensile strength, tensile modulus, Poisson’s ratio, D3039, specimen tabbing, in‑plane tensile testing.