ASTM D5379/D5379M-19e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5379/D5379M-19e1 — Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Composite Materials by the V-Notched Beam Method. This standard defines the V-notched beam specimen geometry, fixturing, instrumentation and test procedure used to measure shear response (in-plane or interlaminar) of fiber‑reinforced composite laminates and short‑fiber composites for material characterization, quality assurance, research and structural design.

Abstract

This test method prescribes loading a centrally V‑notched rectangular composite coupon in a specially designed fixture to produce a predominantly shear state in the central test section. Properties that can be obtained include shear stress–strain response, ultimate shear strength, ultimate shear strain and the shear chord modulus. The method applies to continuous‑fiber and discontinuous‑fiber reinforced composites (unidirectional, woven and some short‑fiber forms) and specifies units and reporting requirements in both SI and inch‑pound systems.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition with editorial amendment e1); last updated March 24, 2021.
• Publication date: October 15, 2019 (designation 19e1 indicates 2019 edition with e1 amendment).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly ASTM, American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: ICS 83.140.20 — Laminated sheets / composite laminates.
• Edition / version: D5379/D5379M‑19e1 (2019 edition, editorial amendment e1).
• Number of pages: 14 pages (format and pagination vary with publisher extract).

Scope

The standard covers shear-property measurement of high‑modulus fiber‑reinforced composite materials using V‑notched beam specimens. It applies to laminates of unidirectional plies, woven‑fabric laminates, balanced 0/90 ply configurations and short‑fiber composites, enabling evaluation of either in‑plane or interlaminar shear depending on specimen orientation. Reporting requirements include specimen prep, stacking sequence, conditioning, test environment, alignment, gripping, loading rate, and units (SI and inch‑pound).

Key topics and requirements

• V‑notched beam specimen geometry and notch dimensions required to promote a near‑uniform shear field in the gauge region.
• Fixture and alignment procedures to load the specimen in asymmetric bending that produces the target shear distribution.
• Instrumentation: recommended placement of strain gauges (±45°) or extensometry for shear strain measurement and calibration/recording practices.
• Measured outputs: shear stress–strain curve, ultimate shear strength, ultimate shear strain, and shear chord modulus.
• Specimen preparation, stacking‑sequence reporting, conditioning and environmental controls to ensure repeatability and traceability of results.
• Units and reporting: separate treatment of SI and inch‑pound units (do not mix systems); recommended number of specimens and statistical reporting.

Typical use and users

Used by materials laboratories, composite manufacturers, aerospace and automotive design teams, R&D groups, and quality assurance/testing facilities to obtain shear material properties for design allowables, material specification, process development and failure analysis. Test houses and academic researchers also use this method when comparing shear performance across materials or validating numerical models.

Related standards

Commonly referenced companion and neighboring ASTM standards for composite testing include standards for flexural properties (D7264/D7264M), short‑beam strength/interlaminar shear (D2344/D2344M), Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (D5528 and D7905/D7905M), curved beam and through‑thickness tests (D6415/D6415M, D7291), and other lamina/laminate mechanical test methods administered by Committee D30. These documents are often used together when characterizing laminate mechanical and fracture behavior.

Keywords

ASTM D5379, V‑notched beam, shear properties, in‑plane shear, interlaminar shear, shear modulus, shear strength, shear chord modulus, composite laminates, specimen geometry, strain gauges.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ASTM D5379/D5379M‑19e1, a standardized laboratory test method that specifies how to measure shear properties of fiber‑reinforced composite materials using a centrally V‑notched beam specimen and a dedicated fixture.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The standard covers specimen geometry, notch preparation, fixturing and loading, instrumentation and measurement of shear stress–strain response, ultimate shear strength/strain and shear chord modulus for unidirectional, woven and short‑fiber composite laminates; it also prescribes reporting requirements and unit systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials test laboratories, composite material developers, aerospace/automotive engineers, QA/QC personnel, and research institutions use this test to produce shear property data for specifications, design allowables and comparative studies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D5379/D5379M‑19e1 edition (2019 with editorial amendment e1) is the current active edition (last updated March 24, 2021). Users should always confirm the active status on ASTM or an authorized standards provider before relying on the procedure for formal certification or procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one of a suite of ASTM composite test methods produced by Committee D30 (Subcommittee D30.04 and related subcommittees) covering lamina/laminate mechanical tests, fracture toughness, interlaminar shear and other characterization methods; related standards are frequently cited together in composite test programs.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: V‑notched beam, shear properties, in‑plane shear, interlaminar shear, shear modulus, shear strength, composite laminates, ASTM D5379.