This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D3479/D3479M − 19

Standard Test Method for

Tension-Tension Fatigue of Polymer Matrix Composite
Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3479/D3479M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

1.1 This test method determines the fatigue behavior of priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
polymer matrix composite materials subjected to tensile cyclic mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
loading. The composite material forms are limited to 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
continuous-fiber or discontinuous-fiber reinforced composites dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
for which the elastic properties are specially orthotropic with ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
respect to the test direction. This test method is limited to Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
unnotched test specimens subjected to constant amplitude mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
uniaxial in-plane loading where the loading is defined in terms Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
of a test control parameter.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This test method presents two procedures where each
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
defines a different test control parameter.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
1.2.1 Procedure A—A system in which the test control
D3039/D3039M Test Method for Tensile Properties of Poly-
parameter is the load (stress) and the machine is controlled so
mer Matrix Composite Materials
that the test specimen is subjected to repetitive constant
D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials
amplitude load cycles. In this procedure, the test control
D5229/D5229M Test Method for Moisture Absorption Prop-
parameter may be described using either engineering stress or
erties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix
applied load as a constant amplitude fatigue variable.
Composite Materials
1.2.2 Procedure B—A system in which the test control
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
parameter is the strain in the loading direction and the machine
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
is controlled so that the test specimen is subjected to repetitive
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
constant amplitude strain cycles. In this procedure, the test
someter Systems
control parameter may be described using engineering strain in
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
the loading direction as a constant amplitude fatigue variable.
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units Lot or Process
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ASTM Test Methods
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
used independently of the other, and values from the two E467 Practice for Verification of Constant Amplitude Dy-
systems shall not be combined. namic Forces in an Axial Fatigue Testing System
1.3.1 Within the text the inch-pound units are shown in E739 Practice for Statistical Analysis of Linear or Linearized
brackets. Stress-Life (S-N) and Strain-Life (ε-N) Fatigue Data
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the E1012 Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Speci-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the men Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial
Force Application
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D30 on
Composite Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.04 on
2
Lamina and Laminate Test Methods. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D3479/D3479M – 12. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D3479_D3479M-19. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D3479/D3479M − 19
E1823 Terminology Relating to Fatigue and Fracture Testing 3.2.13 wave form, n—the shape of the peak-to-peak varia-
tion of the test control parameter as a function of time.
3. Terminology 3.3 Symbols:
3.1 Definitions—Terminology D3878 defines terms relating 3.3.1 Smax (or εmax)—the value of stress (or strain) corre-
to high-modulus fibers and their composites. Terminology sponding to the peak value of the test control parameter in a
E1823 defines terms relating to fatigue. Terminology D883 constant amplitude loading.
defines terms relating to plastics. Terminology E6 defines terms 3.3.2 Smin (or εmin)—the value of stress (or strain) corre-
relating to mechanical testing. Terminology E456 and Practice sponding to the valley value of the test control parameter in a
E177 define terms relating to statistics. In the event of a constant amplitude loading.
conflict between terms, Terminology D3878 shall have prece-
3.3.3 Smn (or εmn)—the mean value of stress (or strain) as
dence over the other standards.
given by Smn = (Smax + Smin)/2 or εmn = (εmax + εmin)/2.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: The
following definitions shall have precedence over Terminology 3.3.4 Sa (or εa)—the difference between the mean value of
D3878 and over other standards. stress (or strain) and the maximum and minimum stress (or
3.2.1 constant amplitude loading, n—in fatigue, a loading in strain) as given by Sa = (Smax − Smin)/2 or εa = (εmax − εmin)/2.
which all of the peak values of the test control parameter are 3.3.5 Nf—the scalar value of fatigue life or number of
equal and all of the valley values of the test control parameter constant amplitude cycles to failure.
are equal.
3.3.6 α—Weibull fatigue life scale parameter.
3.2.2 fatigue loading transition, n—in the beginning of 3.3.7 β—Weibull fatigue life shape parameter.
fatigue loading, the number of cycles before the test control
parameter reaches the desired peak and valley values. 4. Summary of Test Method
3.2.3 frequency, f [T−1], n—in fatigue loading, the number 4.1 The tensile specimen described in Test Method D3039/
of load (stress) or strain cycles completed in 1 s (Hz). D3039M is mounted in the grips of the testing machine and is
3.2.4 load (stress) ratio, R [nd], n—in fatigue loading, the tested as follows:
ratio of the minimum applied load (stress) to the maximum 4.1.1 Procedure A—The specimen is cycled between mini-
applied load (stress). mum and maximum in-plane axial load (stress) at a specified
3.2.5 peak, n—in fatigue loading, the occurrence where the frequency. The number of load cycles at which failure occurs
first derivative of the test control parameter versus time (or at which a predetermined change in specimen stiffness is
changes from positive to negative sign; the point of maximum observed) can be determined for a specimen subjected to a
load (stress) or strain in constant amplitude loading. specific load (stress) ratio and maximum stress. For some
purposes it is useful to obtain the in-plane stiffness at selected
3.2.6 replicate (repeat) tests, n—nominally identical tests on cycle intervals from static axial stress-strain curves using
different test specimens conducted at the same nominal value modulus determination procedures found in Test Method
of the independent variable. D3039/D3039M.
3.2.7 residual stiffness, [FL−2], n—the value of modulus of 4.1.2 Procedure B—The specimen is cycled between mini-
a specimen under quasi-static loading conditions after the mum and maximum in-plane axial strain at a specified fre-
specimen is subjected to fatigue loading. quency. The number of strain cycles at which specimen failure
3.2.8 residual strength, [FL−2], n—the value of load (stress) occurs (or at which a predetermined change in specimen
required to cause failure of a specimen under quasi-static stiffness is observed) can be determined at a given strain ratio
loading conditions after the specimen is subjected to fatigue and maximum strain. For some purposes it is useful to obtain
loading. the in-plane stiffness at selected cycle intervals from static
axial stress-strain curves using modulus determination proce-
3.2.9 spectrum loading, n—in fatigue, a loading in which
dures found in Test Method D3039/D3039M or continuously
the peak values of the test control parameter are not equal or
from dynamic axial stress-strain data using similar procedures
the valley values of the test control parameter are not equal
as found in Test Method D3039/D3039M.
(also known as variable amplitude loading or irregular load-
ing.)
5. Significance and Use
3.2.10 strain ratio, Rε [nd], n—in fatigue loading, the ratio
of the minimum applied strain to the maximum applied strain. 5.1 This test method is designed to yield tensile fatigue data
for material specifications, research and development, quality
3.2.11 test control parameter, n—the variable in constant assurance, and structural design and analysis. The primary test
amplitude loading whose maximum and minimum values result is the fatigue life of the test specimen under a specific
remain the same during cyclic loading, in other words, load loading and environmental condition. Replicate tests may be
(stress) or strain. used to obtain a distribution of fatigue life for specific material
3.2.12 valley, n—in fatigue loading, the occurrence where types, laminate stacking sequences, environments, and loading
the first derivative of the test control parameter versus time conditions. Guidance in statistical analysis of fatigue life data,
changes from negative to positive; the point of minimum load such as determination of linearized stress life (S-N) or strain-
(stress) or strain in constant amplitude loading. life (ε-N) curves, can be found in Practice E739.

2
 D3479/D3479M − 19
5.2 This test method can be utilized in the study of fatigue cations to the Test Method D3039/D3039M geometry to
damage in a polymer matrix composite such as the occurrence promote fatigue failures in the gauge section of the specimen.
of microscopic cracks, fiber fractures, or delaminations.3 The
specimen’s residual strength or stiffness, or both, may change 7. Apparatus
due to these damage mechanisms. The loss in stiffness may be 7.1 Micrometers—As described in Test Method D3039/
quantified by discontinuing cyclic loading at selected cycle D3039M.
intervals to obtain the quasi-static axial stress-strain curve
7.2 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall be in con-
using modulus determination procedures found in Test Method
formance with Practices E4 and E467, and shall satisfy the
D3039/D3039M. The loss in strength associated with fatigue
following requirements:
damage may be determined by discontinuing cyclic loading to
7.2.1 Testing Machine Heads—The testing machine shall
obtain the static strength using Test Method D3039/D3039M.
have both an essentially stationary head and a movable head.
NOTE 1—This test method may be used as a guide to conduct 7.2.2 Drive Mechanism and Controller—The testing ma-
tension-tension variable amplitude loading. This information can be useful chine shall be capable of imparting to the movable head a
in the understanding of fatigue behavior of composite structures under
spectrum loading conditions, but is not covered in this test method.
controlled velocity with respect to the stationary head. The
velocity of the movable head shall be capable of being
6. Interferences regulated under cyclic load (stress) or strain conditions. The
drive mechanism and controller shall be in compliance with
6.1 Material and Specimen Preparation—Poor material fab- Practice E467 and shall be capable of imparting a continuous
rication practices, lack of control of fiber alignment, and loading wave form to the specimen. It is important to minimize
damage induced by improper coupon machining are known drift of the fatigue loading away from the maximum and
causes of a large degree scatter in composite fatigue data. minimum values. Achieving such accuracy is critical in the
6.2 System Alignment—Excessive bending will cause pre- development of reliable fatigue life data since small errors in
mature failure. Every effort should be made to eliminate excess loading may result in significant errors in fatigue life.
bending from the test system. Bending may occur due to 7.2.3 Load Indicator—As described in Test Method D3039/
misaligned grips, or from specimens themselves if improperly D3039M. The load indicator shall be in compliance with
installed in the grips, or from out-of-tolerance due to poor Practice E4. The fatigue rating of the load indicator shall
specimen preparation. If there is any doubt as to the alignment exceed the loads at which testing will take place. Additionally
inherent in a given test machine then the alignment should be this test method recommends compliance with Practice E467
checked as discussed in 7.2.6. for the development of a system dynamic conversion for the
verification of specimen loads to within 1 % of true loads.
6.3 Tab Failure—Premature failure of the specimen in the
7.2.4 Strain Indicator—It is recommended that an exten-
tab region is common in tension-tension fatigue testing as a
someter be used for strain determination for strain control in
result of stress concentrations in the vicinity of tab region. A set
Procedure B, or to obtain strain data for Procedure A. For
of preliminary fatigue tests are recommended to find the
specimens to be tested per Procedure A and to be checked for
combination of tab material, tab length, and adhesive that
initial stiffness only, a bonded strain gauge (or gauges) may be
minimizes tab failures. Using an optical microscope to view
used for static strain measurements. This test method follows
the edge of the specimen, it can be determined if similar states
extensometer requirements as found in Test Method D3039/
of damage occur in the tab region and the gauge region.
D3039M. Verification of data acquisition and extensometer
6.4 Load History—Variations in testing frequency, and accuracy shall be completed in accordance with Practice E83.
stress (or strain) ratio from test to test will result in variations However, a static verification is insufficient for dynamic
in fatigue life data. Every effort should be made to evaluate the loading, and it is recommended as a minimum to conduct a
fatigue performance of composite laminates using the same dynamic verification using Appendix X3 of Practice E83.
testing frequencies and load (or stress) ratios. Practice E83 discusses dynamic calibration of the extensometer
6.5 Test Laminate Lay-up and Specimen Configuration— by comparing extensometer strain to those from strain gauges
Results are affected by the test laminate lay-up and fiber during cyclic loading. Practice E83 discusses the assessment of
orientation(s) as well as the specimen configuration. The test the vibrational sensitivity of the extensometer using a single
specimen requirements in 8.1 reference Test Method D3039/ moving anvil.
D3039M, which provides recommendations for specimen NOTE 2—The user is also cautioned that the effect of temperature
width, thickness, length, use of tabs, and tab geometry based variation on strain reading by extensometers may result in erroneous
upon the test laminate fiber orientation. Specimens containing fatigue data as is discussed in Practice E83.
multi-directional fiber orientations may exhibit delamination 7.2.5 Grips—As described in Test Method D3039/D3039M.
initiation under fatigue loading due to free edge effects. The grips shall also have sufficient fatigue rating for loads at
Specimens of 0° unidirectional fiber orientation may demon- which testing will take place.
strate very flat S-N or ε-N behavior, and may require modifi- 7.2.6 System Alignment—Poor system alignment can be a
significant contributor to premature fatigue failure and fatigue
life data scatter. Practice E1012 describes alignment guidelines
3
Reifsnider, K. L., “Damage and Damage Mechanics,” Composite Materials for the determination of out of plane loading during static
Series: Fatigue of Composites, Vol 4, 1991, pp. 11–75. tensile testing. In addition to Practice E1012, the system shall

3
 D3479/D3479M − 19
be aligned using static tension procedures outlined in Test 10. Conditioning
Method D3039/D3039M. 10.1 The recommended pre-test condition is effective mois-
7.3 Thermocouple and Temperature Recording Devices— ture equilibrium at a specific relative humidity as established
Capable of reading specimen temperature to 60.5 °C by Test Method D5229/D5229M; however, if the test requestor
[61.0 °F]. does not explicitly specify a pre-test conditioning environment,
no conditioning is required and the test specimens may be
8. Sampling and Test Specimens tested as prepared.
8.1 Specimen—The test specimen geometry, dimensions, 10.2 The pre-test specimen conditioning process, to include
preparation, and tabbing are as described in Test Method specified environmental exposure levels and resulting moisture
D3039/D3039M with the following additions: content, shall be reported with the test data.
8.1.1 Specimen Preparation—Special care should be taken
NOTE 3—The term moisture, as used in Test Method D5229/D5229M,
in specimen preparation to ensure that specimen edges are includes not only the vapor of a liquid and its condensate, but the liquid
sufficiently free of flaws. Such flaws may lead to premature itself in large quantities, as for immersion.
failure due to edge delamination. It is recommended that all
10.3 If no explicit conditioning process is performed, the
specimen edges be polished to a final finish such that fibers
specimen conditioning process shall be reported as “uncondi-
within a single ply may be observed clearly with a common
tioned” and the moisture content as “unknown.”
optical microscope.
8.1.2 Stacking Sequence—The stacking sequence should be 10.4 Maintaining testing environment is critical to obtaining
evaluated for free edge effects to minimize the likelihood of consistent fatigue data since testing for long periods of time
delamination initiation, unless that is a factor to be studied in (days or weeks) is not uncommon. For unattended tests, the test
the test.4,5,6 environment shall be monitored so that unintended changes in
8.1.3 Adhesive—For specimens with end tabs, the tabbing the test environment result in suspension of the test. Report the
adhesive should have sufficient durability as to withstand testing environment for the duration of the test.
fatigue loading for the duration of the test.
11. Procedure
8.2 Number of Tests—For statistically significant data, the
procedures outlined in Practice E122 should be consulted. 11.1 Common Procedure—The following procedures are
From the number of tests selected a statistically significant common to both Procedure A and Procedure B.
distribution of data should be obtained for a given material, 11.1.1 Cross-section Determination—Following final speci-
stacking sequence, environment, and loading condition. men machining, but before conditioning and testing, measure
8.2.1 Sample Size for S-N or ε-N Curve—The recommended the specimen width and the specimen thickness at three places
minimum number of specimens in the development of S-N or in the gauge section to the accuracy of 7.1. Report the averages
ε-N data is described in Table 1. A minimum of three different of the thickness, h, and width, w, and use the average values to
load or strain levels are recommended in development of S-N calculate the specimen area as A = w × h. Report area in units
or ε-N data. For additional procedures consult Practice E739. of mm2 [in.2].
NOTE 4—The test requester may request that additional measurements
9. Calibration be performed after the machined specimens have gone through any
conditioning or environmental exposure.
9.1 The accuracy of all measuring equipment shall have
certified calibrations that are current at the time of use of the 11.1.2 Condition the specimens as required. If the test
equipment. environment is different than the conditioning environment,
specimens shall be stored in the conditioned environment until
test time.
11.1.3 Static Testing—Test five control specimens quasi-
4
Pagano, N. J., and Pipes, R. B., “The Influence of Stacking Sequence on statically at the specified environment in accordance with Test
Laminate Strength,” Journal of Composite Materials, Vol 5, 1971, pp. 5–57.
5
Method D3039/D3039M. Calculate the mean tensile strength
Whitney, J. M., “Free Edge Effects in the Characterization of Composite
and the mean axial strain at failure.
Materials,” Analysis of Test Methods for High Modulus Fibers and Composites,
ASTM STP 521, American Society Testing Materials, 1973, pp. 167–180. 11.1.4 Load Levels—Select the maximum and minimum test
6
Pipes, R. B., et al, “Influence of Free Edge Upon the Strength of Angle-Ply control parameter, Smin and Smax or εmin and εmax, for constant
Laminates,” ibid., pp. 218–228. amplitude fatigue loading and report as a percentage of the
mean tensile strength or the mean axial strain at failure.
TABLE 1 Number of Specimens Required for Each S-N or ε-N Calculate and report the load (stress) ratio or strain ratio for the
Curve
constant amplitude fatigue loading.
Minimum Number 11.1.5 Frequency and Wave Form of Testing—Select and
Type of Test of
Specimens report the frequency and wave form of the fatigue loading. For
Preliminary and exploratory 6 the purpose of development of an S-N or ε-N curve, all
Research and development testing of components 12 specimens shall be tested at the same frequency and wave form
and structures unless that is a factor to be studied in the test.
Design allowables data 24
Reliability data 24 11.1.6 Temperature Monitoring—Attach temperature re-
cording device in a manner not to influence the dynamic

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 D3479/D3479M − 19
response of the specimen. The temperature of the specimen 11.2.4 Monitoring Load—Following the fatigue loading
shall be monitored, and the frequency should be kept low transition, the peak and valley load values should be monitored
enough to avoid significant temperature variations, unless that periodically. If required, the settings of load controller should
is a factor to be studied in the test. Caution is recommended be adjusted to achieve the desired loading. It is common for the
when selecting loading frequencies; high cyclic rates may peak and valley load values to drift during fatigue loading due
cause variations in specimen temperature and properties of the to changes in compliance of the specimen. Report instances in
matrix material. For some material systems a change in 10 °C which the loading was not within 2 % of the desired peak and
[18 °F], has demonstrated measurable degradation of material valley values.
properties.
11.3 Procedure B—These procedures apply for the case in
11.1.7 Specimen Insertion—Place the specimen in the grips which the test control parameter is the axial strain. This
of the testing machine, taking care to align the long axis of the procedure utilizes the same load transition approaches as
gripped section with the test direction. Tighten the grips, discussed in Procedure A except that constant amplitude
recording the pressure used on the pressure controllable grips loading is defined by the maximum strain, minimum strain,
and the grip/specimen contact area. mean strain, and strain amplitude.
NOTE 5—Monitor the specimen for the occurrence of slippage or 11.3.1 Strain Measurement—Attach an extensometer to the
crushing as a result of the grips. Should either slippage or crushing occur specimen and configure its output signal such that the testing
and lead to premature specimen failure, this data should not be reported as system may measure and adjust axial strain applied to the
valid.
specimen. Record the method of attachment.
11.1.8 Failure—Record the number of loading cycles at
NOTE 7—The user is cautioned that slight movement of the extensom-
which specimen fracture or other designated degrees of failure eter due to slipping, vibration, or other such means may result in sudden
occurred. A polymer matrix composite may appear to be specimen failure.
structurally intact even though significant fatigue damage may
be present. Depending on the purpose for which the test is 11.3.2 Monitoring Strain—Following the fatigue loading
being conducted a specific loss in dynamic stiffness rather than transition, the peak and valley strain values shall be monitored
final fracture may constitute failure. periodically and adjusted to achieve the desired loading.
Report instances in which the strain was not within 2 % of the
NOTE 6—For unidirectional laminates where the loading and fiber desired peak and valley values.
direction slightly differ, it is recommended to fatigue laminates until final
failure. However, fatigue lives greater than 107 loading cycles are
12. Validation
common for such specimens. Rather than remove specimens at some
upper limit on the number of load cycles (such as 107 cycles), it is useful 12.1 Fatigue properties shall not be calculated for any
to record the number of cycles corresponding to a specific specimen
condition. Possible conditions include when a specimen has completely
specimen that breaks at some obvious flaw, unless such flaw
delaminated forming two sublaminates or when a laminate has split constitutes a variable being studied. Retests shall be performed
completely in the transverse direction. for any specimen on which values are not calculated.
11.2 Procedure A—These procedures apply for the case in 12.2 A significant fraction of failures in a sample population
which the test control parameter is the applied load (stress). occurring outside of the gauge area shall be cause to re-
This procedure utilizes two approaches to transitioning from examine the means of force introduction into the material.
zero load to the desired fatigue loading: Factors considered should include the specimen alignment,
11.2.1 Amplitude Loading—This approach of transitioning tabs, adhesive, grip pressure, grip alignment, and specimen
load to the specimen consists of quasi-statically increasing the thickness taper.
load until reaching the desired mean load (stress), in other
words, the set point, and slowly increasing the load (stress) 13. Calculation
amplitude, in other words, the span, until the desired peak and 13.1 Fatigue Life Distribution:
valley values are obtained. In this approach a fatigue loading
13.1.1 Log-Normal Distribution—The use of a log-normal
transition occurs between the no load condition and when the
distribution is presented in Practice E739 for the representation
loading reaches the desired peak and valley values. The
of constant amplitude fatigue life data.
number of loading cycles corresponding to this transition shall
be reported. 13.1.2 Weibull Distribution—The two parameter Weibull
distribution is commonly used to represent constant amplitude
11.2.2 Direct Loading—This approach of transitioning load
fatigue life data. A two parameter Weibull distribution density
to the specimen consists of quasi-statically increasing the load
function for fatigue life may be expressed as
to the minimum load (stress) followed by immediate cycling
between maximum and minimum load using a haversine wave
form. This approach eliminates the fatigue loading transition
f~N! 5
β
α S D
N
α β21
F S DG
exp 2
N
α β
(1)

associated with amplitude loading and is only possible with

modern signal generators and controllers. The Weibull distribution cumulative function for fatigue life
may be given by
11.2.3 Strain Measurement—If strain is to be monitored,
attach a suitable strain monitoring device as specified and
record method of attachment.
F ~ N ! 5 1 2 exp 2 F S DG
N
α β
(2)

5
 D3479/D3479M − 19
One method of determining the Weibull scale and shape 14.1.12 Whether Procedure A or Procedure B was used and
parameters, α and β, is the maximum likelihood technique.7 the type and method of attachment of load or strain control and
13.2 S-N curve, ε-N curve—As described in Practice E739. data acquisition equipment used.
14.1.13 Number of cycles to failure, peak test control
14. Report parameter, valley test control parameter, load or strain ratio,
14.1 The report shall include the following: specimen condition during testing leading to failure (such as
14.1.1 The revision level or date of issue of this test method edge delamination), and mode of failure for each specimen.
and any variations to this test method, anomalies noticed 14.1.14 If a failure criterion other than fracture of the
during testing, or equipment problems occurring during testing. specimen is used (that is loss in stiffness or residual strength,
14.1.2 The date(s) and location(s) of the test and the names excessive creep, matrix crazing delamination, and so forth) it
of the test operator(s). should be noted.
14.1.3 Identification of the material tested including: mate- 14.1.15 Tensile strength of control specimens for Procedure
rial specification, material type, material designation, and form A or strain to failure for Procedure B; average value, standard
or weave. deviation, and coefficient of variation.
14.1.4 Description of the fabrication including: cure cycle 14.2 Reporting of following items is recommended:
and consolidation method. 14.2.1 Identification of the material tested including: manu-
14.1.5 Average ply thickness of the material. facturer; manufacturer’s lot or batch number; source (if not
14.1.6 Results of any non-destructive evaluation tests. from manufacturer); date of certification; expiration of certifi-
14.1.7 Method of preparing the test specimen including: cation; filament diameter; tow or yarn filament count and twist;
specimen labeling scheme and method; specimen geometry; sizing; fiber areal weight; matrix type; prepreg matrix content;
sampling method; coupon cutting method; identification of tab and prepreg volatiles content.
geometry; tab material; and tab adhesive used. 14.2.2 Description of the fabrication steps used to prepare
14.1.8 Description of test equipment including: test ma- the laminate including: fabrication start date; fabrication end
chine; grips; jaws; grip pressure; alignment results; data date; process specification; and description of the equipment
acquisition sampling rate and equipment type; calibration dates used.
and methods for all measurement and test equipment. 14.2.3 Description of laminate physical properties: density;
14.1.9 Description of specimens including: number of volume percent reinforcement; and void content. Also report
specimens tested; dimensions of each specimen; stacking test methods, specimen sampling method, test parameters, and
sequence of the laminate; and the mean specimen thickness. test results.
14.1.10 Description of environmental conditions including:
relative humidity and temperature of the testing laboratory and, 15. Precision and Bias
if used, of the test machine environmental chamber. 15.1 Precision—The data required for the development of a
14.1.11 Description of the loading including: test control precision statement is not available for this test method.
parameter; frequency; wave form; average number of fatigue
15.2 Bias—Bias cannot be determined for this test method
loading transition cycles; and instances in which the loading
as no acceptable reference standard exists.
was not within 2 % of the desired peak and valley values.
16. Keywords
7
Talreja, R., “Estimation of Weibull Parameters for Composite Material Strength
and Fatigue Life Data,” Fatigue of Fibrous Composite Materials, ASTM STP 723, 16.1 composite materials; fatigue; polymer matrix compos-
American Society for Testing Materials, 1981, pp. 291–311. ites; properties

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