ASTM D3552-24

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is designed to produce tensile property data for material specifications, research and development, quality assurance, and structural design and analysis. Factors that influence the tensile response and should be reported include the following: material, methods of material preparation and lay-up, specimen stacking sequence, specimen preparation, specimen conditioning, environment of testing, specimen alignment and gripping, speed of testing, time at temperature, and volume percent reinforcement. Properties, in the test direction, which may be obtained from this test method include the following:  
5.1.1 Ultimate tensile strength,  
5.1.2 Ultimate tensile strain,  
5.1.3 Tensile modulus of elasticity, and  
5.1.4 Poissons ratio.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile properties of metal matrix composites reinforced by continuous and discontinuous high-modulus fibers. Nontraditional metal matrix composites as stated in 1.1.6 also are covered in this test method. This test method applies to specimens loaded in a uniaxial manner tested in laboratory air at either room temperature or elevated temperatures. The types of metal matrix composites covered are:  
1.1.1 Unidirectional laminates (all fibers aligned in a single direction) containing either continuous or discontinuous reinforcing fibers. Both longitudinal and transverse properties may be obtained.  
1.1.2 0°/90° balanced crossply laminates containing either continuous or discontinuous reinforcing fibers.  
1.1.3 Angleply laminates containing continuous reinforcing fibers, with layups that do not include 0° reinforcing fibers (that is, (±45)ns, (±30)ns, and so forth).  
1.1.4 Multidirectional laminates containing continuous reinforcing fibers, with layups including 0° reinforcing fibers (that is, (0/±45/90)ns quasi-isotropic laminates, (0/±30)ns laminates, and so forth).  
1.1.5 Laminates containing unoriented and random discontinuous fibers.  
1.1.6 Directionally solidified eutectic composites.  
1.2 The technical content of this standard has been stable since 1996 without significant objection from its stakeholders. As there is limited technical support for the maintenance of this standard, changes since that date have been limited to items required to retain consistency with other ASTM D30 Committee standards. The standard therefore should not be considered to include any significant changes in approach and practice since 1996. Future maintenance of the standard will only be in response to specific requests and performed only as technical support allows.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2024
• ICS: 83.100 - Cellular materials
• ICS: 83.120 - Reinforced plastics
• Technical Committee: D30 - Composite Materials
• Drafting Committee: D30.04 - Lamina and Laminate Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3552-17 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022) - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Referred By: ASTM B976-21 - Standard Specification for Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite (AMC) Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors Aluminum Matrix Composite Reinforced (ACAMCR) (formerly known as ACCR)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024

Overview

ASTM D3552-24 specifies the standard test method for determining the tensile properties of fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs). Issued by ASTM International, this method supports the accurate measurement of key mechanical properties under uniaxial tensile loading-both at room and elevated temperatures-in laboratory air. The standard applies to a broad range of MMC configurations, including continuous and discontinuous high-modulus fiber reinforcements, unidirectional and multidirectional laminates, angleply, crossply, and directionally solidified eutectic composites.

The principal value of this test method is to generate reliable data on tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, strain at fracture, and Poisson’s ratio, all of which are fundamental for material specifications, research and development, quality control, and structural design.

Key Topics

• Material Scope: The method covers fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites with varying fiber orientations and types:

  • Unidirectional laminates
  • 0°/90° balanced crossply laminates
  • Angleply and multidirectional laminates (e.g., (±45)ns, (0/±45/90)ns)
  • Laminates with unoriented/random discontinuous fibers
  • Directionally solidified eutectic composites

• Tensile Properties Measured:

  • Ultimate tensile strength
  • Ultimate tensile strain
  • Tensile modulus of elasticity
  • Poisson’s ratio

• Test Conditions:

  • Specimens are subjected to monotonic uniaxial tension until failure
  • Testing may occur at room or elevated temperatures, with precise temperature control and uniformity
  • Measurement devices (micrometers, calipers, extensometers/strain gages) require certified calibration

• Results and Data Reporting:

  • Complete material identification and fabrication details
  • Specimen geometry and preparation methods
  • Detailed test procedures, data acquisition, test results (including stress-strain curves), and statistical analysis
  • Failure mode and location documentation

• Precision and Reliability:

  • Standard outlines the critical importance of specimen preparation, system alignment, gripping, and test method adherence to minimize data scatter
  • Test method precision validated through interlaboratory studies

Applications

ASTM D3552-24 provides a uniform and reproducible approach for evaluating the tensile properties of fiber-reinforced MMCs in various practical contexts:

• Material Qualification and Specification: Producers and purchasers use test data from this method to verify compliance with manufacturing specifications.
• Research and Development: Academia and industry researchers employ this standard to compare new composite formulations and understand mechanical behavior under load.
• Quality Assurance: Manufacturers use tensile test data to monitor consistency and performance of MMC products.
• Design and Structural Analysis: Engineers apply measured tensile properties in optimizing structural designs where MMCs are used, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and advanced engineering sectors.

Related Standards

For comprehensive composite material testing and terminology, ASTM D3552-24 references several related standards, including:

• ASTM D3878: Terminology for Composite Materials
• ASTM E4: Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
• ASTM E8/E8M: Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• ASTM E83: Practice for Verification and Classification of Extensometer Systems
• ASTM E1012: Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Specimen Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial Force Application

These referenced documents ensure testing consistency and support broader MMC materials characterization and quality management.

---

Keywords: ASTM D3552-24, tensile properties, fiber reinforced metal matrix composites, MMC tensile testing, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, composite material test method, ASTM composites standards, uniaxial tensile test, mechanical properties of composites, quality assurance in composites.

Standards Content (Sample)

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: D3552 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Tensile Properties of Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix
Composites
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3552; 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 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile
information purposes only.
properties of metal matrix composites reinforced by continuous
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and discontinuous high-modulus fibers. Nontraditional metal
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
matrix composites as stated in 1.1.6 also are covered in this test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
method. This test method applies to specimens loaded in a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
uniaxial manner tested in laboratory air at either room tem-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
perature or elevated temperatures. The types of metal matrix
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
composites covered are:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1.1 Unidirectional laminates (all fibers aligned in a single
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
direction) containing either continuous or discontinuous rein-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
forcing fibers. Both longitudinal and transverse properties may
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
be obtained.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1.2 0°/90° balanced crossply laminates containing either
continuous or discontinuous reinforcing fibers.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1.3 Angleply laminates containing continuous reinforcing
fibers, with layups that do not include 0° reinforcing fibers (that 2.1 ASTM Standards:
is, (645) , (630) , and so forth).
D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials
ns ns
1.1.4 Multidirectional laminates containing continuous re- E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test-
inforcing fibers, with layups including 0° reinforcing fibers
ing Machines
(that is, (0/645/90) quasi-isotropic laminates, (0/630)
E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
ns ns
laminates, and so forth).
[Metric] E0008_E0008M
1.1.5 Laminates containing unoriented and random discon-
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
tinuous fibers.
someter Systems
1.1.6 Directionally solidified eutectic composites.
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods
1.2 The technical content of this standard has been stable
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
since 1996 without significant objection from its stakeholders.
E1012 Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Speci-
As there is limited technical support for the maintenance of this
men Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial
standard, changes since that date have been limited to items
Force Application
required to retain consistency with other ASTM D30 Commit-
tee standards. The standard therefore should not be considered
3. Terminology
to include any significant changes in approach and practice
3.1 Definitions—Terminology D3878 defines terms relating
since 1996. Future maintenance of the standard will only be in
to high-modulus fibers and their composites. Terminology E6
response to specific requests and performed only as technical
defines terms relating to mechanical testing. Terminology E456
support allows.
and Practice E177 define terms relating to statistics. In the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D30 on
Composite Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.04 on
Lamina and Laminate Test Methods. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 15, 2024. Published April 2024. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D3552 – 17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D3552-24. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3552 − 24
event of a conflict between terms, Terminology D3878 shall 7. Apparatus
have precedence over the other standards.
7.1 Micrometers and Calipers—A micrometer with a 4 mm
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
to 8 mm [0.16 in. to 0.28 in.] nominal diameter ball-interface
3.2.1 continuous fiber, n—a polycrystalline or amorphous
or a flat anvil interface shall be used to measure the specimen
fiber that is continuous within the sample or component or that
thickness. A ball interface is recommended for thickness
has ends outside of the stress fields under consideration.
measurements when at least one surface is irregular (for
example, a coarse surface which is neither smooth nor flat). A
4. Summary of Test Method
micrometer or caliper with a flat anvil interface shall be used
4.1 A tension specimen is mounted in the grips of a
for measuring length, width, diameter, and other machined
mechanical testing machine and monotonically loaded, in
surface dimensions. The use of alternative measurement de-
tension, at a constant loading rate until specimen failure occurs.
vices is permitted if specified (or agreed to) by the test
The ultimate strength of the material can be determined from
requestor and reported by the testing laboratory. The accuracy
the maximum force carried before failure. If the coupon strain
of the instrument(s) shall be suitable for reading to within 1 %
is monitored with strain or displacement transducers, then the
of the specimen dimensions. For typical specimen geometries,
stress-strain response of the material can be determined, from
an instrument with an accuracy of 60.0025 mm (60.0001 in.)
which the ultimate tensile strain, proportional limit, and tensile
is adequate for thickness measurement, while an instrument
modulus of elasticity can be derived.
with an accuracy of 60.025 mm (60.001 in.) is adequate for
measurement of length, width, diameter, and other machined
5. Significance and Use
surface dimensions.
5.1 This test method is designed to produce tensile property
7.2 Testing Machine, comprised of the following:
data for material specifications, research and development,
7.2.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary
quality assurance, and structural design and analysis. Factors
member carrying one grip.
that influence the tensile response and should be reported
7.2.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a
include the following: material, methods of material prepara-
second grip.
tion and lay-up, specimen stacking sequence, specimen
7.2.3 Loading Mechanism—A loading mechanism for im-
preparation, specimen conditioning, environment of testing,
parting to the movable member a controlled velocity with
specimen alignment and gripping, speed of testing, time at
respect to the stationary member, this velocity to be regulated
temperature, and volume percent reinforcement. Properties, in
as specified in Section 11.
the test direction, which may be obtained from this test method
7.2.4 Force Indicator—A suitable force-indicating mecha-
include the following:
nism capable of showing the total force carried by the test
5.1.1 Ultimate tensile strength,
specimen. This mechanism shall be essentially free of inertia
5.1.2 Ultimate tensile strain,
lag at the specified rate of testing and shall indicate the force
5.1.3 Tensile modulus of elasticity, and
with an accuracy of 61 % of the indicated value, or better. The
5.1.4 Poissons ratio.
accuracy of the testing machine shall be verified in accordance
6. Interferences
with Practice E4. Further, the calibrated force range used for a
particular test shall be chosen to ensure the anticipated maxi-
6.1 Tension test data are used as the principal criteria for the
mum forces are between 20 % to 80 % of the calibrated force
engineering design in actual structural applications. Therefore,
range. This is to ensure a linear calibrated force response and
it is important to define test conditions that will produce
protect the force indicator from overload conditions.
realistic tensile properties, including statistical variation. Such
7.2.5 Grips:
data will allow the design engineer to determine the most
appropriate and meaningful margin of safety. The following 7.2.5.1 General—Grip designs shall be suited to the speci-
mens being tested. The grip designs described in Test Methods
test method issues will cause significant data scatter:
6.1.1 Material and Specimen Preparation—Poor material E8 shall be applicable but should be sized according to the
specimen dimensions.
fabrication practices, lack of control of fiber alignment, and
damage induced by improper coupon machining are known 7.2.5.2 Grips for Round Specimen—The grips for round
specimens shall be standard threaded grips or split-shoulder
causes of high material data scatter in composites.
6.1.2 Gripping—A high percentage of grip-induced failures, grips with shoulder surfaces designed to mate with correspond-
especially when combined with high material data scatter, is an ing specimens described in Section 8. The grips shall be
indicator of specimen gripping problems. self-aligning.
6.1.3 System Alignment—Excessive bending will cause pre- 7.2.5.3 Grips for Flat Specimens—The grips shall be
mature failure, as well as highly inaccurate modulus of wedge-type grips or lateral pressure grips with serrated or
elasticity determination. Every effort should be made to elimi- knurled surfaces for contact with the specimen. The grips shall
nate excess bending from the test system. Bending may occur be self-aligning; that is, they shall be attached to their respec-
as a result of misaligned grips or from specimens themselves if tive fixed and movable members in such a manner that when
improperly installed in the grips or out of tolerance as a result any force is applied, the grips will place the axis of a correctly
of poor specimen preparation. If there is any doubt as to the mounted specimen in coincidence with the applied force
alignment inherent in a given test machine, then the alignment direction such that no significant moment is placed on the
should be checked. specimen test section, either in the thickness or width direction.
D3552 − 24
The lateral pressure that is imposed by the wedge-type grips or surfaces. Edges should be flat and parallel within the specified
applied by the lateral pressure grips shall be sufficient to tolerances. Grinding must be conducted with adequate precau-
prevent slippage between the grip face and the specimen tab tions to minimize damaging vibrations. In the EDM method,
surface without causing excessive lateral compressive damage the sample must be suitably mounted for good electrical
to the specimen. If the serrations are too coarse, emery cloth or contact to prevent extraneous arcing and specimen damage.
similar materials may be used to distribute the gripping force Surface finishing may be accomplished chemically by slight
more uniformly over a larger area of the specimen tab. The matrix etching or manually by light sanding or filing.
serrations shall be maintained clean and care shall be taken to
8.1.3 Specimen Cross Section—The cross section of the
maintain specimen alignment during installation.
specimen shall be uniform over the gage length. A slight,
7.2.5.4 Grip Alignment—To ensure a uniform axial tensile
gradual taper can be tolerated, provided that the minimum
stress state within the specimen test section, the following grip
section is at the mid length of the gage length and symmetrical
alignment criteria shall be maintained. Test systems shall be
with respect to its centerline. In round specimens, the taper
aligned according to Test Methods E1012. The alignment
shall be limited to a 0.5 % difference in the diameter between
specimen shall be aligned such that the maximum percent
the mid length and the ends of the gage length. In flat
bending throughout the test section, determined at an applied
specimens, the taper shall not exceed 1 % in the width of the
average strain of 500 με, shall not exceed 10 %, and the
test section. The thickness shall not be tapered. To be statisti-
maximum measured strain from any of the strain gages on the
cally representative of the material, a minimum of 200 con-
alignment specimen, as a result of gripping stresses at zero
tinuous filaments, chopped fibers, or both, is suggested in
applied force, shall not exceed 50 με.
composites that are oriented in the direction of the force.
7.2.6 Strain—Strain should be determined by means of
8.2 Flat Specimens—The standard dimensions of flat speci-
either strain gages or an extensometer.
mens are shown in Fig. 1 and are discussed in subsequent
7.2.6.1 Strain Gages—The strain gage should be not less
sections in terms of the volume fraction and placement
than 3 mm in length for the longitudinal direction and not less
geometry of the reinforcement.
than 1.5 mm in length for the transverse direction. The gages,
8.2.1 Unidirectional and Crossply Laminate Composites:
surface preparation, and bonding agents should be chosen to
8.2.1.1 Longitudinal Specimens—The test specimens for
provide for adequate performance on the subject materials and
unidirectional and crossply laminate composites tested in the
suitable strain-recording equipment shall be used.
axial direction are shown in Fig. 1, Design A, B, C, D, and E.
7.2.6.2 Extensometers—Extensometers used for composite
If necessary, to transition the force into the specimen, or to
specimen shall satisfy Practice E83, Class B-1 requirements
prevent gripping damage to the filaments near the surface, tabs
can be used in place of strain gages for 25-mm (1-in.) gage
can be bonded onto the specimen gripping section. The tab
length specimens or exclusively for high-temperature tests
length shall be long enough to provide a shear area, 2W L at
T T
beyond the range of strain gage applications. Extensometers
each end of the specimen, which is large enough to transfer the
shall be calibrated periodically in accordance with Method
maximum force to the specimen. For all but the shortest
E83.
specimen length, the radius of the curvature of the shoulder
8. Test Specimens
should be at least 25 mm (1 in.), and if practical, the edge of
the shoulder should be a straight line joining the arc segment
8.1 General:
and the corner of the tab section. The recommended standard
8.1.1 Test Specimen Size—Within the limitations of material
designs for axial specimens of unidirectional and crossply
availability and economy, the specimens shall be sized large
laminate composites are Designs A and B. Designs C, D, and
enough to be statistically representative of the material to
E are considered standard designs when composite material
provide meaningful data and, where possible, large enough to
size limitations are encountered. As stated in Note 1, for
affix strain gages or extensometers. Gage lengths incorporating
size-limited panels or blanks used in materials development
deformation-measuring devices shall be at least 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.)
studies, a nonstandard subscaled specimen (Design F) may be
in length.
used. Further size limitations (for example, whisker-reinforced
NOTE 1—Nonstandard subscaled specimen geometries are supplied for
composite blanks) will require small specimens, and a standard
applications in which material size limitations preclude a 13-mm ( ⁄2-in.)
design is not offered here. Any deviation of specimen geometry
gage length. These geometries are useful in material development studies
from the listed standards or the use of Design F (or any other
but are not considered as a standard. Test data from these nonstandard
specimens shall be evaluated and reported separately in light of their size nonstandard small specimen design) shall be noted in the data
limitation.
summary.
8.1.2 Specimen Preparation—Mechanical property determi- 8.2.1.2 Transverse Specimens—Transverse strengths of uni-
nations of metal matrix composite specimens are particularly directional composites are low, and larger widths are required
sensitive to the effects of improper specimen preparation to obtain representative and reproducible data. Specimens for
methods. Great care should be exercised, especially in machin- such data shall use either Design A or F. However, Design A is
ing or trimming. Diamond grinding, water jet cutting, or the preferred specimen geometry for transverse specimens.
electrical discharge machining (EDM) shall be used. Obtain Where the length of available composite material direction
final dimensions by water-lubricated precision diamond grind- does not permit a 76-mm (3-in.) specimen (Design G), the gage
ing. The depth of diamond grinding required should be section may be reduced to a 13-mm (0.5-in.) length. In such
determined through careful examination of the as-machined cases, the active region of a strain gage, when used, must be
D3552 − 24
A B
Design L L L L W R W (minimum)
T 1 G G T
Unidirectional and Crossply Laminate Standard Specimen Geometries
A (reduced section) 152 32 31 26 10 368 13
B (straight sided) 152 32 . 88 10 . 10
C (reduced section) 127 25 25 25 10 25 see Note 1
D (straight sided) 127 25 . 76 13 . 13
E (straig
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3552 − 17 D3552 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Tensile Properties of Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix
Composites
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3552; 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
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile properties of metal matrix composites reinforced by continuous and
discontinuous high-modulus fibers. Nontraditional metal matrix composites as stated in 1.1.6 also are covered in this test method.
This test method applies to specimens loaded in a uniaxial manner tested in laboratory air at either room temperature or elevated
temperatures. The types of metal matrix composites covered are:
1.1.1 Unidirectional—Any fiber-reinforced composite with all Unidirectional laminates (all fibers aligned in a single direction.
Continuous direction) containing either continuous or discontinuous reinforcing fibers, fibers. Both longitudinal and transverse
properties.properties may be obtained.
1.1.2 0°/90° Balanced Crossply—A laminate composed of only 0 and 90° plies. This is not necessarily symmetric, continuous,
0°/90° balanced crossply laminates containing either continuous or discontinuous reinforcing fibers.
1.1.3 Angleply Laminate—Any balanced laminate consisting of 6 theta plies where theta is an acute angle with respect to a
reference direction. Continuous reinforcing fibers without Angleply laminates containing continuous reinforcing fibers, with layups
that do not include 0° reinforcing fibers (that is, (645)ns,(645) (630)ns,, (630) , and so forth).
ns ns
1.1.4 Quasi-Isotropic Laminate—A balanced and symmetric laminate for which a constitutive property of interest, at a given point,
displays isotropic behavior in the plane of the laminate. Continuous reinforcing fibers with Multidirectional laminates containing
continuous reinforcing fibers, with layups including 0° reinforcing fibers (that is, (0/645/90)s,(0/645/90) (0/630)s, quasi-
ns
isotropic laminates, (0/630) laminates, and so forth).
ns
1.1.5 Unoriented and Random Discontinuous Fibers. Laminates containing unoriented and random discontinuous fibers.
1.1.6 Directionally Solidified Eutectic Composites. Directionally solidified eutectic composites.
1.2 The technical content of this standard has been stable since 1996 without significant objection from its stakeholders. As there
is limited technical support for the maintenance of this standard, changes since that date have been limited to items required to
retain consistency with other ASTM D30 Committee standards. The standard therefore should not be considered to include any
significant changes in approach and practice since 1996. Future maintenance of the standard will only be in response to specific
requests and performed only as technical support allows.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D30 on Composite Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.04 on Lamina and
Laminate Test Methods.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2017April 15, 2024. Published October 2017April 2024. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as
D3552D3552 – 17. –12. DOI: 10.1520/D3552-17.10.1520/D3552-24.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3552 − 24
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information
purposes only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials [Metric] E0008_E0008M
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Extensometer Systems
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E1012 Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Specimen Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial Force
Application
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology D3878 defines terms relating to high-modulus fibers and their composites. Terminology E6
defines terms relating to mechanical testing. Terminology E456 and Practice E177 define terms relating to statistics. In the event
of a conflict between terms, Terminology D3878 shall have precedence over the other standards.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 continuous fiber, n—a polycrystalline or amorphous fiber that is continuous within the sample or component or that has ends
outside of the stress fields under consideration.
3.2.2 discontinuous fiber, n—a polycrystalline or amorphous fiber that is discontinuous within the sample or component or that has
its ends inside the stress fields under consideration.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A tension specimen is mounted in the grips of a mechanical testing machine and monotonically loaded, in tension, at a constant
loading rate until specimen failure occurs. The ultimate strength of the material can be determined from the maximum force carried
before failure. If the coupon strain is monitored with strain or displacement transducers, then the stress-strain response of the
material can be determined, from which the ultimate tensile strain, proportional limit, and tensile modulus of elasticity can be
derived.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is designed to produce tensile property data for material specifications, research and development, quality
assurance, and structural design and analysis. Factors that influence the tensile response and should be reported include the
following: material, methods of material preparation and lay-up, specimen stacking sequence, specimen preparation, specimen
conditioning, environment of testing, specimen alignment and gripping, speed of testing, time at temperature, and volume percent
reinforcement. Properties, in the test direction, which may be obtained from this test method include the following:
5.1.1 Ultimate tensile strength,
5.1.2 Ultimate tensile strain,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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5.1.3 Tensile modulus of elasticity, and
5.1.4 Poissons ratio.
6. Interferences
6.1 Tension test data are used as the principal criteria for the engineering design in actual structural applications. Therefore, it is
important to define test conditions that will produce realistic tensile properties, including statistical variation. Such data will allow
the design engineer to determine the most appropriate and meaningful margin of safety. The following test method issues will cause
significant data scatter:
6.1.1 Material and Specimen Preparation—Poor material fabrication practices, lack of control of fiber alignment, and damage
induced by improper coupon machining are known causes of high material data scatter in composites.
6.1.2 Gripping—A high percentage of grip-induced failures, especially when combined with high material data scatter, is an
indicator of specimen gripping problems.
6.1.3 System Alignment—Excessive bending will cause premature failure, as well as highly inaccurate modulus of elasticity
determination. Every effort should be made to eliminate excess bending from the test system. Bending may occur as a result of
misaligned grips or from specimens themselves if improperly installed in the grips or out of tolerance as a result of poor specimen
preparation. If there is any doubt as to the alignment inherent in a given test machine, then the alignment should be checked.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Micrometers and Calipers—A micrometer with a 4 to 7 mm [0.16 to 0.28 in.] 4 mm to 8 mm [0.16 in. to 0.28 in.] nominal
diameter ball-interface or a flat anvil interface shall be used to measure the specimen thickness. A ball interface is recommended
for thickness measurements when at least one surface is irregular (e.g. a course(for example, a coarse surface which is neither
smooth nor flat). A micrometer or caliper with a flat anvil interface shall be used for measuring length, width, diameter, and other
machined surface dimensions. The use of alternative measurement devices is permitted if specified (or agreed to) by the test
requestor and reported by the testing laboratory. The accuracy of the instrument(s) shall be suitable for reading to within 1 % of
the specimen dimensions. For typical specimen geometries, an instrument with an accuracy of 60.0025 mm (60.0001 in.)
60.0025 mm (60.0001 in.) is adequate for thickness measurement, while an instrument with an accuracy of 60.025 mm (60.001
in.) 60.025 mm (60.001 in.) is adequate for measurement of length, width, diameter, and other machined surface dimensions.
7.2 Testing Machine, comprised of the following:
7.2.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary member carrying one grip.
7.2.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a second grip.
7.2.3 Loading Mechanism—A loading mechanism for imparting to the movable member a controlled velocity with respect to the
stationary member, this velocity to be regulated as specified in Section 11.
7.2.4 Force Indicator—A suitable force-indicating mechanism capable of showing the total force carried by the test specimen. This
mechanism shall be essentially free of inertia lag at the specified rate of testing and shall indicate the force with an accuracy of
61 % of the indicated value, or better. The accuracy of the testing machine shall be verified in accordance with Practice E4.
Further, the calibrated force range used for a particular test shall be chosen to ensure the anticipated maximum forces are between
2020 % to 80 % of the calibrated force range. This is to ensure a linear calibrated force response and protect the force indicator
from overload conditions.
7.2.5 Grips:
7.2.5.1 General—Grip designs shall be suited to the specimens being tested. The grip designs described in Test Methods E8 shall
be applicable but should be sized according to the specimen dimensions.
7.2.5.2 Grips for Round Specimen—The grips for round specimens shall be standard threaded grips or split-shoulder grips with
shoulder surfaces designed to mate with corresponding specimens described in Section 8. The grips shall be self-aligning.
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7.2.5.3 Grips for Flat Specimens—The grips shall be wedge-type grips or lateral pressure grips with serrated or knurled surfaces
for contact with the specimen. The grips shall be self-aligning; that is, they shall be attached to their respective fixed and movable
members in such a manner that when any force is applied, the grips will place the axis of a correctly mounted specimen in
coincidence with the applied force direction such that no significant moment is placed on the specimen test section, either in the
thickness or width direction. The lateral pressure that is imposed by the wedge-type grips or applied by the lateral pressure grips
shall be sufficient to prevent slippage between the grip face and the specimen tab surface without causing excessive lateral
compressive damage to the specimen. If the serrations are too coarse, emery cloth or similar materials may be used to distribute
the gripping force more uniformly over a larger area of the specimen tab. The serrations shall be maintained clean and care shall
be taken to maintain specimen alignment during installation.
7.2.5.4 Grip Alignment—To ensure a uniform axial tensile stress state within the specimen test section, the following grip
alignment criteria shall be maintained. Test systems shall be aligned according to Test Methods E1012. The alignment specimen
shall be aligned such that the maximum percent bending throughout the test section, determined at an applied average strain of
500 με, 500 με, shall not exceed 10 %, and the maximum measured strain from any of the strain gages on the alignment specimen,
as a result of gripping stresses at zero applied force, shall not exceed 50 με.50 με.
7.2.6 Strain—Strain should be determined by means of either strain gages or an extensometer.
7.2.6.1 Strain Gages—The strain gage should be not less than 3 mm 3 mm in length for the longitudinal direction and not less
than 1.5 mm 1.5 mm in length for the transverse direction. The gages, surface preparation, and bonding agents should be chosen
to provide for adequate performance on the subject materials and suitable strain-recording equipment shall be used.
7.2.6.2 Extensometers—Extensometers used for composite specimen shall satisfy Practice E83, Class B-1 requirements can be
used in place of strain gages for 25-mm (1-in.) gage length specimens or exclusively for high-temperature tests beyond the range
of strain gage applications. Extensometers shall be calibrated periodically in accordance with Method E83.
8. Test Specimens
8.1 General:
8.1.1 Test Specimen Size—Within the limitations of material availability and economy, the specimens shall be sized large enough
to be statistically representative of the material to provide meaningful data and, where possible, large enough to affix strain gages
or extensometers. Gage lengths incorporating deformation-measuring devices shall be at least 13 mm 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.) in.) in length.
NOTE 1—Nonstandard subscaled specimen geometries are supplied for applications in which material size limitations preclude a 13-mm ( ⁄2-in.) gage
length. These geometries are useful in material development studies but are not considered as a standard. Test data from these nonstandard specimens
shall be evaluated and reported separately in light of their size limitation.
8.1.2 Specimen Preparation—Mechanical property determinations of metal matrix composite specimens are particularly sensitive
to the effects of improper specimen preparation methods. Great care should be exercised, especially in machining or trimming.
Diamond grinding, water jet cutting, or electrical discharge machining (EDM) shall be used. Obtain final dimensions by
water-lubricated precision diamond grinding. The depth of diamond grinding required should be determined through careful
examination of the as-machined surfaces. Edges should be flat and parallel within the specified tolerances. Grinding must be
conducted with adequate precautions to minimize damaging vibrations. In the EDM method, the sample must be suitably mounted
for good electrical contact to prevent extraneous arcing and specimen damage. Surface finishing may be accomplished chemically
by slight matrix etching or manually by light sanding or filing.
8.1.3 Specimen Cross Section—The cross section of the specimen shall be uniform over the gage length. A slight, gradual taper
can be tolerated, provided that the minimum section is at the mid length of the gage length and symmetrical with respect to its
centerline. In round specimens, the taper shall be limited to a 0.5 % difference in the diameter between the mid length and the ends
of the gage length. In flat specimens, the taper shall not exceed 1 % in the width of the test section. The thickness shall not be
tapered. To be statistically representative of the material, a minimum of 200 continuous filaments, chopped fibers, or both, is
suggested in composites that are oriented in the direction of the force.
8.2 Flat Specimens—The standard dimensions of flat specimens are shown in Fig. 1 and are discussed in subsequent sections in
terms of the volume fraction and placement geometry of the reinforcement.
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A B
Design L L L L W R W (minimum)
T 1 G G T
Unidirectional and Crossply Laminate Standard Specimen Geometries
A (reduced section) 152 32 31 26 10 368 13
B (straight sided) 152 32 . 88 10 . 10
C (reduced section) 127 25 25 25 10 25 see Note 1
D (straight sided) 127 25 . 76 13 . 13
E (straight sided) 127 25 . 51 10 . 10
Nonstandard Subscale Specimen Geometries
F (reduced section) 76 19 6 25 6 13 see Note 1
G (straight sided) 76 25 . 25 13 . 13
Angleply and Quasi-Isotropic Laminate Standard Specimen Geometries (Note 2)
Angleply and Multidirectional Laminate Standard Specimen Geometries (Note 2)
H (reduced section) (±45)ns and (0/±45/90)s 152 32 31 26 15 368 18
H (reduced section) (±45) and (0/±45/90) 152 32 31 26 15 368 18
ns s
I (reduced section) (±30)ns and (0/±30)s 152 32 31 26 14 368 17
I (reduced section) (±30) and (0/±30) 152 32 31 26 14 368 17
ns s
J (straight sided) (±45)ns and (0/±45/90)s 152 32 . 88 15 . 15
J (straight sided) (±45) and (0/±45/90) 152 32 . 88 15 . 15
ns s
K (straight sided) (±30)ns and (0/±30)s 152 32 . 88 14 . 14
K (straight sided) (±30) and (0/±30) 152 32 . 88 14 . 14
ns s
A
May be increased if value indicated in table is insufficient.
B
T = Specimen thickness, not altered.
NOTE 1—For Specimens C and F, W = W + 2T. Taper of the tab is desirable.
T G
NOTE 2—For angleply and quasi-isotropicmultidirectional laminate specimens with different ply orientations, W = tanθ(L ).
Gmax G
FIG. 1 Flat Tension Specimen Design (Dimensions in mm)
8.2.1 Unidirectional and Crossply Laminate Composites:
8.2.1.1 Longitudinal Specimens—The test specimens for unidirectional and crossply laminate composites tested in the axial
direction are shown in Fig. 1, Design A, B, C, D, and E. If necessary, to transition the force into the specimen, or to prevent
gripping damage to the filaments near the surface, tabs can be bonded onto the specimen gripping section. The tab length shall be
long enough to provide a shear area, 2W L at each end of the specimen, which is large enough to transfer the max
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