ASTM International is developing a groundbreaking standard (WK93387) to enhance testing and certification of composite structures across aerospace, automotive, marine, and civil engineering sectors.

ASTM International s Committee on Composite Materials (D30), through its structural test methods subcommittee (D30.05), is developing a new standard aimed at refining the way composite structures are tested under flexural loads. The proposed practice, WK93387, outlines procedures to adapt the existing D7264/D7264M flexure test method for use with specimens containing open and filled holes, a critical step toward improving structural reliability in real-world applications.

According to ASTM member Adam J. Sawicki, the new standard is designed to work in tandem with WK93388, supporting the generation of flexural strength data for notched composite laminates. This data will be instrumental in supplementing existing standards like D5766/D5766M (open-hole tension), D6484/D6484M (open-hole compression), and D6742/D6742M (filled-hole tension and compression).

These flexure tests are particularly valuable because they typically show higher surface strains at failure compared to in-plane tests, said Sawicki. That higher strain capability offers key insights for designing weight-efficient, high-performance structures.

The development of WK93387 underscores ASTM s commitment to advancing test methods that better simulate real-world structural conditions, especially in industries where damage tolerance and material optimization are critical.

Source: www.astm.org