The ASTM D3039 testing methodology is a great choice for polymer matrix composite tensile testing because of its

usability across a wide range of industries.

In fact, ASTM D3039 is called out by CMH17, formerly MIL-HBK-17, for determination of design allowable values
for tensile strength, modulus and Poisson’s ratio.

Additionally, ASTM D3039 is used as a quality control tool for composite fiber overwrap applications. In these
applications, composite overwraps are applied and cured on site to concrete columns for seismic reinforcement.
Composite tensile testing provides evidence that the material has been laid up and cured per manufacturers’ instructions.

A Standard Born out of Necessity

Decades ago, producers of composite materials faced a problem. When it came time to test their products for strength
and safety, the only available test methods were standards developed by and for the plastics industry. Various aerospace
firms developed their own proprietary standards to meet their needs.

To obtain tensile properties representative of the materials, and to work toward industry standardization, the ASTM D30
committee developed ASTM D3039, a consensus standard for polymer matrix composite tensile testing. Since the
1970s, this specification has grown to become the most popular composite tensile testing standard in use today. 

5 Considerations for Composite Tensile Testing per ASTM D3039

Before embarking on a testing program using the ASTM D3039 testing standard, there are a few considerations to
make, including the type of material, panel thickness, specimen machining and tabbing, and proper test controls.

1. Know your Material

The ASTM D3039 testing methodology is specific to continuous high modulus, reinforced polymer matrix composites
(that is to say, polymeric materials that contain reinforcing fibers, like carbon or aramid). Matrix materials include
epoxies, bismaleimides (BMIs), polyamides, and thermoplastics such as PEEK.

If your material is discontinuously reinforced, ASTM D638 generally is a better suited test method. Likewise, ceramic
matrix composite materials are generally tested to ASTM C1359, and metals to ASTM E8.

2. Specimen Thickness

ASTM D3039 testing specimens are usually machined from flat cured panels. Ideally, the panels should be between
0.040 inches and 0.200 inches depending on the layup. Any thicker, and the specimen may fail in shear at the gripping
area or internally prior to reaching the true tensile strength of the material. Any thinner, and the specimen will be
unnecessarily affected by environmental factors, like the surface stress along the grips.

3. Machining of Specimens

Proper machining of ASTM D3039 testing specimens is crucial to obtaining results representative of the material, with
low scatter. The specimens are rectangular with a uniform thickness cross-section. Best practice is to grind the edges of
each specimen to insure parallelism and a good surface finish. The standard requires less than 64 rms, but Element
generally obtains less than 20 rms.

While machining, it is important to be within 0.5 degrees of the fiber direction. Grinding specimens to thickness is not
appropriate due to fiber path damage.

4. Tabbing of Test Specimens

To achieve an accurate determination of composite tensile strength, the gage area must have a nearly uniform stress
distribution. The use of end tabs helps introduce the load from the grips to the specimen in a uniform way. Tabs are not
always required or even desired. With carefully aligned hydraulic grips and an appropriate gripping surface, woven
composites, 90 degree tape and +/- 45 degree layups may be tested more effectively without tabbing. Zero degree tape
lamina specimens are best tested with tapered tabs.

Regardless of the tab type utilized, the test machine grips should extend past the end of the specimen tabs.

5. Test Alignment and Control

Test machine grip alignment is also critical to obtaining accurate results with ASTM D3039 testing. Generally
hydraulically loaded grips are used. The alignment of the grips is adjusted and verified with a bar with 9 strain gages,
assuring the loading is purely tension, without bending.

Strain may be measured with a calibrated extensometer or strain gages. Modulus is most often calculated between 1000
and 6000 microstrain. Biaxial strain measurements are used to obtain Poisson’s ratio.

The entire load train may be heated or cooled in an environmental chamber so the tensile properties can be characterized
from cryogenic temperatures up to the degradation temperature of the material. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right testing methods for your materials is often just as important as the results you receive. Having a
working knowledge of the material type, end application, and your testing requirements will help ensure that you choose
the right test methods. If you are in need of polymer matrix composite tensile testing and are considering the ASTM
D3039 testing methodology, an accredited lab can help you make informed decisions, allowing you to get the most
valuable insights possible. The more you know about your materials, the better they will work for you – for years to
come.