Scope:

ASTM D6264-17 test method is used to filter materials for damage resistance, or to damage a specimen for subsequent damage tolerance testing, for instance, the indented plate can be subsequently tested per Test Method D7137 to measure residual strength properties. This test is applicable for continuous-fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. The damage resistance properties of the material are highly dependent upon several factors, including specimen geometry, layup, indenter geometry, force, and boundary conditions. Therefore, the results are specific to the combination of geometric and physical conditions tested.

Test Procedure:

A test specimen is mounted on the test fixture. A hemispherical indenter goes down and applies pressure on the specimen until it damages the specimen. The size and the type of damage are used to calculate damage resistance. In ASTM D6264-17 test method, damage resistance can be determined by two different configurations: test specimen supported over a circular opening and test specimen that is rigidly backed. 

Specimen Size: 

At least five specimens are tested per test condition unless valid results can be gained through the use of fewer specimens, as in the case of a designed experiment.

Data:

The following information is reported: 

Energy: The energy at any indenter displacement, δ, calculated from the contact force versus indenter displacement curve. 

Absorbed Energy: The energy absorbed during a complete loading cycle.

Statistics: the average value, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for each property determined.