Scope:

Core Shear ASTM C273 test method determines the core shear properties of sandwich building material with the help of loading plates attached to the outer surfaces or face sheets.  It includes determining shear strength parallel to the plane of the sandwich, as well as shear modulus consistent with strains in a plane normal to the facings. ASTM C273 is applicable both for continuous bonding surfaces (such as foams) and discontinuous bonding surfaces (such as honeycomb).

Test Procedure:

ASTM C273 test requires a Universal Test Machine. The bonded loading plates are either pulled to create tension or pushed to compress, on a testing machine, to shear the material within 3 to 6 minutes. The values generated are then recorded.

Specimen size:

The test samples, used in Shear test (Core) Tension or Compression as per ASTM C273, are usually 2 inches wide and up to 1 inch thick.

Data:

These values are reported as a result.

Ultimate core shear strength
2% offset shear stress
Engineering shear strain
Core shear modulus
Failure type

Conclusion: 

ASTM C273 is a testing specification that determines the shear properties of sandwich construction core material associated with shear distortion of planes parallel to the facings.