ASTM C273 Shear Test (Core) Tension or Compression
Shear Strength and Modulus of Sandwich Cores is determined by ASTM C273 using a Universal Test Machine. Identification of compression or tension characteristics of composite materials is necessary for successful application in end use environments.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM C273 defines a standard test method for determining the in-plane shear properties of sandwich core materials using bonded face plates subjected to tension or compression loading. The technique uses a controlled, parallel load across the core to ensure pure shear stress for accurate determinations of shear strength, shear modulus, and stress-strain behavior.
This test method simulates in-service loading conditions commonly encountered by sandwich composite configurations in aerospace, automotive, marine, transportation, and construction applications. ASTM C 273 provides essential data on the contribution of core materials to the overall strength, stiffness, and durability of composite sandwich panels.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM C273 outlines procedures for characterizing the in-plane shear performance of rigid sandwich core materials under controlled tension or compression loading.
It evaluates:
- Shear strength of sandwich core materials
- Shear modulus and stiffness response
- Shear stress–strain behavior
- Failure modes related to core deformation or bonding
The method applies to most rigid sandwich core materials, including polymer foams, honeycomb cores, balsa wood, and other lightweight engineered cores. Test results are influenced by material density, cell geometry, bonding quality, and environmental conditions.
Applications
- Structural design and analysis of sandwich composite panels
- Material selection and comparison of sandwich core materials
- Performance evaluation under in-plane shear loading
- Quality control and manufacturing consistency assessment
- Identification of bonding, crushing, or shear instability issues
- Engineering validation for aerospace, marine, and transportation structures
Benefits
- Provides reliable shear strength and shear modulus data
- Simulates service-related shear loading conditions
- Supports optimization of strength-to-weight ratios
- Enables comparison of different core materials under standardized conditions
- Helps identify bonding defects and core failure mechanisms
- Improves confidence in structural durability and safety
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Core specimens are machined to specified dimensions and adhesively bonded between rigid steel or aluminum loading plates to ensure uniform shear transfer and minimize stress concentrations.
1Test Setup
After adhesive curing, the specimen is mounted in a universal testing machine and aligned to ensure parallel loading in tension or compression.
2Shear Loading & Monitoring
A controlled load is applied through the bonded plates to induce uniform in-plane shear within the core while continuously recording force and displacement.
3Failure & Data Collection
Loading continues until specimen failure, and the resulting displacement curve is used to determine shear strength, shear modulus, and failure behavior.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Loading Modes | Tension or compression |
| Applicable Materials | Honeycomb cores, rigid polymer foams, balsa wood, and engineered lightweight cores |
| Typical Core Height | Approximately 25 mm |
| Specimen Width | Approximately 125 mm |
| Specimen Length | At least twice the core width |
| Measured Outputs | Shear strength, shear modulus, load–displacement response |
| Failure Criteria | Core shear failure, crushing, debonding, or instability |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Universal testing machine with tension and compression capability
- Precision load cells and displacement measurement devices
- Rigid steel or aluminum loading plates
- Structural adhesives and curing fixtures
- Alignment fixtures to ensure uniform shear loading
- Data acquisition and analysis software
Results and Deliverables
- Shear strength values of sandwich core materials
- Shear modulus and stiffness characteristics
- Stress–strain and load–displacement curves
- Identification of core and bond-line failure modes
- Comparative performance of different core materials
- Data supporting structural design, quality control, and material selection
Frequently Asked Questions
It is used to determine the shear strength and shear modulus of sandwich core materials when subjected to tension or compression loading.
Rigid sandwich cores such as honeycomb structures, polymer foams, and balsa wood cores used in lightweight composite panels.
Loading plates ensure that the applied tension or compression forces translate into uniform shear stress within the core for accurate measurement.
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