ASTM C297 Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions

ASTM C297 test determines tensile strength and failure of sandwich core materials using a Universal Test Machine. Physical properties of material vary with temperature; thus sandwich construction materials are tested in conditions that simulate commercial application. Read more about ASTM C297 Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions below.

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ASTM C297 Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

ASTM C297 is the standard test method for determining the flatwise tensile strength of sandwich panels. This test assesses the tensile properties of the core material, the strength of the core-to-face bond, and the efficiency of load transfer in the sandwich structure.

This test method applies to both discontinuous bonded cores (honeycomb) and continuous bonded cores (foam cores). It is widely used in material selection, verification of structural design, and quality control of sandwich composite structures.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

ASTM C297 deals with sandwich panels that have honeycomb or foam cores, with or without discontinuous bonded segments of core material. This standard can be used to investigate the behaviour of the panels under tensile loading perpendicular to the surfaces.

In particular, the test procedure assesses the following characteristics:
– Flatwise tensile strength
– Bond strength between core and facings
– Core failure modes
– Load transfer efficiency across the panel

Applications

Structural design validation
Aerospace sandwich panels
Automotive composite structures
Marine composite panels
Wind energy components
Building and construction panels
Quality control of bonded sandwich materials

Benefits

Determines the flatwise tensile strength of sandwich panels
Evaluates bonding integrity between core and facing
Identifies failure modes
Supports material selection for load-bearing applications
Ensures manufacturing quality control
Applicable under ambient, elevated, and reduced temperatures
Provides standardised structural performance data

Test Process

Specimen Preparation & Bonding

Cut sandwich specimens and bond faces to aluminum loading blocks; condition for proper adhesive curing.

Fixture Mounting

Attach bonded assembly to the universal testing machine grips.

Flatwise Tensile Loading

Apply tensile load at standard rate (0.50 mm/min) until failure.

Failure & Special Conditions

Record failure mode (invalid if at block interface); perform elevated/reduced temperature testing if required.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Loading Rate	0.50 mm/min (0.020 in/min)
Alternative Duration	Failure within 3–6 minutes
Specimen Geometry	Based on core cell size (discontinuous cores)
Minimum Facing Area (Continuous Core)	625 mm² (1.0 in²)
Test Environment	Ambient, elevated, or reduced temperature
Output Units	MPa (psi)

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Universal testing machine (UTM)
Thermal environmental chamber (for elevated/reduced temperature testing)
Aluminium loading blocks
Bonding adhesive
Standard tensile test fixtures
Crosshead displacement control system
Data acquisition and analysis software

Results and Deliverables

Ultimate flatwise tensile strength (MPa or psi)
Core failure identification
Failure location determination
Test report with load-displacement data
Structural performance evaluation
Failure mode classification:
• Cohesive failure of core-facing adhesive
• Adhesive failure of core-facing adhesive
• Facing tensile failure

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM C297 is a standard test method used to determine the flatwise tensile strength of sandwich constructions, particularly the bond strength between facings and core materials.

The method applies to sandwich panels composed of composite, metal, or polymer facings bonded to lightweight core materials such as foam, honeycomb, or balsa wood.

This test ensures structural integrity of sandwich panels by verifying bond quality and resistance to delamination under tensile stresses encountered in service conditions.

The test measures flatwise tensile strength, assessing the integrity of the adhesive bond between facing sheets and the core under perpendicular tensile loading.

Industries such as aerospace, marine, automotive, wind energy, construction, and rail transportation commonly use ASTM C297 to evaluate the flatwise tensile bond strength of sandwich panels.