This fixture satisfies the requirements of ASTM D 5961 and has also been adopted by Composite Materials Characterization, Inc. as their standard fixture. This device consists of bushings located in housings that can be screwed and to accommodate different thickness specimens.
The testing principle is the same for both the SACMA and ASTM configurations. A composite laminate (often quasi-isotropic) of thickness typically in the range of 0.10″ to 0.25″ is loaded in bearing by a close fitting ¼” diameter fastener or pin.
Sources of Additional Information:
- SACMA Recommended Method SRM 9-89, “Bearing Strength Properties of Oriented Fiber-Resin Composites,” Suppliers of Advanced Composite Materials Association, Arlington, Virginia, 1989 (now discontinued).
- ASTM Standard D5961/D5961M-13 (2013, “Bearing Response of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates,” American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania (first issued in 1996).
- CMC Screening Method P6-7, “Bolt Bearing Strength Test,” Composite Materials Characterization, Inc., Richardson, Texas, Revised June 1999 (first issued in 1994).
- ASTM Standard D 953-10 (2010), “Bearing Strength of Plastics,” American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania (first issued in 1948).
