ASTM D6484/D6484M-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6484/D6484M-23 — Standard Test Method for Open-Hole Compressive Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates. This standard specifies procedures, fixtures, and data-reduction methods for measuring the compressive strength of multidirectional polymer-matrix composite laminates containing a centrally located open hole (unfilled). It is intended for balanced, symmetric laminates reinforced with continuous or discontinuous high‑modulus fibers and provides guidance for specimen preparation, clamping, and test execution.

Abstract

ASTM D6484/D6484M-23 defines a laboratory test method to determine the open-hole compressive strength of polymer matrix composite laminates when loaded in compression about a drilled central hole. The method covers allowable laminate forms and thicknesses, specimen dimensions and preparation (including hole drilling), two common loading/clamping approaches (e.g., hydraulic wedge clamping and flat-platen support), test-fixture requirements, load application rates, instrumentation, and calculations for reporting strength and strain values in either SI or inch‑pound units. The standard also references related test practices and includes a precision statement established via interlaboratory study.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: September 1, 2023
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 83.120 — Reinforced plastics / composite materials
• Edition / version: D6484/D6484M-23
• Number of pages: 19

Scope

This test method applies to multidirectional polymer matrix composite laminates reinforced by high‑modulus fibers for which the laminate is balanced and symmetric in the test direction. It determines the open‑hole compressive strength of laminates containing a single central open hole under uniaxial compressive loading. The standard establishes specimen geometry limits and thickness ranges, describes permitted specimen preparation and hole‑making practices, specifies clamping and support fixtures to prevent buckling, and defines the data acquisition and reduction procedures needed to report open‑hole compressive strength and associated strain measurements. Both SI and inch‑pound units are addressed (each system to be used independently).

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: measurement of open‑hole compressive strength for polymer‑matrix composite laminates with a central drilled hole.
• Applicability: balanced, symmetric laminates reinforced with continuous or discontinuous high‑modulus fibers (tape, fabric, etc.).
• Specimen preparation: dimensions, edge and hole preparation (drilling/rehabilitation), and acceptance criteria for damage around the hole.
• Clamping and fixturing: specified support fixture designs and methods to prevent buckling and misalignment (hydraulic wedge clamping and flat platen arrangements).
• Test execution: controlled loading rates, alignment checks, and environmental considerations where applicable.
• Instrumentation and data reduction: strain and load measurement, calculation of open‑hole compressive strength, reporting formats, and treatment of units (SI vs. inch‑pound).
• Precision and interlaboratory reproducibility: precision statement established from an interlaboratory study and associated research report.
• Related practices and references: procedures and fixtures cross‑referenced to other ASTM test practices and guides for composites testing.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by materials and test laboratories, design and structural engineers, quality and acceptance test personnel, and research groups working with fiber‑reinforced polymer matrix composites. Typical applications include aerospace and defense structural qualification, automotive and transportation composite part development, civil and sporting goods materials testing, supplier quality control, and comparative research on notch sensitivity and damage tolerance of laminate layups.

Related standards

Standards and guides commonly associated with or referenced by D6484/D6484M include: ASTM D6742/D6742M (filled‑hole tension and compression testing practices), ASTM D7615/D7615M (open‑hole fatigue testing), ASTM D8066/D8066M (unnotched laminate compression testing), and Guide D8509, among other composite material test methods and practices used by technical committees responsible for structural test methods.

Keywords

open‑hole compressive strength, polymer matrix composite, composite laminates, compression testing, drilled hole, notch sensitivity, clamping fixture, test method, ASTM D6484, D6484M-23, reinforced plastics

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6484/D6484M-23 is a test method that specifies how to measure the open‑hole compressive strength of multidirectional polymer‑matrix composite laminates containing a central open hole.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation (including hole making), allowable laminate types and thicknesses, clamping/fixturing to prevent buckling, test procedures (load application and rate), instrumentation, data reduction, and reporting of open‑hole compressive strength in SI or inch‑pound units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Composite test laboratories, aerospace and automotive materials engineers, research organizations, component manufacturers, and quality control/acceptance test teams use this standard for qualification and comparative testing of laminate performance around holes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation shown, D6484/D6484M-23, is the current active revision published September 1, 2023.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of ASTM D30 test methods and practices for composite materials and structural test methods; several related practices (e.g., D6742/D6742M, D7615/D7615M, D8066/D8066M) reference or use similar fixtures and procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Open‑hole compressive strength, polymer matrix composite, laminate testing, compression test, drilled hole, notch/filled hole practices, ASTM D6484.