ASTM D7137/D7137M-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D7137/D7137M-23 — Standard Test Method for Compressive Residual Strength Properties of Damaged Polymer Matrix Composite Plates. This test method (commonly referred to as Compression After Impact, CAI, when used with drop-weight impact damage) specifies procedures to determine the residual compressive strength and related response of multidirectional, continuous-fiber polymer matrix composite laminated plates after they have been subjected to a damaging event (quasi-static indentation or drop-weight impact).

Abstract

Provides a standardized procedure to measure compressive residual strength properties (e.g., FCAI, force–displacement curves, and surface strains) of damaged composite plates using a stabilization fixture under compressive loading. Results are intended for material characterization, comparative damage-tolerance evaluation, and R&D rather than direct extrapolation to dissimilar geometries or use as design allowables.

General information

• Status: Active (current version).
• Publication date: Last updated / active version: June 14, 2023.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 83.120.
• Edition / version: D7137/D7137M-23.
• Number of pages: 16.

Details (status, DOI, pages, ICS and version) as listed by the ASTM product page for D7137/D7137M-23.

Scope

The method covers compression residual strength properties of multidirectional polymer matrix composite laminated plates that have been damaged by quasi-static indentation (per Test Method D6264/D6264M) or drop-weight impact (per Test Method D7136/D7136M) prior to compressive loading. It applies to continuous-fiber reinforced polymer matrix laminates that are symmetric and balanced with respect to the test direction; acceptable laminate types and thickness ranges are defined in the standard. The procedure can also be applied to undamaged plates but is primarily intended for damaged specimens (CAI).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of specimen geometry, layup, and acceptable laminate types (symmetric, balanced, continuous-fiber composites).
• Pre-damage methods: quasi-static indentation (D6264/D6264M) or drop-weight impact (D7136/D7136M) to create representative damage states.
• Use of a stabilization/fixture system to prevent buckling and undesirable end failures during compression.
• Test conditions: alignment, conditioning, environment, loading rate, and instrumentation (force, displacement, surface strain measurement).
• Required reporting elements (material/fabrication details, stacking sequence, damage type/size/location, inspection method, specimen alignment, test speed, and environmental conditions).
• Output metrics: residual compressive strength (FCAI), compressive force vs. displacement, and surface strain vs. displacement curves.

Key requirements and reporting items are specified to ensure repeatability and to capture factors that strongly influence residual strength results.

Typical use and users

Used by materials engineers, composite test laboratories, aerospace and automotive R&D teams, quality engineers, and standards bodies to assess damage tolerance and residual strength of laminated composite panels after impact or indentation. Typical applications include material selection, comparative evaluation of repair or protection approaches, research studies, and supplier qualification tests. Results are mostly used in material specifications and R&D rather than as direct design allowables.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related ASTM methods include Test Method D6264/D6264M (Quasi-Static Indentation), Test Method D7136/D7136M (Drop-Weight Impact), and Test Method D6641/D6641M (Compressive properties of undamaged composites). The standard is part of the suite of ASTM D30 series standards for composite materials and damage-tolerance testing.

Keywords

Compression After Impact, CAI, residual compressive strength, polymer matrix composites, laminated plates, impact damage, stabilization fixture, damage tolerance, compressive testing, ASTM D7137.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7137/D7137M-23 is a test method that defines how to measure the compressive residual strength properties of damaged polymer matrix composite plates using a stabilized compression test — commonly used as the Compression After Impact (CAI) procedure.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen selection and preparation, pre-damage procedures (quasi-static indentation or drop-weight impact), fixture and alignment requirements, test execution (loading rate, instrumentation), and required reporting to produce residual compressive strength and related response curves for multidirectional, continuous-fiber composite laminates.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and test engineers in aerospace, automotive and other industries using fiber-reinforced polymer laminates; composite test labs; R&D teams performing damage-tolerance studies; and organizations conducting supplier qualification or comparative material assessments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the active version is D7137/D7137M-23 (listed as active with last update on June 14, 2023). Users should check the ASTM catalog or standards tracker for any later revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it belongs to the ASTM D30 committee’s portfolio of composite material test methods and is frequently used together with D6264/D6264M (indentation), D7136/D7136M (drop-weight impact), and D6641/D6641M (compression of undamaged laminates).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Compression After Impact (CAI), residual strength, polymer matrix composite, laminated plate, impact damage, stabilization fixture, compressive testing, ASTM D7137.