ASTM D3410
Compression Test Fixture for Polymer Matrix Composites (Shear Loading)
ASTM D3410 Compression Platens – Universal Grip Data Sheet (PDF)
ASTM D3410 measures the in-plane compressive properties of polymer matrix composites by shear loading. A tabbed, rectangular specimen is clamped in wedge grips, and load is introduced through shear at the gripped ends so the short, unsupported gage section fails in compression. Universal Grip supplies the compression platen set that loads the wedge-grip compression fixture squarely on any universal testing machine.
What ASTM D3410 Measures
The test reports compressive strength, compressive modulus and Poisson's ratio for laminates reinforced with high-modulus fibers such as carbon and glass. Because the gage section is unsupported and short, the specimen must fail in true compression rather than by buckling. Strain gages on both faces measure strain and confirm that bending stays within the limit set by the standard. D3410 is widely used for aerospace material qualification and allowables.
How the ASTM D3410 Test Works
Bond tabs to the specimen ends and machine it to the D3410 geometry.
Install back-to-back strain gages at the center of the gage section.
Clamp the specimen in the wedge-grip compression fixture so the full grip length contacts the grip faces.
Place the fixture between the parallel platens and load at a constant rate until failure.
Record force and strain, check percent bending, then calculate strength and modulus and note the failure mode.
Specimens and Setup
Keep tab bonding and tab thickness consistent; poor tabs cause premature failures at the tab ends.
Machine edges smooth and parallel; width and thickness tolerances are tight.
Center the fixture on the load axis using the platen centering marks.
Use a spherically seated platen if your frame has minor misalignment.
Confirm specimen dimensions, gage length and loading rate against your copy of the current standard.
Universal Grip ASTM D3410 Fixture
Hardened, ground parallel platens for uniform loading of the compression fixture
Platens sized to accept wedge-grip (IITRI-style) compression fixtures
Spherical seat option compensates for minor misalignment
Centering marks to place the fixture on the load axis
100 kN standard capacity; higher capacities on request
Hardened tool steel; clevis pin or threaded adapter for electromechanical and servo-hydraulic frames
Applications
Carbon and glass fiber laminates
Unidirectional and cross-ply composites
Aerospace material qualification
Composite R&D and QC
Related Standards and Products
Send us your specimen dimensions, required capacity and machine connection through our contact page and we will quote an ASTM D3410 compression fixture. Request a quote
ASTM D3410 FAQ
What is shear loading in D3410?
The specimen ends are clamped in wedge grips, and the compressive force passes into the specimen through shear at the grip faces rather than by pushing on its ends. This avoids crushing the ends and leaves a short unsupported gage section that fails in compression.
How is D3410 different from D6641?
D3410 loads the specimen only through shear at the grips. ASTM D6641 uses combined loading, part shear and part end loading, which allows simpler untabbed specimens for many laminates. Both measure compressive strength and modulus of composites.
Why are strain gages needed?
Gages on both faces measure strain for modulus and show whether the specimen is bending. If bending exceeds the standard's limit the result may reflect buckling, not true compressive strength.
What capacity do I need?
Our platen set is 100 kN standard, which covers most tabbed carbon and glass laminates. Thicker or high-strength specimens may need more, and we build higher capacities on request.