ASTM D7137 Short Points

In the scope section there is written that this test method is

used to test specimens subjected to ASTM D6264. In ASTM D
6264 there is written that the specimens are tested until
failure. The specimens that shall be tested in this project shall
not be indented until failure. Therefore this could be
considered a deviation from the test method.
This test method is not recommended for use with
undamaged specimens. ASTM D6641 is recommended for use
with undamaged specimens.
The test consists of a uniaxial compression test on a balanced
symmetric damaged specimen that has been inspected prior
to CAI testing
While loading, the parameters that are recorded include foredisplacement and strain data.
The size shape and location of the damage have to be
reported. The standard advises the damage size to be less
than 42mm.
The bottom of the test fixture is placed on the bottom support
of the machine. The load is applied through the (top) moving
crosshead. Section 4.2 advises the use of flat platens.
However, since they were not available the load was applied
by means of a cylindrical object [PROVIDE A BETTER
DESCRIPTION]. The cylindrical object was aligned carefully
with the centre of the top plate so as to have a centred load. It
would e recommended to either machine an additional set of
flat platens or to exaimine the influence on results of the
methodology adopted.
The anti-buckling system constraints bust be tightened and
aligned properly due to the reasons mentioned in 6.5
Section 4.3 also specifies the failure modes that are
acceptable. These can be seen in the figure. One may notice
that most of them pass through the damage site. Failure
modes which are due to loads introduced by the supports are
not acceptable.
The standard also specifies that thickness measurement
instruments should have an error of 0.0025mm while wdith
and length measurements should have an error of 0.025mm.
same error applies for damage measurement.
The results of this test method will help determine the
damage tolerance on the composite panels fabricated.
However, one must understand the the damage tolerance of
a composite material is dependent upon geometry, stiffness,
support conditions
The size, shape and geometry of the inflicted damage has to
be specified. The damage that has to be specified includes
both surface damage and through thickness damage.

[from the results check whether the damage is repeatable]

the damage size has to be limited to half the unsupported
specimen width since the stress/strain fields induced by the
damage can interact with the edges of the specimen
section 6.5 claims that results can be influenced by the gaps
between the specimen face and the supporting plates. Try
insert a photograph of this issue here and comment about it.
The same section places an emphasis on loose fasteners and
the way they can influence results, Note that all fasteners
were tightened as much as possible by hand.
Explore non-destructive and destructive inspection techniques
that shall be used.
Explain that some of the support fixture dimensions were
altered and refer to them in the appropriate section.
As in the case of indentation testing, specimen conditioning
was not possible
The standard does not require the use of strain measuring
devices. Quite basically, it suggests an arrangement of strain
gauges on the specimen surface. If a different arrangement is
to be used, it has to be explained carefully and no damage is
to be done to the specimen surface by bonding.
the number of test specimens tested was [insert number of
test specimens]
the specimen thickness has to be recorded at four places in
the vicinity of the damage using a tool with 1% accuracy and
the mean is calculated.
As suggested by the standard, the crosshead displacement
rate used was 1.25 mm/min
Section 11.6 reccommends the test specimens to be tested in
the same condtions as storage conditions
The specimen is loaded until the force rises and drops to a
value equal to 70% of this value.
Strain is to be recorded with force and displacement. A
minimum of 100 data points is required.