ASTM D7615/D7615M-11

1.1 This practice provides instructions for modifying static open-hole tensile and compressive strength test methods to determine the fatigue behavior of composite materials subjected to cyclic tensile or compressive forces, or both. The composite material forms are limited to continuous-fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites in which the laminate is both symmetric and balanced with respect to the test direction. The range of acceptable test laminates and thicknesses are described in 8.2.

1.2 This practice supplements Test Methods D5766/D5766M and D6484/D6484M with provisions for testing specimens under cyclic loading. Several important test specimen parameters (for example, fatigue force(stress) ratio) are not mandated by this practice; however, repeatable results require that these parameters be specified and reported.

1.3 This practice is limited to test specimens subjected to constant amplitude uniaxial loading, where the machine is controlled so that the test specimen is subjected to repetitive constant amplitude force (stress) cycles. Either engineering stress or applied force may be used as a constant amplitude fatigue variable. The repetitive loadings may be tensile, compressive, or reversed, depending upon the test specimen and procedure utilized.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4.1 Within the text the inch-pound units are shown in brackets.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.