5.1 This test method is designed to produce through-thickness failure data for structural design and analysis, quality assurance, and research and development. Factors that influence the through-thickness tensile strength, and should therefore be reported, include the following: material and fabric reinforcement, methods of material and fabric preparation, methods of processing and specimen fabrication, specimen stacking sequence, specimen conditioning, environment of testing, specimen alignment, speed of testing, time at temperature, void content, and volume reinforcement content.

1.1 This test method determines the through-thickness “flatwise” tension strength and elastic modulus of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite materials. A tensile force is applied normal to the plane of the composite laminate using adhesively bonded thick metal end-tabs. The composite material forms are limited to continuous-fiber or discontinuous fiber (tape or 2-dimensional fabric, or both) reinforced composites.

1.2 The through-thickness strength results using this test method will in general not be comparable to Test Method D6415 since this method subjects a relatively large volume of material to an almost uniform stress field while Test Method D6415 subjects a small volume of material to a non-uniform stress field.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.