This guide defines the information which is considered essential to uniquely describe a fiber, filler, or core material in a computerized database. A format is recommended for placing these data in fields suitable for a computerized database. Additional fields which are considered desirable, but not essential, are also defined. The purpose is to facilitate efficient storage and retrieval of the information with a computer and to allow meaningful comparison of data from different sources.

Comparison of property data from different sources will be most meaningful if all the essential information defined by the guidelines is present. Comparison may still be possible if essential information is omitted, but the value of the comparison may be greatly reduced.

While at this time there is no generally accepted numbering system for these materials, analogous to those for metals and alloys, a field for an identifying number (Material Reference Number) is included should such a system be developed in the future.

This information should not be considered restrictive. For example, a database designer may find it useful to aggregate several fields, such as the material and chemical class fields, into a single field. This may affect search strategies and other database operations. These considerations are beyond the scope of this guide.

1.1 This guide establishes the essential and desirable elements of data required for the identification in computerized material property databases of fibers, fillers, and core materials used in composite materials. A recommended format for entry of these fields into a computerized database is provided. Examples of the application of this guide are also included.

1.2 The recommended format described in this guide is suggested for use in recording data in a database, which is different from contractural reporting of actual test results. The latter type of information is described in materials specifications shown in business transactions and is subject to agreement between vendor and purchaser.

1.3 The materials covered by this guide include fibers, both continuous and discontinuous, and fillers of various geometries which are used as reinforcements in composite materials, as well as core materials used in sandwich composites. Cores may be foam, honeycomb, or naturally occurring materials such as balsa wood. These materials are distinguished from bulk materials by the importance of their specialized geometric forms to their properties. This difference is reflected in the use of geometry, along with chemistry, as a primary basis for classification. Identification of composite materials is discussed in Guide E 1309.