Strength Test Methods

Flexure strength is determined using a rectangular beam specimen with a 3 x 4mm cross section and a minimum length of 45mm that is subjected to flexural loading on either a four-point flexure configuration with inner and outer spans of 20 and 40mm, respectively, or a three-point configuration with a 40mm span, following the procedures outlined in ASTM C1161.  This standard recommends that a minimum of 10 specimens be tested to obtain a mean value while a minimum of 30 shall be tested to estimate the strength distribution (i.e., Weibull modulus).

Note: ASTM C1161 also has an “A” (1.5 x 2 x 25mm) and a “C” specimen (6 x 8 x 90mm) geometry. If you are interested in having either of these specimens tested, please note this on the REQUEST A QUOTE form.

Flexure strength is determined using a cylindrical rod specimen with a rod diameter between 2.2-6.0mm and a minimum length of 45mm that is subjected to flexural loading on either a four-point flexure configuration with inner and outer spans of 20 and 40mm, respectively, or a three-point configuration with a 40mm span, following the procedures outlined in ASTM C1684. It is recommended that a minimum of 10 specimens be tested to obtain a mean value while a minimum of 30 shall be tested to estimate the strength distribution (i.e., Weibull modulus).

Note: ASTM C1684 also has an “A” (1.0-3.0mm diameter x 25mm length) and a “C” (4.5-12.0mm diameter x 90mm length) geometry. If you are interested in having either of these specimens tested, please note this on the REQUEST A QUOTE form.

ASTM C1323 outlines a method of determining the ultimate strength of a ceramic in tubular form using a circular specimen with a mid-section notch to enable bending displacement. Specimen and notch dimensions are dependent on the dimensions of the tube. C1323 recommends that a minimum of 10 specimens be tested to obtain a mean value while a minimum of 30 shall be tested to estimate the strength distribution (i.e., Weibull modulus).

This test determines the equibiaxial strength via a concentric ring configuration under monotonic loading. Round or rectangular specimens can be tested. Concentric ring sizes are determined based on the size of the round or rectangular specimens available for testing. C1499 recommends that a minimum of 10 specimens be tested to obtain a mean value while a minimum of 30 shall be tested to estimate the strength distribution (i.e., Weibull modulus).

Using ASTM C1424 protocols the uniaxial compression strength is obtained by compressing a cylindrical dumbbell-shaped specimen to failure.  A minimum of five valid tests are performed to obtain a mean and standard deviation.