ISSN: 1945-7553
Page Count: 6

Condom Inflation Testing: Strain Distribution During Test

Gerofi, JP
Enersol Consulting Engineers, AnnandaleSydney,NSW

Shelley, GA
Enersol Consulting Engineers, AnnandaleSydney,NSW

(Received 11 May 1990; accepted 31 October 1990)

Abstract

The quality of condoms has assumed greater importance with the spread of AIDS. Many national standards have incorporated an inflation test, which stretches a substantial portion of the condom. This test has been found useful in monitoring condom quality in storage, and also indicates quality of new condoms. The spatial strain pattern as a function of volume is discussed and related to the pattern of condom breakage found in use. It is concluded that the closed end of the condom remains unstrained until the condom volume is substantial. Additional tests on the closed end of the condom, or changes in the method of evaluation of the existing test, would increase the value of the test.

Keywords:
standards, quality control, condoms, strain, stress, AIDS, inflation test

Paper ID: JTE12563J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE12563J
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