The practice will help establish stronger composite testing for safer, lighter structures.
Jul 08, 2025
ASTM International is developing a proposed standard that organizations can use to design, analyze, and certify composite structures in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and civil engineering fields. The proposed standard (WK93387) is being developed by the structural test methods subcommittee (D30.05), which is part of the committee on composite materials (D30).
According to ASTM member Adam J. Sawicki, the proposed standard practice contains procedures to modify the D7264/D7264M polymer matrix composite laminate flexure test method to permit testing of specimens containing open and filled holes.
Sawicki adds that the practical applications of WK93387 (in combination with WK93388) center on the generation of open-hole and filled-hole flexure data that can be used in the design and analysis of composite structures.
“These tests are performed to complement D5766/D5766M for open-hole tension, D6484/D6484M for open-hole compression, and D6742/D6742M for filled-hole tension and compression,” says Sawicki. “Notched laminate flexure tests typically exhibit higher surface strains at failure than those obtained under in-plane open-hole and filled-hole testing. This higher strain capability helps to design weight-efficient structures.”
This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13 on Climate Action.
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.
September / October 2025
