TEST METHOD TECHNOTE

COMPOSITES
ASTM D3518 In-Plane Shear Response of
Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
T E ST M E T HOD SU M M A R Y

The tensile test of a ±45° laminate is used to determine the in-plane shear response of polymer matrix composite
materials. Uniaxial tensile force is applied in accordance to ASTM D3039, to a flat test specimen up to 5% shear
strainstrain to investigate the in-plane shear stress/strain response, and critical mechanical materials properties
including shear modulus and shear strength. Composite materials addressed in this standard include reinforced
by continuous high-modulus fibers in the form of unidirectional layers with the fibres oriented at ± 45°
symmetrical to the specimen main axis.

The ± 45° in-plane shear test is performed by placing a test specimen in the grips of either a servohydraulic or an
electromechanical testing machine and subjecting it to controlled tension load up to 5% shear strain. The
specimen response can be measured with a contacting or non-contacting extensometer, or strain gages.

MTS Landmark® Solutions for ASTM D3518 typically include these types of components:
Servohydraulic Test Systems

L OAD F RAM E OPT I O N S *

The MTS Landmark servohydraulic test systems and MTS Criterion electromechanical universal test systems
are ideal for performing accurate and repeatable monotonic testing of polymer matrix composite materials per
ASTM D3518.

The MTS Landmark system’s innovative test frame design exhibits superior stiffness and alignment capabilities.
The test system integrates the latest MTS servohydraulic technology including precision-machined columns for
consistently tight alignment, fatigue-rated MTS actuators with low-friction bearings, smooth-ramping hydraulic
service manifolds, and SilentFlo™ hydraulic power units that are quiet enough to be located directly in the laboratory.

The compact MTS Criterion test system features high-resolution MTS digital controls, linear motion guides for
MTS Criterion® superior alignment, high-speed, low vibration MTS electromechanical drives, optional Dual Zone test space for
Electromechanical Universal Test Systems maximizing efficiency and anti-rotation grip/fixture mounting to minimize shear stresses on the specimen.

CH A MBER OP TIONS* EXTENSOMETRY OPTIONS*

MTS Series 651 MTS Advantage™ MTS Advantage Video Extensometer MTS Contact Extensometers (Axial Model 634.31 &
Environmental Chamber Environmental Chamber (AVX) Transverse Model 632.18)
» Temperature range of -150°C to 540°C » Temperature range of -129° C to 315° C » Delivers the highest quality in non-contact » Temperature range of -100°C to 175 °C (-150°F to 350°F)
(-240°F to 1000°F) (-200°F to 600°F) axial and cross-sectional strain measurement » Repeatable strain measurement devices with quick attach fixture
» Designed for MTS Landmark systems » Designed for MTS Criterion systems » Multiple camera option to support strain » Ideal for measuring axial & transverse strain on specimens
» Compatible with video extensometers » Compatible with video extensometers averaging of opposite sides of the specimen with rectangular cross sections
G RI P O PTIONS *

Model 647 Side-Loading Model 647 All-Temperature MTS Advantage Side-loading

Hydraulic Wedge Grips Side-Loading Hydraulic Grips Mechanical Wedge Grips
» Temperature range of -40°C to 175°C (-40°F to 350°F) » Temperature range of -130°C to 315°C or 540°C » Temperature range of -130°C to 315°C (-200°F to 600°F)
» Stiff mounting ensures superior alignment capabilities and (200°F to 600°F or 1000°F) » Easy installation and removal with standard pinned adapter
repeatable gripping to minimize bending strains » Thermal gradients as low as 1.6°C (3°F) ensure reduced » Self-tightening during test reduces slipping
» Tension, Compression & Fatigue capability variability » The gripping force is applied perpendicular to the specimen for
» Adjustable gripping force to prevent slippage and squashing of » Remotely operated grips support rapid specimen change smooth application of the gripping force and minimal pulling
the test specimen without cooling for increased productivity » Tension grips

G RI P FACE OP TIONS* A LI G N M E N T O P T I O N S *

Model 647 Grip Faces MTS Advantage Grip Faces MTS Alignment Solutions
» Surfalloy finish provides rough surface for firm » Surfalloy finish provides rough Specimen misalignment introduces data scatter, which forces the need
gripping of composite specimen without tabs surface for firm gripping of to test larger batches of specimens and increases the operational cost.
» Diamond-tipped for increased holding capacity of composite specimen without tabs Both test systems can be equipped with stiff-mounted grips and an
composite specimen with tabs » Serrated for secure gripping of soft easy-to-implement load frame alignment solution to help drive test
» Water-cooled and extra wide options available composite specimen with tabs machine variability out of the material testing equation.

SO F TWARE OP TIONS*

ASTM D3518 In-Plane Shear Response Test Template About MTS TestSuite™ TW
To simplify testing to ASTM D3518, MTS has developed a TestSuite TW The efficient MTS TestSuite TW software provides the versatility
test template that will set up and run the recommended tensile ± 45° required to address unique and complex testing requirements.
in-plane shear tests. The templates support the use of strain gages or
TestSuite TW Elite includes all the test definition capacity
extensometers for strain measurement. Reports can display all of the twe
required calculations including in-plane shear stress / strain plot, shear and flexibility test designers need to create and edit
modulus and shear strength. custom test sequences while accommodating the specific runtime
needs of lab personnel.
MTS consultants are also available to support your composite
TW Express is designed for the test operator and is used
applications, test method set-up, and data collection and integration twx to run tests created with TW Elite. This application allows
requirements
the operator to easily execute even the most complex tests and
monitor data or calculated values in runtime views that can be
tailored by both test designers and operators.

*NOTE: This technical note is intended to show some of the popular and more common solutions used for this particular application.
Most often, additional options are available and necessary to accomplish your more comprehensive test objectives.

A PPEN DIX - TES T S PECI M E N DE TAI L

Specimen without tabs Specimen with tabs

Overall length 250 mm Overall length 175 or 250 mm
Thickness Gauge length Thickness Gauge length
2.5 mm 10 to 50 mm 1 or 2 mm 10 to 50 mm
25 mm

25 mm
Width

Width
15 or

Length of end tabs

25 or 56 mm *1

*1
Thickness of end tabs 1.5 mm

MTS Systems Corporation

14000 Technology Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-2290 USA MTS, MTS Criterion, SilentFlo, and MTS Landmark are registered
Telephone: 1-952-937-4000 trademarks, and MTS TestSuite and MTS Advantage are a trademarks of
Toll Free: 1-800-328-2255 MTS Systems Corporation within the United States. These trademarks
Fax: 1-952-937-4515 may be protected in other countries. RTM No. 211177.
E-mail: [email protected] Surfalloy is a trademark of Alloying Surfaces Inc.
www.mts.com
©2016 MTS Systems Corporation
ISO 9001 Certified QMS 100-342-855 TMTN_ASTM D3518 Printed in U.S.A. 09/16