This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D6272 − 17´1

Standard Test Method for

Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics
and Electrical Insulating Materials by Four-Point Bending1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6272; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected 7.2.2 in July 2020.

1. Scope* However, ISO 14125, Method B specifies only a load span of 1⁄3 the
support span whereas D6272 also permits a load span of 1⁄2 the support
1.1 This test method covers the determination of flexural span. For this reason and other differences in technical content, exercise
properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including extreme care if attempting to compare results between the two test
high-modulus composites and electrical insulating materials in methods.
the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
plates, or molded shapes. These test methods are generally dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
applicable to rigid and semirigid materials. However, flexural ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
break or that do not fail in the outer fibers. This test method mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
utilizes a four point loading system applied to a simply Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
supported beam.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This test method describes two procedures (Procedure A
and Procedure B), the selection of which depends on the 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
behavior of the sample to be tested as explained below: D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
1.2.1 Procedure A, designed principally for materials that D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
break at comparatively small deflections. It shall be used for D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
measurement of flexural properties, particularly flexural and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
modulus, unless the material specification states otherwise. als
1.2.2 Procedure B, designed particularly for those materials D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
that undergo large deflections during testing. It is suitable for D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
measurement of flexural strength. als
D5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid
1.3 Comparative tests are permitted to be run according to
Plastics Specimens
either procedure, provided that the procedure is found satisfac-
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
tory for the material being tested.
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the someter Systems
standard. The values provided in parentheses are for informa- E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
tion only. Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 2.2 ISO Standard:3
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the ISO 14125 (Method B) Fibre-Reinforced Plastic
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Composites—Determination of Flexural Properties
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3. Terminology

NOTE 1—This test method is similar to ISO 14125, Method B.

3.1 Definitions:

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved March 1, 2017. Published March 2017. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6272 - 10. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D6272-17E01. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
 D6272 − 17´1
3.1.1 Definitions of terms applying to these test methods 5.3 Flexural properties vary with specimen depth,
appear in Terminology D883 and Annex A2 of Test Method temperature, atmospheric conditions, and the difference in rate
D638. of straining specified in Procedures A and B.
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference the
4. Summary of Test Method
specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen
4.1 A bar of rectangular cross section rests on two supports preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters
and is loaded at two points (by means of two loading noses), covered in the material specification, or both, shall take
each an equal distance from the adjacent support point. The precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there
distance between the loading noses (the load span) is either one are no material specifications, then these default conditions
third or one half of the support span (see Fig. 1). A support apply. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the ASTM materi-
span-to-depth ratio of 16:1 shall be used unless there is reason als standards that currently exist.
to suspect that a larger span-to-depth ratio is required, such as
with certain laminated materials (see Section 7 for guidance). 6. Apparatus
4.2 The specimen is deflected until rupture occurs in the 6.1 Testing Machine—A properly calibrated testing machine
outer fibers or until the maximum fiber strain (see 12.8) of 5 % capable of operating at constant rates of crosshead motion over
is reached, whichever occurs first. the range indicated, and in which the error in the load
measuring system shall not exceed 6 1 % of maximum load
5. Significance and Use expected to be measured. It shall be equipped with a deflection
5.1 Flexural properties determined by this test method are measuring device. The stiffness of the testing machine shall be
especially useful for quality control and specification purposes. such that the total elastic deformation of the system does not
5.2 This test method is recommended for those materials exceed 1 % of the total deflection of the test specimen during
that do not fail within the strain limits imposed by Test Method testing, or appropriate corrections shall be made. The load
D790. The major difference between four point and three point indicating mechanism shall be essentially free from inertial lag
bending modes is the location of the maximum bending at the crosshead rate used. The accuracy of the testing machine
moment and maximum axial fiber stress. In four point bending shall be verified in accordance with Practices E4.
the maximum axial fiber stress is uniformly distributed be- 6.2 Loading Noses and Supports—The loading noses and
tween the loading noses. In three point bending the maximum supports shall have cylindrical surfaces. In order to avoid
axial fiber stress is located immediately under the loading nose. excessive indentation, or failure due to stress concentration
directly under the loading noses, the radii of the loading noses
and supports shall be 5.0 6 0.1 mm (0.197 6 0.004 in.) unless
otherwise specified or agreed upon between the interested
parties. When other loading noses and supports are used they
must comply with the following requirements: they shall be at
least 3.2 mm (1⁄8 in.) for all specimens, and for specimens 3.2
mm (1⁄8 in.) or greater in depth, the radius of the supports shall
not exceed 1.6 times the specimen depth. They shall be this
large if significant indentation or compressive failure occurs.
The arc of the loading noses in contact with the specimen shall
be sufficiently large to prevent contact of the specimen with the
sides of the noses (see Fig. 2).
NOTE 2—Test data have shown that the loading noses and support
dimensions can influence the flexural modulus and flexural strength
values. The loading noses dimension has the greater influence. Dimen-
sions of loading noses and supports are requirements for the material
specifications.

NOTE 1—Default radii 5.0 mm; see 6.2.

FIG. 2 Loading Noses and Supports (Example of One Third Sup-
FIG. 1 Loading Diagram port Span)

2
 D6272 − 17´1
6.3 Deflection Measuring Device—A properly calibrated depth exceeds the width, buckling may occur.
device to measure the deflection of the beam at the common 7.2.2 Materials Less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) in Thickness—
center of the loading span, that meets or exceeds Practice E83, The specimen shall be 50.8 mm (2 in.) long by 12.7 mm (1⁄2 in.)
Class B-2 for modulus, and Class C for other strain wide, tested flatwise on a 25.4-mm (1-in.) support span.
measurements, shall be used. The device shall automatically
and continuously record the deflection during the test. NOTE 4—Use of the formulas for simple beams cited in these test
methods for calculating results presumes that beam width is small in
6.4 Micrometers—Suitable micrometers for measuring the comparison with the support span. Therefore, the formulas do not apply
width and thickness of the test specimen to an incremental rigorously to these dimensions.
discrimination of at least 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) shall be used. NOTE 5—Where machine sensitivity is such that specimens of these
dimensions cannot be measured, wider specimens or shorter support
All width and thickness measurements of rigid and semi-rigid
spans, or both, may be used, provided the support span-to-depth ratio is at
plastics are measurable with a hand micrometer with ratchet as least 14 to 1. Include all dimensions in the report.
described in Test Method D5947. A similar instrument for
measuring the thickness of non-rigid test specimens shall have 7.3 Laminated Thermosetting Materials and Sheet and
a reduced contact measuring pressure of 25 6 2.5 kPa (3.6 6 Plate Materials Used for Electrical Insulation, Including
0.36 psi). Parallelism and flatness of foot and anvil shall Vulcanized Fiber and Glass-Bonded Mica—For paper-base and
conform to the portion of the calibration section of Test fabric-base grades over 25.4 mm (1 in.) in nominal thickness,
Method D5947. the specimens shall be machined on both surfaces to a depth of
25.4 mm. For glass-base and nylon-base grades, specimens
7. Test Specimen over 12.7 mm (1⁄2 in.) in nominal depth shall be machined on
7.1 Methods to produce the specimens include cutting them both surfaces to a depth of 12.7 mm. The support span-to-depth
from sheets, plates, or molded shapes, or molding them to the ratio shall be chosen such that failures occur in the outer fibers
desired finished dimensions. The actual dimensions used in of the specimens, due only to the bending moment (see Note
Section 12 (Calculation) shall be measured in accordance with 6). Three recommended support span-to-depth ratios are 16,
Test Method D5947. 32, and 40 to 1. When laminated materials exhibit low
7.1.1 Any necessary polishing of specimens shall be done compressive strength perpendicular to the laminations, they
only in the lengthwise direction of the specimen. shall be loaded with a large radius loading noses (up to 1.5
times the specimen depth) to prevent premature damage to the
7.2 Sheet Materials (Except Laminated Thermosetting Ma- outer fibers.
terials and Certain Materials Used for Electrical Insulation,
Including Vulcanized Fiber and Glass Bonded Mica): 7.4 Molding Materials (Thermoplastics and Thermosets)—
7.2.1 Materials 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) or Greater in Thickness— The recommended specimen for molding materials is 127 by
For flatwise tests, the depth of the specimen shall be the 12.7 by 3.2 mm (5 by 1⁄2 by 1⁄8 in.) tested flatwise on a support
thickness of the material. For edgewise tests, the width of the span, resulting in a support span-to-depth ratio of 16 (tolerance
specimen shall be the thickness of the sheet, and the depth shall + 4 or – 2). Avoid thicker specimens if they exhibit significant
not exceed the width (see Notes 3 and 4). For all tests, the shrink marks or bubbles when molded.
support span shall be 16 (tolerance 6 1) times the depth of the 7.5 High-Strength Reinforced Composites, Including Highly
beam. Specimen width shall not exceed one fourth of the Orthotropic Laminates—The support span-to-depth ratio shall
support span for specimens greater than 3.2 mm (1⁄8 in.) in be chosen such that failures occur in the outer fibers of the
depth. Specimens 3.2 mm or less in depth shall be 12.7 mm (1⁄2 specimens, due only to the bending moment (Note 6). Three
in.) in width. The specimen shall be long enough to allow for recommended support span-to-depth ratios are 16:1, 32:1, and
overhanging on each end of at least 10 % of the support span, 40:1. However, for some highly anisotropic composites, shear
but in no case less than 6.4 mm (1⁄4 in.) on each end. Overhang deformation can significantly influence modulus
shall be sufficient to prevent the specimen from slipping measurements, even at span-to-depth ratios as high as 40:1.
through the supports. Hence, for these materials, an increase in span-to-depth ratio to
7.2.1.1 Whenever possible, the original surface of the sheet 60:1 is recommended to eliminate shear effects when modulus
shall be unaltered. However, where testing machine limitations data are required. The flexural modulus of highly anisotropic
make it impossible to follow the above criterion on the laminates is a strong function of ply-stacking sequence and will
unaltered sheet, one or both surfaces shall be machined to not necessarily correlate with tensile modulus, that is not
provide the desired dimensions, and the location of the stacking-sequence dependent.
specimens with reference to the total depth shall be noted. It is
feasible that the value obtained on specimens with machined NOTE 6—As a general rule, support span-to-depth ratios of 16 to 1 are
satisfactory when the ratio of the tensile strength to shear strength is less
surfaces will differ from those obtained on specimens with than 8 to 1, but the support span-to-depth ratio must be increased for
original surfaces. Consequently, any specifications for flexural composite laminates having relatively low shear strength in the plane of
properties on the thicker sheets must state whether the original the laminate and relatively high tensile strength parallel to the support
surfaces are to be retained or not. When only one surface was span.
machined, it must be stated whether the machined surface was
on the tension or compression side of the beam. 8. Number of Test Specimens
NOTE 3—Edgewise tests are not applicable for sheets that are so thin 8.1 At least five specimens shall be tested for each sample in
that specimens meeting these requirements cannot be cut. If specimen the case of isotropic materials or molded specimens.

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 D6272 − 17´1
8.2 For each sample of anisotropic material in sheet form, at 10.1.5 Align the loading noses and supports so that the axes
least five specimens shall be tested for each of the following of the cylindrical surfaces are parallel and the load span is
conditions. Recommended conditions are flatwise and edge- either one third or one half of the support span. A plate
wise tests on specimens cut in lengthwise and crosswise containing parallel grooves into which the loading noses and
directions of the sheet. For the purposes of this test, “length- supports will fit when properly aligned is suitable for checking
wise” shall designate the principal axis of anisotropy and shall parallelism. Center the specimen on the supports, with the long
be interpreted to mean the direction of the sheet known to be axis of the specimen perpendicular to the loading noses and
stronger in flexure. “Crosswise” shall be the sheet direction supports. The loading nose assembly shall be of the type which
known to be the weaker in flexure and shall be at 90° to the will not rotate.
lengthwise direction. 10.1.6 Apply the load to the specimen at the specified
crosshead rate, and take simultaneous load-deflection data.
9. Conditioning Measure deflection by a device under the specimen in contact
9.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens in accor- with it at the common center of the spans, the device being
dance with Procedure A of Practice D618, unless otherwise mounted stationary relative to the specimen supports. Do not
specified by contract or the relevant ASTM material specifica- use the movement of the loading noses relative to the supports.
tion. Temperature and humidity tolerances shall be in accor- Make appropriate corrections for indentation in the specimens
dance with Section 7 of Practice D618 unless specified and deflections in the weighing system of the machine. If
differently by contract or material specification. desired, plot load-deflection curves to determine the flexural
yield strength, secant or tangent modulus of elasticity, and the
9.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests the same tempera- total work measured by the area under the load-deflection
ture and humidity used for conditioning with tolerances in curve.
accordance with Section 7 of Practice D618 unless otherwise 10.1.7 If no break has occurred in a specimen by the time
specified by contract or the relevant ASTM material specifica- the maximum strain in the outer fibers has reached 0.05
tion. mm/mm (in./in.), discontinue the test (Note 7). The deflection
at which this strain occurs is calculated by letting r equal 0.05
10. Procedure mm/mm (in./in.) as follows for a load span of one third of the
10.1 Procedure A: support span:
10.1.1 Use an untested specimen for each measurement. D 5 0.21rL2 /d (3)
Measure the width and depth of the specimen to the nearest
For a load span of one half of the support span:
0.03 mm (0.001 in.) at the center of the support span. For
specimens less than 2.54 mm (0.100 in.) in depth, measure the D 5 0.23rL2 /d (4)
depth to the nearest 0.003 mm (0.0001 in.). These measure- where:
ments shall be made in accordance with Test Method D5947.
D = midspan deflection, mm (in.),
10.1.2 Determine the support span to be used as described in r = strain, mm/mm (in./in.),
Section 7 and set the support span to within 1 % of the L = support span, mm (in.), and
determined value. d = depth of beam, mm (in.).
10.1.3 Measure the span accurately to the nearest 0.1 mm NOTE 7—For some materials the increase in strain rate provided under
(0.004 in.) for spans less than 63 mm (2.5 in.) and to the nearest Procedure B may induce the specimen to yield or rupture, or both, within
0.3 mm (0.012 in.) for spans greater than or equal to 63 mm the required 5 % strain limit.
(2.5 in.). Use the measured span for all calculations. See Annex 10.1.7.1 Beyond 5 % strain, these test methods are not
A2 for information on the determination of and setting of the applicable, and some other property might be measured (for
span. example, Test Method D638).
10.1.4 Calculate the rate of crosshead motion as follows, 10.2 Procedure B:
and set the machine as near as possible to that calculated rate
10.2.1 Use an untested specimen for each measurement.
for a load span of one third of the support span:
10.2.2 Test conditions shall be identical to those described
R 5 0.185ZL2 /d (1) in 10.1, except that the rate of straining of the outer fibers shall
For a load span of one half of the support span: be 0.10 mm/mm (in./in.)/min.
10.2.3 If no break has occurred in the specimen by the time
R 5 0.167ZL2 /d (2)
the maximum strain in the outer fibers has reached 0.05
where: mm/mm (in./in.), discontinue the test.
R = rate of crosshead motion, mm (in.)/min,
L = support span, mm (in.), 11. Retests
d = depth of beam, mm (in.), and 11.1 Values for properties at rupture shall not be calculated
Z = rate of straining of the outer fibers, mm/mm (in./in.) for any specimen that breaks at some obvious, fortuitous flaw,
min. Z shall equal 0.01. unless such flaws constitute a variable being studied. Retests
In no case shall the actual crosshead rate differ from Eq 1 or shall be made for any specimen on which values are not
Eq 2, by more than 610 %. calculated.

4
 D6272 − 17´1
12. Calculation beams where relatively large deflections exist.
NOTE 11—The limitations defined for Eq 5 and 6 and in the explanatory
12.1 Toe Correction—In determination of the calculated information in the Notes apply also to Eq 7 and 8.
value of some of the properties listed in this section it is
12.4 Flexural Strength—The flexural strength is equal to the
necessary to determine if the toe compensation (see Annex A1)
maximum stress in the outer fibers at the moment of break (for
adjustment must be made. This toe compensation correction
highly orthotropic laminates, see Note 8). It is calculated in
shall be made only when it has been shown that the toe region
accordance with Eq 5, Eq 6, Eq 7, and Eq 8 by letting P equal
of the curve is due to the takeup of slack, alignment, or seating
the load at the moment of break. If the material does not break,
of the specimen and not an authentic material response.
this part of the test is not applicable. In this case, it is suggested
12.2 Maximum Fiber Stress—When a beam is loaded in that yield strength, if applicable, be calculated and that the
flexure at two central points and supported at two outer points, corresponding strain be reported also (see below).
the maximum stress in the outer fibers occurs between the two
12.5 Flexural Yield Strength—Some materials that do not
central loading points that define the load span (see Fig. 2).
break at outer fiber strains up to 5 % give load-deflection
This stress is calculated for any point on the load-deflection
curves that show a point, Y, at which the load does not increase
curve for relatively small deflections by the following equation
with an increase in deflection. In such cases, the flexural yield
for a load span of one third of the support span (see Notes 8 and
strength is calculated in accordance with Eq 5, or Eq 6 by
9):
letting P equal the load at Point Y.
S 5 PL/bd2 (5)
12.6 Flexural Offset Yield Strength—Offset yield strength is
For a load span of one half of the support span: the stress at which the stress-strain curve deviates by a given
S 5 3PL/4bd2 (6) strain (offset) from the tangent to the initial straight line portion
of the stress-strain curve. The value of the offset must be given
where: whenever this property is calculated.
S = stress in the outer fiber throughout the load span, MPa NOTE 12—This value may differ from flexural yield strength defined
(psi), above. Both methods of calculation are described in the annex to Test
P = load at a given point on the load-deflection curve, N Method D638.
(lbf), 12.7 Stress at a Given Strain—The maximum fiber stress at
L = support span, mm (in.),
any given strain is calculated in accordance with Eq 5, Eq 6, Eq
b = width of beam, mm (in.), and
d = depth of beam, mm (in.). 7, and Eq 8 by letting P equal the load read from the
NOTE 8—Eq 5 and 6 apply strictly to materials for which the stress is load-deflection curve at the deflection corresponding to the
linearly proportional to strain up to the point of rupture and for which the desired strain (for highly orthotropic laminates, see Note 8).
strains are small. Since this is not always the case, a slight error will be 12.8 Maximum Strain—The maximum strain in the outer
introduced in the use of this equation. The equation will, however, be valid
for comparison data and specification values up to the maximum fiber fibers also occurs at midspan, and is calculated as follows for
strain of 5 % for specimens tested by the procedure herein described. It a load span of one third of the support span:
should be noted that the maximum stress may not occur in the outer fibers r 5 4.70Dd/L 2 (9)
for a highly orthotropic laminate. Laminated beam theory is applicable to
determine the maximum tensile stress at failure. Thus, Eq 5 and 6 yield an For load span of one half of the support span:
apparent strength based on homogeneous beam theory. This apparent
strength is highly dependent on the ply-stacking sequence for highly r 5 4.36Dd/L 2 (10)
orthotropic laminates.
NOTE 9—The above calculation is not valid if the specimen is slipping where:
excessively between the supports. r = maximum strain in the outer fibers, mm/mm (in./in.),
12.3 Maximum Fiber Stress, for Beams Tested at Large D = maximum deflection of the center of the beam, mm
Support Spans—If support span-to-depth ratios greater than 16 L = support span, mm (in.), and
to 1 are used with resultant deflections in excess of 10 % of the d = depth, mm (in.).
support span occurring, the maximum stress is reasonably 12.9 Tangent Modulus of Elasticity—The tangent modulus
approximated with the following formula for a load span of one of elasticity is the ratio, within the elastic limit, of stress to
third of the support span: corresponding strain and shall be expressed in megapascals
S 5 ~ PL/bd2 ! · @ 11 ~ 4.70D 2 /L 2 ! 2 ~ 7.04Dd/L 2 ! # (7)
(pounds per square inch). It is calculated by drawing a tangent
to the steepest initial straight-line portion of the load-deflection
For a load span of one half of the support span: curve and using Eq 11 for a load span of one third the support
S 5 ~ 3PL/4bd2 ! · @ 1 2 ~ 10.91Dd/L 2 ! # (8) span and Eq 12 for a load span of one half of the support span,
as follows:
where:
E B 5 0.21L 3 m/bd3 (11)
S, P, L, b, and d are the same as for Eq 5, and
3 3
D = maximum deflection of the center of the beam, mm (in.). E B 5 0.17L m/bd (12)

NOTE 10—When large support span-to-depth ratios are used, significant where:
end forces are developed at the supports which affect the moment in a EB = modulus of elasticity in bending, MPa (psi),
simply supported beam. An approximate correction factor is given in Eq
7 and 8 to correct for these end forces in large support span-to-depth ratio
L = support span, mm (in.),

5
 D6272 − 17´1

b = width of beam tested, mm (in.), 13.1.2 Direction of cutting and loading specimens, includ-
d = depth of beam tested, mm (in.), and ing machining or other alterations that result in asymmetrical
m = slope of the tangent to the initial straight-line. specimen preparation.
NOTE 13—Shear deflections can seriously reduce the apparent modulus 13.1.3 Conditioning procedure,
of highly anisotropic composites when they are tested at low span-to- 13.1.4 Depth and width of specimen,
depth ratios.4 For this reason, a span-to-depth ratio of 60 to 1 is 13.1.5 Procedure used,
recommended for flexural modulus determinations. Flexural strength
should be determined on a separate set of replicate specimens at a lower 13.1.6 Load span length,
span-to-depth ratio that induces tensile failures in the outer fibers of the 13.1.7 Support span length,
beam along its lower face. Since the flexural modulus of highly anisotro- 13.1.8 Support span-to-depth ratio,
pic laminates is a critical function of ply-stacking sequence, it will not 13.1.9 Radius of supports and loading noses,
necessarily correlate with tensile modulus, which is not stacking-sequence
dependent.
13.1.10 Rate of crosshead motion,
13.1.11 Maximum strain in the outer fibers of the specimen,
12.10 Secant Modulus of Elasticity—The secant modulus of 13.1.12 Flexural strength (if applicable), average value, and
elasticity is the ratio of stress to corresponding strain at any standard deviation,
given point on the stress-strain curve, or the slope of the 13.1.13 Tangent or secant modulus of elasticity in bending,
straight line that joins the origin and a selected point on the average value, standard deviation, and the strain level used if
actual stress-strain curve. It shall be expressed in megapascals secant modulus,
(pounds per square inch). The selected point is generally 13.1.14 Flexural yield strength (if desired), average value,
chosen at a specified stress or strain. It is calculated in and standard deviation,
accordance with Eq 11 or Eq 12 by letting m equal the slope of 13.1.15 Flexural offset yield strength (if desired), with offset
the secant to the load-deflection curve. or strain used, average value, and standard deviation,
12.11 Arithmetic Mean—For each series of tests, the arith- 13.1.16 Stress at any given strain up to and including 5 % (if
metic mean of all values obtained shall be calculated to three desired), with strain used, average value, and standard
significant figures and reported as the “average value” for the deviation,
particular property in question. 13.1.17 Type of behavior, whether yielding or rupture, or
12.12 Standard Deviation—The standard deviation (esti- both, or other observation, occurring within the 5 % strain
mated) shall be calculated as follows and reported in two limit, and
significant figures: 13.1.18 Date of test.
14. Precision and Bias
s5 =~ ( X 2
2 nX̄ 2
! /~n 2 1! (13)
14.1 The precision of this test method is under investigation
where: by a task group of Section 20.10.01. Anyone wishing to
s = estimated standard deviation, participate in this work is requested to contact the Chairman of
X = value of single observation, Section D20.10.01, at ASTM Headquarters.
n = number of observations, and 14.2 Repeatability—The repeatability standard deviation
X̄ = arithmetic mean of the set of observations. has been determined to be:
Mean, 103 mPa Vr Ir
13. Report Flexural stress at break 143 1.5 4.2
Flexural modulus 3143 4.3 12.2
13.1 Report the following information:
13.1.1 Complete identification of the material tested, includ- General purpose polystyrene was tested under repeatability conditions.
ing type, source, manufacturer’s code number, form, principal 14.3 Bias—No statement about the bias of this test method
dimensions, and previous history (for laminated materials, is appropriate, as there is no standard reference material or
ply-stacking sequence shall be reported), reference test method available.
15. Keywords
4
See Whitney, J. M., et al, “Analysis of the Flexure Test for Laminated 15.1 flexural properties; four point bending; plastics; stiff-
Composite Materials,” ASTM STP 546, 1974, pp. 30–45. ness; strength

6
 D6272 − 17´1
ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. TOE COMPENSATION

A1.1 In a typical stress-strain curve (see Fig. A1.1) there is point along the Line CD (or its extension) by the strain at the
a toe region, AC, that does not represent a property of the same point (measured from Point B, defined as zero-strain).
material. It is an artifact caused by a takeup of slack and
alignment or seating of the specimen. In order to obtain correct A1.3 In the case of a material that does not exhibit any
values of such parameters as modulus, strain, and offset yield linear region (see Fig. A1.2), the same kind of toe correction of
point, this artifact must be compensated for to give the the zero-strain point is made by constructing a tangent to the
corrected zero point on the strain or extension axis. maximum slope at the inflection Point H'. This is extended to
intersect the strain axis at Point B', the corrected zero-strain
A1.2 In the case of a material exhibiting a region of point. Using Point B' as zero strain, the stress at any point (G')
Hookean (linear) behavior (see Fig. A1.1), a continuation of on the curve is divided by the strain at that point to obtain a
the linear (CD) region of the curve is constructed through the secant modulus (slope of Line B'G'). For those materials with
zero-stress axis. This intersection (B) is the corrected zero- no linear region, any attempt to use the tangent through the
strain point from which all extensions or strains must be
inflection point as a basis for determination of an offset yield
measured, including the yield offset (BE), if applicable. The
point has the potential to result in unacceptable error.
elastic modulus is determined by dividing the stress at any

NOTE 1—Some chart recorders plot the mirror image of this graph.
FIG. A1.1 Material with Hookean Region

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 D6272 − 17´1

NOTE 1—Some chart recorders plot the mirror image of this graph.
FIG. A1.2 Material with No Hookean Region

A2. MEASURING AND SETTING SPAN

A2.1 For flexural fixtures that have adjustable spans, it is

important that the span between the supports is maintained
constant or the actual measured span is used in the calculation
of stress, modulus and strain, and the loading noses are
positioned and aligned properly with respect to the supports.
Some simple steps as follows has been shown to improve the
repeatability of your results when using these adjustable span
fixtures.
FIG. A2.1 Markings on Fixed Specimen Supports
A2.2 Measurement of Span:
A2.2.1 This technique is needed to ensure that the correct
span, not an estimated span, is used in the calculation of
results.
A2.2.2 Scribe a permanent line or mark at the exact center FIG. A2.2 Markings on Rotatable Specimen Supports
of the support where the specimen makes complete contact.
The type of mark depends on whether the supports are fixed or
A2.3 Setting the Span and Alignment of Loading
rotatable (see Figs. A2.1 and A2.2).
Nose(s)—To ensure a consistent day-to-day setup of
A2.2.3 Using a vernier caliper with pointed tips that is the span and ensure the alignment and proper positioning of the
readable to at least 0.1 mm (0.004 in.), measure the distance loading nose, simple jigs are recommended for each of the
between the supports, and use this measurement of span in the standard setups used. An example of a jig found to be useful is
calculations. shown in Fig. A2.3.

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 D6272 − 17´1

NOTE 1—Radii of cutouts match radii of noses and supports.

FIG. A2.3 Fixture Used to Align Loading Noses and Supports

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D6272 - 10)
that may impact the use of this standard. (March 1, 2017)

(1) Removed or modified permissive language where appropri- (2) Modified ISO equivavlency statement in Note 1.
ate. This required renumbering of some paragraphs and Notes (3) Modified deflectometer accuracy requirements in Section 6.
and moving the content of some Notes into the body of the text. (4) Corrected inch-pound units conversion in 10.1.1.

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