Designation: D 5587 – 05

Standard Test Method for

Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5587; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the tearing 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
strength of textile fabrics by the trapezoid procedure using a D 76 Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
recording constant-rate-of-extension-type (CRE) tensile testing D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
machine. D 629 Test Methods for Quantitative Analysis of Textiles
1.1.1 The CRE-type tensile testing machine has become the D 1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
preferred test apparatus for determining trapezoid tearing D 2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
strength. It is recognized that some constant-rate-of-traverse- Method That Produces Normally Distributed Data
type (CRT) tensile testing machines continue to be used. D 2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for
Consequently, these test instruments may be used when agreed Textiles
upon between the purchaser and the supplier. The conditions D 4850 Terminology Relating to Fabric
for use of the CRT-type tensile tester are included in Appendix 2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
X1. TEX-PAC3
1.2 This test method applies to most fabrics including
woven fabrics, air bag fabrics, blankets, napped fabrics, knitted 3. Terminology
fabrics, layered fabrics, and pile fabrics. The fabrics may be 3.1 For definitions of textile terms used in this test method,
untreated, heavily sized, coated, resin-treated, or otherwise fabric, in textiles; peak force, in tear testing of fabrics; tearing
treated. Instructions are provided for testing specimens with or force, in fabric; tearing strength, in fabrics, refer to Terminol-
without wetting. ogy D 4850.
1.3 Tearing strength, as measured in this test method, 3.2 For other textile terms used in this test method, refer to
requires that the tear be initiated before testing. The reported Terminology D 123.
value obtained is not directly related to the force required to
initiate or start a tear. 4. Summary of Test Method
1.4 Two calculations for trapezoid tearing strength are 4.1 An outline of an isosceles trapezoid is marked on a
provided: the single-peak force and the average of five highest rectangular specimen (see Fig. 1). The specimen is slit at the
peak forces. center of the smallest base of the trapezoid to start the tear. The
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the nonparallel sides of the marked trapezoid are clamped in
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units may be parallel jaws of a tensile testing machine. The separation of the
approximate. jaws is increased continuously to apply a force to propagate the
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the tear across the specimen. At the same time, the force developed
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the is recorded. The force to continue the tear is calculated from
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- autographic chart recorders or microprocessor data collection
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- systems.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM Web Site, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. ForAnnual Book of ASTM
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles Standardsvolume information, refer to the standard’s Dosument Summary page on
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Test Methods, the ASTM web site.
3
Specific. The PC programs on floppy disks for analyzing Committee D-13 interlabora-
Current edition approved March 1, 2005. Published April 2005. Originally tory data are available from ASTM. For a 31⁄2-in. disk, request PCN:12-429040-18,
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D 5587 – 03. and for a 51⁄4-in. disk, request PCN:12-429041-18.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 5587 – 05
to stop a tear in fabrics of the same construction. The valleys
recorded between the peaks have no specific significance. The
minimum tearing force, however, is indicated to be above the
lowest valleys.
5.5 Most textile fabrics can be tested by this test method.
Some modification of clamping techniques may be necessary
for a given fabric, depending upon its structure. Strong fabrics
or fabrics made from glass fibers require special adaptation to
prevent them from slipping in the clamps or being damaged as
a result of being gripped in the clamps.
5.6 The CRE-type is the preferred tensile testing machine.
(a) This test method allows the use of the CRT-type tensile
machine when agreed upon between the purchaser and the
supplier. There may be no overall correlation, however, be-
tween the results obtained with the CRT-type machine and the
CRE-type machine. Consequently, these two tensile testers
cannot be used interchangeably unless the degree of quantita-
tive correlation has been established between the purchaser and
the supplier. In any event, the CRE-type machine shall prevail.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine, of the CRE-type conforming to
the requirements of Specification D 76 with autographic re-
corder, or automatic microprocessor data gathering system.
6.2 Clamps, having all gripping surfaces parallel, flat, and
(b)
capable of preventing slipping of the specimen during a test,
FIG. 1 Templates for Cutting and Marking Trapezoid Test and measuring at least 50 by 75 mm (at least 2 by 3 in.), with
Specimens
the longer dimension perpendicular to the direction of appli-
cation of the force.
5. Significance and Use 6.2.1 The use of hydraulic pneumatic clamping systems
5.1 This test method is considered satisfactory for accep- with a minimum of 50 by 75-mm (2 by 3-in.) serrated or rubber
tance testing of commercial shipments because current esti- jaw faces having a clamping force at the grip faces of 13 to 14
mates of between-laboratory precision are acceptable, and this kN (2900 to 3111 lbf) is recommended. Manual clamping is
test method is used extensively in the trade for acceptance permitted providing no slippage of the specimen is observed.
testing. 6.2.2 For some fabrics, to prevent slippage when using jaw
5.2 If there are differences of practical significance between faces other than serrated, such as rubber-faced jaws, the jaw
test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative test faces may be covered with a No. 80 to 120 medium-grit emery
should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias cloth. Secure the emery cloth to the jaw faces with pressure-
between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a sensitive tape.
minimum, use the samples for such a comparative test that are 6.3 Cutting Die or Template, having essentially the shape
as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the same lot of and dimensions shown in Fig. 1a.
material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during 6.4 Trapezoid-Shaped Template, having dimensions as
initial testing. Randomly assign the samples in equal numbers shown in Fig. 1b.
to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories
involved should be compared using a statistical test for 7. Sampling and Test Specimens
unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing 7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
series. If bias is found, either its cause must be found and randomly select the number of rolls or pieces of fabric directed
corrected, or future test results for that material must be in an applicable material specification or other agreement
adjusted in consideration of the known bias. between the purchaser and the supplier. Consider the rolls or
5.3 The trapezoid tear produces tension along a reasonably pieces of fabric to be the primary sampling units. In the
defined course such that the tear propagates across the width of absence of such an agreement, take the number of fabric rolls
the specimen. It is useful for estimating the relative tear specified in Table 1.
resistance of different fabrics or different directions in the same
fabric. NOTE 1—An adequate specification or other agreement between the
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
5.4 Depending on the nature of the specimen, the data between rolls or pieces of fabric and between specimens from a swatch
recording devices will show the tearing force in the form of a from a roll or piece of fabric to provide a sampling plan with a meaningful
peak or peaks. The highest peaks appear to reflect the strength producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting
of the yarn components, individually or in combination, needed quality level.

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 D 5587 – 05
TABLE 1 Number of Rolls or Pieces of Fabric in the Lot Sample 8. Preparation of Test Apparatus and Calibration
Number of Rolls or Pieces 8.1 Set the distance between the clamps at the start of the
Number of Rolls or Pieces in Lot Sample
in Lot, Inclusive
test at 25 6 1 mm (1 6 0.05 in.).
1 to 3 all
4 to 24 4
8.2 Select the full-scale force range of the testing machine
25 to 50 5 such that the maximum force occurs between 15 and 85 % of
over 50 10 % to a maximum of 10 rolls or pieces full-scale force.
8.3 Set the testing speed to 300 6 10 mm (12 6 0.5
in./min).
7.2 Laboratory Sample—For acceptance testing, take a 8.4 Verify calibration of the tensile testing machine as
swatch extending the width of the fabric and approximately 1 specified in the manufacturer’s instructions and Specification
m (1 yd) along the machine direction from each roll or piece in D 76.
the lot sample. For rolls of fabric, take a sample that will 8.5 When using microprocessor automatic data gathering
exclude fabric from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap systems, set the appropriate parameters as specified in the
around the core of the roll of fabric. manufacturer’s instructions.
7.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit,
take five specimens from the machine direction and five 9. Conditioning
specimens from the cross-machine direction, for each test 9.1 Condition 1, for Standard Testing:
condition described in 9.1 and 9.2, as applicable to a material 9.1.1 Precondition the specimens by bringing them to ap-
specification or contract order. proximate moisture equilibrium in the standard atmosphere for
7.3.1 Direction of Test—Consider the long direction as the preconditioning textiles as specified in Practice D 1776, unless
direction of test. otherwise specified in a material specification or contract order.
7.3.2 Cutting Test Specimens—Take the specimens to be 9.1.2 After preconditioning, bring the test specimens to
used for the measurement of machine direction with the longer moisture equilibrium for testing in the standard atmosphere for
dimension parallel to the machine direction. Take the speci- testing textiles as specified in Practice D 1776 or, if applicable,
mens to be used for the measurement of the cross-machine in the specified atmosphere in which the testing is to be
direction with the longer dimension parallel to the cross- performed, unless otherwise directed in a material specification
machine direction. When specimens are to be tested wet, take or contract order.
the specimens from areas adjacent to the dry test specimens. 9.2 Condition 2, for Wet Specimen Testing:
Label to maintain specimen identity. 9.2.1 When desizing treatments are specified prior to wet
7.3.2.1 In cutting the woven fabric specimens, take care to testing, use desizing treatments that will not affect the normal
align the yarns running in the short direction parallel with the physical property of the fabric as specified in Test Method
die such that when the slit is cut, the subsequent tear will take D 629.
place between these yarns and not across them. This precaution 9.2.2 Submerge the specimens in a container of distilled or
is most important when testing bowed fabrics. deionized water at ambient temperature until thoroughly
7.3.2.2 Cut specimens representing a broad distribution soaked (see section 8.2.1.1).
across the width and length, preferably along the diagonal of 9.2.2.1 The time of immersion must be sufficient to wet out
the laboratory sample, and no nearer the edge than one tenth its the specimens, as indicated by no significant change in tearing
width. Ensure specimens are free of folds, creases, or wrinkles. force followed by longer periods of immersion. For most
Avoid getting oil, water, grease, and so forth, on the specimens fabrics this time period will be about 1 h. For fabrics not
when handling. readily wet out with water, such as those treated with water-
7.3.2.3 Use the cutting die or template described in 6.3 and repellent or water-resistant materials, add a 0.1 % solution of a
shown in Fig. 1. Mark each specimen with an isosceles nonionic wetting agent to the water bath.
trapezoid template (see Figs. 1 and 2). Make a preliminary cut
15 mm (0.625 in.) long at the center of the 25-mm (1-in.) edge, 10. Procedure
as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. 10.1 Test the conditioned specimens in the standard atmo-
sphere for testing textiles, which is 21 6 1°C (70 6 2°F) and
65 6 2 % relative humidity, unless otherwise specified in a
material specification or contract order.
10.2 Secure the test specimen in the machine, clamping
along the nonparallel sides of the trapezoid such that the end
edges of the clamps are in line with the 25-mm (1-in.) long side
of the trapezoid, and the cut is halfway between the clamps.
Hold the short edge taut, and let the remaining fabric lie in
folds.
10.2.1 For wet testing, remove a specimen from the water,
and immediately mount it on the testing machine in the normal
setup. Perform the test within 2 min after removal of the
FIG. 2 Diagram of Marked Trapezoid Specimen specimen from the water. If more than 2 min elapse between

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 D 5587 – 05
taking the wet specimen from the water bath and starting the 11.1.1.2 High peaks that are the result of slippage in the
tension testing machine, discard the specimen and take another. breaking field shall be included in the determination of the five
10.3 Start the machine and record the tearing force on the highest peak forces.
recording device. The tearing force may increase to a simple 11.1.1.3 Calculate the average of these five highest peak
maximum value or may show several maxima and minima, as forces.
shown in Fig. 3. 11.1.2 Option 2, Single-Peak Force—For fabrics exhibiting
10.4 After the crosshead has moved to produce approxi- less than five peaks, record the highest peak force as the
mately 6 mm (0.25 in.) of fabric tear, record the single-peak single-peak force to the nearest 0.1 mN (0.1 lbf).
force or multiple-peak forces as indicated for the type fabric 11.2 Tearing Strength—Calculate the trapezoid tearing
and tearing action observed. Stop the crosshead motion after a strength as the average tearing force for each testing direction
total tear of approximately 75 mm (3 in.) or the fabric has torn and condition for each laboratory sampling unit and for the lot
completely, and return the crosshead to its starting position. for each principal direction.
10.4.1 If a fabric slips in the jaws or if 25 % or more of the
11.3 Standard Deviation, Coeffıcient of Variation—
specimens break at a point within 5 mm (0.25 in.) of the edge
Calculate when requested.
of the jaw, then the jaws may be padded, the fabric may be
11.4 Computer-Processed Data—When data are automati-
coated under the jaw face area, or the jaw face may be
cally computer-processed, calculations are generally contained
modified. If any of these modifications are used, state the
in the associated software. Record values as read from the
method of modification in the report.
direct-reading scale to the nearest 0.1 mN (0.1 lbf). In any
NOTE 2—Due to dense fabric construction, weave derivations, yarn event, it is recommended that computer-processed data be
strengths or combinations of spun and filament yarns, slippage for some verified against known property values and its software de-
fabrics may not be avoided even with the jaw modifications. In these
scribed in the report.
instances, the high peaks should be included in the calculation and
reporting of fabric tear strength for some fabrics.
12. Report
10.4.2 If 25 % or more of the specimens break at a point
within 5 mm (0.25 in.) of the edge of the jaw after making the 12.1 Report that the trapezoid tearing strength was deter-
modifications described in 10.4.1, consider the fabric untear- mined in accordance with Test Method D 5587. Describe the
able by this test method. fabric or product sampled and the method of sampling used.
10.4.3 Record if the tear occurs crosswise to the direction of 12.2 Report the following information for each laboratory
applied force. sampling unit and for the lot as applicable to a material
10.5 Remove the tested specimen and continue as directed specification or contract order:
in 10.2-10.5 until five specimens have been tested for each 12.2.1 Trapezoid tearing strength for each testing direction
principal direction from each laboratory sampling unit. and condition.
11. Calculation 12.2.2 Calculation option used, either single-peak force or
average of five highest peak forces, and whether any slippage
11.1 Tearing Force, Individual Specimens—Calculate the occurred.
trapezoid tearing force for individual specimens to the nearest 12.2.3 Condition of the specimens (without wetting or wet).
0.1 mN (0.1 lbf) using readings directly from the data
12.2.4 When calculated, the standard deviation or the coef-
collection system or autographic recorder using Option 1 or 2
ficient of variation.
as indicated by the tearing action of the material, unless
otherwise agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier. 12.2.5 For computer-processed data, identify the program
11.1.1 Option 1, Average of Five Highest Peaks: (software) used.
11.1.1.1 For fabrics exhibiting five peaks or more, after the 12.2.6 Make, model, and capacity of testing machine.
first 6 mm (0.25 in.) of tear, determine the five highest peak 12.2.7 Type of clamps used.
forces to the nearest 0.1 mN (0.1 lbf). 12.2.8 Any modification of this test method.

(a) Fabric Exhibiting Several Maxima (b) Fabric Exhibiting Single Maxima
FIG. 3 Typical Trapezoid Tearing Force-Extension Curves for Individual Specimens

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 D 5587 – 05
13. Precision and Bias TABLE 3 Trapezoid Tear Strength, lb
13.1 Summary—In comparing two averages, the differences Components of Variance Expressed as Standard
DeviationsA
should not exceed the single-operator precision values shown Materials
Grand
Average Single- Within- Between-
in Table 2 for the respective number of tests and for materials Operator Laboratory Laboratory
having averages similar to those shown in Table 3 in 95 out of Component Component Component
100 cases when all the observations are taken by the same Woven Fabrics
well-trained operator using the same piece of equipment and S/1008H 14.3 2.6 0.0 0.0
specimens randomly drawn from the sample of fabric. Larger S/28305 101.9 9.9 0.0 12.3
S/9408R 34.4 2.8 0.0 3.4
differences are likely to occur under all other circumstances. A
The square roots of the components of variance are being reported to express
13.2 Interlaboratory Test Data—An interlaboratory test was the variability in the appropriate units of measure rather than as the squares of
run in 1994 through 1995 in which randomly drawn samples of those units of measure.
three fabrics were tested in each of five laboratories. Two
operators in each laboratory each tested eight specimens of Material 3—S/1008H, Plain Weave Sheeting, With Spun Yarns
each fabric using this test method. Four of the eight specimens Material 7—S/28305, Plain Weave, Continuous Filament Yarns
Material 13—S/9408R, Twill Weave
were tested on one day and four specimens were tested on a
second day. Analysis of the data was conducted using Practices 13.3 Precision—For the components of variance reported in
D 2904 and D 2906, as well as the adjunct Tex-Pac. The Table 3, two averages of observed values should be considered
components of variance for trapezoid tear strength expressed as significantly different at the 95 % probability level if the
standard deviations were calculated to be the values listed in difference equals or exceeds the critical differences listed in
Table 3. The three woven fabric types were: Table 2. There were sufficient differences related to the fabric
type and structure to warrant listing the components of
TABLE 2 Trapezoid Tear Strength, lb, Critical Differences for the variance and the critical differences separately. Consequently,
Conditions NotedA no multi-fabric comparisons were made.
Number of Single- Within- Between-
Materials Observations in Operator Laboratory Laboratory
NOTE 3—The tabulated values of the critical differences should be
Each Average Precision Precision Precision considered to be a general statement, particularly with respect to between-
laboratory precision. Before a meaningful statement can be made about
S/1008H 1 7.27 7.27 7.27
2 5.14 5.14 5.14
two specific laboratories, the amount of statistical bias, if any, between
5 3.25 3.25 3.25 them must be established with each comparison being based on recent data
10 2.30 2.30 2.30 obtained on specimens taken from a lot of fabric to the type being
S/28305 1 27.5 27.5 43.9 evaluated, so as to be as nearly homogeneous as possible, and then
2 19.5 19.5 39.3 randomly assigned in equal numbers to each of the laboratories.
5 12.3 12.3 35.2
10 8.7 8.7 34.9 13.4 Bias—The value of trapezoid tear strength can only be
S/9408R 1 7.9 7.9 12.2 defined in terms of a test method. Within this limitation, this
2 5.6 5.6 10.9
5 3.5 3.5 10.0 test method has no known bias.
10 2.5 2.5 9.7
A
14. Keywords
The critical differences were calculated using t = 1.960, which is based on
infinite degrees of freedom. 14.1 fabric; tearing strength; trapezoid

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. CONDITIONS WHEN USING CRT-TYPE TENSILE TESTERS

X1.1 General X1.1.3 Set the testing speed to 300 6 10 mm/min (12 6 0.5
X1.1.1 The following information is provided for determin- in./min). Disengage the pawls from the rachet to render them
ing trapezoid tearing strength using the CRT-type tensile tester inoperative.
with this test method. See 1.1.1. X1.1.4 Report that the trapezoid tearing test was determined
X1.1.2 Tensile Testing Machine, of the constant-rate-of- using a CRT-type tensile tester.
traverse (CRT) pendulum type conforming to the requirements
of Specification D 76 with autographic recorder or automatic
microprocessor data gathering systems.

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 D 5587 – 05
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