NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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Designation: D 638 – 03

Standard Test Method for

Tensile Properties of Plastics1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 638; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics in the form responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of standard dumbbell-shaped test specimens when tested under priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
testing machine speed. 2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This test method can be used for testing materials of any
thickness up to 14 mm [0.55 in.]. However, for testing 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
specimens in the form of thin sheeting, including film less than D 229 Test Methods for Rigid Sheet and Plate Materials
1.0 mm [0.04 in.] in thickness, Test Methods D 882 is the Used for Electrical Insulation
preferred test method. Materials with a thickness greater than D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermo-
14 mm [0.55 in.] must be reduced by machining. plastic Elastomers—Tension
iTeh Standards
1.3 This test method includes the option of determining
Poisson’s ratio at room temperature.
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D 651 Test Method for Tensile Strength of Molded Electri-

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NOTE 1—This test method and ISO 527-1 are technically equivalent.
NOTE 2—This test method is not intended to cover precise physical
cal Insulating Materials
D 882 Test Methods for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Sheeting
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procedures. It is recognized that the constant rate of crosshead movement
type of test leaves much to be desired from a theoretical standpoint, that
wide differences may exist between rate of crosshead movement and rate
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D 1822 Test Method for Tensile-Impact Energy to Break
of strain between gage marks on the specimen, and that the testing speeds Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
specified disguise important effects characteristic of materialsASTM in the D638-03
D 3039/D 3039M Test Method for Tensile Properties of
plastic state. Further, it is realized that variations in the thicknesses of test Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
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specimens, which are permitted by these procedures, produce variations in D 4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Mate-
the surface-volume ratios of such specimens, and that these variations may
rials
influence the test results. Hence, where directly comparable results are
desired, all samples should be of equal thickness. Special additional tests D 4066 Classification System for Nylon Injection and Ex-
should be used where more precise physical data are needed. trusion Materials
NOTE 3—This test method may be used for testing phenolic molded D 5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid
resin or laminated materials. However, where these materials are used as Plastic Specimens
electrical insulation, such materials should be tested in accordance with E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
Test Methods D 229 and Test Method D 651. E 83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
NOTE 4—For tensile properties of resin-matrix composites reinforced
with oriented continuous or discontinuous high modulus >20-GPa
someter
[>3.0 3 106-psi] fibers, tests shall be made in accordance with Test E 132 Test Method for Poisson’s Ratio at Room Tempera-
Method D 3039/D 3039M. ture
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and
appropriate for use in engineering design. Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 2.2 ISO Standard:
standard. The values given in brackets are for information only.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2003. Published January 2004. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 638 - 02a. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

*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.

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 D 638 – 03
ISO 527-1 Determination of Tensile Properties and the material remains elastic under the action of the applied
force, the lateral strain bears a constant relationship to the axial
3. Terminology strain. This constant, called Poisson’s ratio, is defined as the
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms applying to this test negative ratio of the transverse (negative) to axial strain under
method appear in Terminology D 883 and Annex A2. uniaxial stress.
4. Significance and Use 4.4.1 Poisson’s ratio is used for the design of structures in
which all dimensional changes resulting from the application
4.1 This test method is designed to produce tensile property
of force need to be taken into account and in the application of
data for the control and specification of plastic materials. These
the generalized theory of elasticity to structural analysis.
data are also useful for qualitative characterization and for
research and development. For many materials, there may be a NOTE 6—The accuracy of the determination of Poisson’s ratio is
specification that requires the use of this test method, but with usually limited by the accuracy of the transverse strain measurements
some procedural modifications that take precedence when because the percentage errors in these measurements are usually greater
than in the axial strain measurements. Since a ratio rather than an absolute
adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer
quantity is measured, it is only necessary to know accurately the relative
to that material specification before using this test method. value of the calibration factors of the extensometers. Also, in general, the
Table 1 in Classification D 4000 lists the ASTM materials value of the applied loads need not be known accurately.
standards that currently exist.
4.2 Tensile properties may vary with specimen preparation 5. Apparatus
and with speed and environment of testing. Consequently, 5.1 Testing Machine—A testing machine of the constant-
where precise comparative results are desired, these factors rate-of-crosshead-movement type and comprising essentially
must be carefully controlled. the following:
4.2.1 It is realized that a material cannot be tested without
5.1.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary
also testing the method of preparation of that material. Hence,
member carrying one grip.
when comparative tests of materials per se are desired, the
greatest care must be exercised to ensure that all samples are 5.1.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a

iTeh Standards
prepared in exactly the same way, unless the test is to include
the effects of sample preparation. Similarly, for referee pur-
second grip.
5.1.3 Grips—Grips for holding the test specimen between

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poses or comparisons within any given series of specimens, the fixed member and the movable member of the testing
care must be taken to secure the maximum degree of unifor- machine can be either the fixed or self-aligning type.
mity in details of preparation, treatment, and handling. 5.1.3.1 Fixed grips are rigidly attached to the fixed and
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4.3 Tensile properties may provide useful data for plastics
engineering design purposes. However, because of the high
movable members of the testing machine. When this type of
grip is used extreme care should be taken to ensure that the test
degree of sensitivity exhibited by many plastics to rate of specimen is inserted and clamped so that the long axis of the
straining and environmental conditions, data obtained ASTM by this D638-03
test specimen coincides with the direction of pull through the
test method cannot be considered valid for applications involv- center line of the grip assembly.
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ing load-time scales or environments widely different from 5.1.3.2 Self-aligning grips are attached to the fixed and
those of this test method. In cases of such dissimilarity, no movable members of the testing machine in such a manner that
reliable estimation of the limit of usefulness can be made for they will move freely into alignment as soon as any load is
most plastics. This sensitivity to rate of straining and environ- applied so that the long axis of the test specimen will coincide
ment necessitates testing over a broad load-time scale (includ- with the direction of the applied pull through the center line of
ing impact and creep) and range of environmental conditions if the grip assembly. The specimens should be aligned as per-
tensile properties are to suffice for engineering design pur- fectly as possible with the direction of pull so that no rotary
poses. motion that may induce slippage will occur in the grips; there
NOTE 5—Since the existence of a true elastic limit in plastics (as in
is a limit to the amount of misalignment self-aligning grips will
many other organic materials and in many metals) is debatable, the accommodate.
propriety of applying the term “elastic modulus” in its quoted, generally 5.1.3.3 The test specimen shall be held in such a way that
accepted definition to describe the “stiffness” or “rigidity” of a plastic has slippage relative to the grips is prevented insofar as possible.
been seriously questioned. The exact stress-strain characteristics of plastic Grip surfaces that are deeply scored or serrated with a pattern
materials are highly dependent on such factors as rate of application of
similar to those of a coarse single-cut file, serrations about 2.4
stress, temperature, previous history of specimen, etc. However, stress-
strain curves for plastics, determined as described in this test method, mm [0.09 in.] apart and about 1.6 mm [0.06 in.] deep, have
almost always show a linear region at low stresses, and a straight line been found satisfactory for most thermoplastics. Finer serra-
drawn tangent to this portion of the curve permits calculation of an elastic tions have been found to be more satisfactory for harder
modulus of the usually defined type. Such a constant is useful if its plastics, such as the thermosetting materials. The serrations
arbitrary nature and dependence on time, temperature, and similar factors should be kept clean and sharp. Breaking in the grips may
are realized. occur at times, even when deep serrations or abraded specimen
4.4 Poisson’s Ratio—When uniaxial tensile force is applied surfaces are used; other techniques must be used in these cases.
to a solid, the solid stretches in the direction of the applied Other techniques that have been found useful, particularly with
force (axially), but it also contracts in both dimensions lateral smooth-faced grips, are abrading that portion of the surface of
to the applied force. If the solid is homogeneous and isotropic, the specimen that will be in the grips, and interposing thin

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 D 638 – 03
pieces of abrasive cloth, abrasive paper, or plastic, or rubber- classification within the range of use for modulus measure-
coated fabric, commonly called hospital sheeting, between the ments meets this requirement.
specimen and the grip surface. No. 80 double-sided abrasive 5.2.2 Low-Extension Measurements—For elongation-at-
paper has been found effective in many cases. An open-mesh yield and low-extension measurements (nominally 20 % or
fabric, in which the threads are coated with abrasive, has also less), the same above extensometer, attenuated to 20 % exten-
been effective. Reducing the cross-sectional area of the speci- sion, may be used. In any case, the extensometer system must
men may also be effective. The use of special types of grips is meet at least Class C (Practice E 83) requirements, which
sometimes necessary to eliminate slippage and breakage in the include a fixed strain error of 0.001 strain or 61.0 % of the
grips. indicated strain, whichever is greater.
5.1.4 Drive Mechanism—A drive mechanism for imparting 5.2.3 High-Extension Measurements—For making mea-
to the movable member a uniform, controlled velocity with surements at elongations greater than 20 %, measuring tech-
respect to the stationary member, with this velocity to be niques with error no greater than 610 % of the measured value
regulated as specified in Section 8. are acceptable.
5.1.5 Load Indicator—A suitable load-indicating mecha- 5.2.4 Poisson’s Ratio—Bi-axial extensometer or axial and
nism capable of showing the total tensile load carried by the transverse extensometers capable of recording axial strain and
test specimen when held by the grips. This mechanism shall be transverse strain simultaneously. The extensometers shall be
essentially free of inertia lag at the specified rate of testing and capable of measuring the change in strains with an accuracy of
shall indicate the load with an accuracy of 61 % of the 1 % of the relevant value or better.
indicated value, or better. The accuracy of the testing machine
shall be verified in accordance with Practices E 4. NOTE 8—Strain gages can be used as an alternative method to measure
axial and transverse strain; however, proper techniques for mounting
NOTE 7—Experience has shown that many testing machines now in use strain gages are crucial to obtaining accurate data. Consult strain gage
are incapable of maintaining accuracy for as long as the periods between suppliers for instruction and training in these special techniques.
inspection recommended in Practices E 4. Hence, it is recommended that
each machine be studied individually and verified as often as may be 5.3 Micrometers—Apparatus for measuring the width and

iTeh Standards
found necessary. It frequently will be necessary to perform this function thickness of the test specimen shall comply with the require-
daily. ments of Test Method D 5947.

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5.1.6 The fixed member, movable member, drive mecha-
nism, and grips shall be constructed of such materials and in
such proportions that the total elastic longitudinal strain of the
6. Test Specimens
6.1 Sheet, Plate, and Molded Plastics:
Documentconform
system constituted by these parts does not exceed 1 % of the
total longitudinal strain between the two gage marks on the test
Preview
6.1.1 Rigid and Semirigid Plastics—The test specimen shall
to the dimensions shown in Fig. 1. The Type I
specimen at any time during the test and at any load up to the specimen is the preferred specimen and shall be used where
rated capacity of the machine. ASTM D638-03
sufficient material having a thickness of 7 mm [0.28 in.] or less
5.1.7 Crosshead Extension Indicator—A suitable extension is available. The Type II specimen may be used when a
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indicating mechanism capable of showing the amount of material does not break in the narrow section with the preferred
change in the separation of the grips, that is, crosshead Type I specimen. The Type V specimen shall be used where
movement. This mechanism shall be essentially free of inertial only limited material having a thickness of 4 mm [0.16 in.] or
lag at the specified rate of testing and shall indicate the less is available for evaluation, or where a large number of
crosshead movement with an accuracy of 610 % of the specimens are to be exposed in a limited space (thermal and
indicated value. environmental stability tests, etc.). The Type IV specimen
5.2 Extension Indicator (extensometer)—A suitable instru- should be used when direct comparisons are required between
ment shall be used for determining the distance between two materials in different rigidity cases (that is, nonrigid and
designated points within the gage length of the test specimen as semirigid). The Type III specimen must be used for all
the specimen is stretched. For referee purposes, the extensom- materials with a thickness of greater than 7 mm [0.28 in.] but
eter must be set at the full gage length of the specimen, as not more than 14 mm [0.55 in.].
shown in Fig. 1. It is desirable, but not essential, that this 6.1.2 Nonrigid Plastics—The test specimen shall conform
instrument automatically record this distance, or any change in to the dimensions shown in Fig. 1. The Type IV specimen shall
it, as a function of the load on the test specimen or of the be used for testing nonrigid plastics with a thickness of 4 mm
elapsed time from the start of the test, or both. If only the latter [0.16 in.] or less. The Type III specimen must be used for all
is obtained, load-time data must also be taken. This instrument materials with a thickness greater than 7 mm [0.28 in.] but not
shall be essentially free of inertia at the specified speed of more than 14 mm [0.55 in.].
testing. Extensometers shall be classified and their calibration 6.1.3 Reinforced Composites—The test specimen for rein-
periodically verified in accordance with Practice E 83. forced composites, including highly orthotropic laminates,
5.2.1 Modulus-of-Elasticity Measurements—For modulus- shall conform to the dimensions of the Type I specimen shown
of-elasticity measurements, an extensometer with a maximum in Fig. 1.
strain error of 0.0002 mm/mm [in./in.] that automatically and 6.1.4 Preparation—Test specimens shall be prepared by
continuously records shall be used. An extensometer classified machining operations, or die cutting, from materials in sheet,
by Practice E 83 as fulfilling the requirements of a B-2 plate, slab, or similar form. Materials thicker than 14 mm [0.55

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 D 638 – 03

Specimen Dimensions for Thickness, T, mm [in.]A

7 [0.28] or under Over 7 to 14 [0.28 to 0.55], incl 4 [0.16] or under
Dimensions (see drawings) Tolerances
Type I Type II Type III Type IVB Type VC,D
W—Width of narrow sectionE,F 13 [0.50] 6 [0.25] 19 [0.75] 6 [0.25] 3.18 [0.125] 60.5 [60.02]B,C
L—Length of narrow section 57 [2.25] 57 [2.25] 57 [2.25] 33 [1.30] 9.53 [0.375] 60.5 [60.02]C
WO—Width overall, minG 19 [0.75] 19 [0.75] 29 [1.13] 19 [0.75] ... + 6.4 [ + 0.25]
WO—Width overall, minG ... ... ... ... 9.53 [0.375] + 3.18 [ + 0.125]
LO—Length overall, minH 165 [6.5] 183 [7.2] 246 [9.7] 115 [4.5] 63.5 [2.5] no max [no max]

iTeh Standards
G—Gage lengthI 50 [2.00] 50 [2.00] 50 [2.00] ... 7.62 [0.300] 60.25 [60.010]C
G—Gage lengthI ... ... ... 25 [1.00] ... 60.13 [60.005]
D—Distance between grips 115 [4.5] 135 [5.3] 115 [4.5] 65 [2.5]J 25.4 [1.0] 65 [60.2]

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R—Radius of fillet 76 [3.00] 76 [3.00] 76 [3.00] 14 [0.56] 12.7 [0.5] 61 [60.04]C
RO—Outer radius (Type IV) ... ... ... 25 [1.00] ... 61 [60.04]

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A
Thickness, T, shall be 3.26 0.4 mm [0.13 6 0.02 in.] for all types of molded specimens, and for other Types I and II specimens where possible. If specimens are
machined from sheets or plates, thickness, T, may be the thickness of the sheet or plate provided this does not exceed the range stated for the intended specimen type.
For sheets of nominal thickness greater than 14 mm [0.55 in.] the specimens shall be machined to 14 6 0.4 mm [0.55 6 0.02 in.] in thickness, for use with the Type III
specimen. For sheets of nominal thickness between 14 and 51 mm [0.55 and 2 in.] approximately equal amounts shall be machined from each surface. For thicker sheets
both surfaces of the specimen shall be machined, and the location of the specimen with reference to the original thickness of the sheet shall be noted. Tolerances on

B
ASTM D638-03
thickness less than 14 mm [0.55 in.] shall be those standard for the grade of material tested.
For the Type IV specimen, the internal width of the narrow section of the die shall be 6.00 6 0.05 mm [0.2506 0.002 in.]. The dimensions are essentially those of Die
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C in Test Methods D 412.
C
The Type V specimen shall be machined or die cut to the dimensions shown, or molded in a mold whose cavity has these dimensions. The dimensions shall be:
W = 3.18 6 0.03 mm [0.125 6 0.001 in.],
L = 9.53 6 0.08 mm [0.375 6 0.003 in.],
G = 7.62 6 0.02 mm [0.300 6 0.001 in.], and
R = 12.7 6 0.08 mm [0.500 6 0.003 in.].
The other tolerances are those in the table.
D
Supporting data on the introduction of the L specimen of Test Method D 1822 as the Type V specimen are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:D20-1038.
E
The width at the center Wc shall be +0.00 mm, −0.10 mm [ +0.000 in., −0.004 in.] compared with width W at other parts of the reduced section. Any reduction in W
at the center shall be gradual, equally on each side so that no abrupt changes in dimension result.
F
For molded specimens, a draft of not over 0.13 mm [0.005 in.] may be allowed for either Type I or II specimens 3.2 mm [0.13 in.] in thickness, and this should be taken
into account when calculating width of the specimen. Thus a typical section of a molded Type I specimen, having the maximum allowable draft, could be as follows:
G
Overall widths greater than the minimum indicated may be desirable for some materials in order to avoid breaking in the grips.
H
Overall lengths greater than the minimum indicated may be desirable either to avoid breaking in the grips or to satisfy special test requirements.
I
Test marks or initial extensometer span.
J
When self-tightening grips are used, for highly extensible polymers, the distance between grips will depend upon the types of grips used and may not be critical if
maintained uniform once chosen.

FIG. 1 Tension Test Specimens for Sheet, Plate, and Molded Plastics

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 D 638 – 03
in.] must be machined to 14 mm [0.55 in.] for use as Type III cloth, SMC, and BMC laminates, other specimen types should be
specimens. Specimens can also be prepared by molding the considered to ensure breakage within the gage length of the specimen, as
material to be tested. mandated by 7.3.
NOTE 10—When preparing specimens from certain composite lami-
nates such as woven roving, or glass cloth, care must be exercised in
cutting the specimens parallel to the reinforcement. The reinforcement
will be significantly weakened by cutting on a bias, resulting in lower
laminate properties, unless testing of specimens in a direction other than
parallel with the reinforcement constitutes a variable being studied.
NOTE 11—Specimens prepared by injection molding may have different
tensile properties than specimens prepared by machining or die-cutting
because of the orientation induced. This effect may be more pronounced
in specimens with narrow sections.
6.2 Rigid Tubes—The test specimen for rigid tubes shall be
as shown in Fig. 2. The length, L, shall be as shown in the table
in Fig. 2. A groove shall be machined around the outside of the
specimen at the center of its length so that the wall section after
machining shall be 60 % of the original nominal wall thick-
ness. This groove shall consist of a straight section 57.2 mm
[2.25 in.] in length with a radius of 76 mm [3 in.] at each end
joining it to the outside diameter. Steel or brass plugs having
diameters such that they will fit snugly inside the tube and
having a length equal to the full jaw length plus 25 mm [1 in.]
shall be placed in the ends of the specimens to prevent
crushing. They can be located conveniently in the tube by

iTeh Standards separating and supporting them on a threaded metal rod.

Details of plugs and test assembly are shown in Fig. 2.
6.3 Rigid Rods—The test specimen for rigid rods shall be as
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in Fig. 3. A groove shall be machined around the specimen at

Document Preview the center of its length so that the diameter of the machined
portion shall be 60 % of the original nominal diameter. This
groove shall consist of a straight section 57.2 mm [2.25 in.] in
length with a radius of 76 mm [3 in.] at each end joining it to
ASTM D638-03
the outside diameter.
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6.4 All surfaces of the specimen shall be free of visible
flaws, scratches, or imperfections. Marks left by coarse ma-
DIMENSIONS OF TUBE SPECIMENS
chining operations shall be carefully removed with a fine file or
abrasive, and the filed surfaces shall then be smoothed with
Standard Length, L,
Nominal Wall
Length of Radial Total Calculated
of Specimen to Be abrasive paper (No. 00 or finer). The finishing sanding strokes
Sections, Minimum
Thickness
2R.S. Length of Specimen
Used for 89-mm shall be made in a direction parallel to the long axis of the test
[3.5-in.] JawsA specimen. All flash shall be removed from a molded specimen,
mm [in.] taking great care not to disturb the molded surfaces. In
0.79 [1⁄32 ] 13.9 [0.547] 350 [13.80] 381 [15] machining a specimen, undercuts that would exceed the
1.2 [3⁄64 ] 17.0 [0.670] 354 [13.92] 381 [15] dimensional tolerances shown in Fig. 1 shall be scrupulously
1.6 [1⁄16 ] 19.6 [0.773] 356 [14.02] 381 [15]
2.4 [3⁄32 ] 24.0 [0.946] 361 [14.20] 381 [15] avoided. Care shall also be taken to avoid other common
3.2 [1⁄8 ] 27.7 [1.091] 364 [14.34] 381 [15] machining errors.
4.8 [3⁄16 ] 33.9 [1.333] 370 [14.58] 381 [15]
6.4 [ ⁄4 ]
1 39.0 [1.536] 376 [14.79] 400 [15.75]
6.5 If it is necessary to place gage marks on the specimen,
7.9 [5⁄16 ] 43.5 [1.714] 380 [14.96] 400 [15.75] this shall be done with a wax crayon or India ink that will not
9.5 [3⁄8 ] 47.6 [1.873] 384 [15.12] 400 [15.75] affect the material being tested. Gage marks shall not be
11.1 [7⁄16 ] 51.3 [2.019] 388 [15.27] 400 [15.75]
12.7 [1⁄2 ] 54.7 [2.154] 391 [15.40] 419 [16.5]
scratched, punched, or impressed on the specimen.
6.6 When testing materials that are suspected of anisotropy,
A
For other jaws greater than 89 mm [3.5 in.], the standard length shall be duplicate sets of test specimens shall be prepared, having their
increased by twice the length of the jaws minus 178 mm [7 in.]. The standard long axes respectively parallel with, and normal to, the
length permits a slippage of approximately 6.4 to 12.7 mm [0.25 to 0.50 in.] in each
jaw while maintaining the maximum length of the jaw grip.
suspected direction of anisotropy.
FIG. 2 Diagram Showing Location of Tube Tension Test
Specimens in Testing Machine 7. Number of Test Specimens
7.1 Test at least five specimens for each sample in the case
NOTE 9—Test results have shown that for some materials such as glass of isotropic materials.

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 D 638 – 03
NOTE 12—Before testing, all transparent specimens should be inspected
in a polariscope. Those which show atypical or concentrated strain
patterns should be rejected, unless the effects of these residual strains
constitute a variable to be studied.

8. Speed of Testing
8.1 Speed of testing shall be the relative rate of motion of
the grips or test fixtures during the test. The rate of motion of
the driven grip or fixture when the testing machine is running
idle may be used, if it can be shown that the resulting speed of
testing is within the limits of variation allowed.
8.2 Choose the speed of testing from Table 1. Determine
this chosen speed of testing by the specification for the material
being tested, or by agreement between those concerned. When
the speed is not specified, use the lowest speed shown in Table
1 for the specimen geometry being used, which gives rupture
within 1⁄2 to 5-min testing time.
8.3 Modulus determinations may be made at the speed
selected for the other tensile properties when the recorder
response and resolution are adequate.
8.4 The speed of testing for Poisson’s ratio determination
shall be 5 mm/min.
9. Conditioning
9.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6

iTeh Standards 2°C [73.4 6 3.6°F] and 50 6 5 % relative humidity for not less
than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of

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Practice D 618, unless otherwise specified by contract or the
relevant ASTM material specification. Reference pre-test con-
ditioning, to settle disagreements, shall apply tolerances of
DIMENSIONS OF ROD SPECIMENS
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Total Calculated
Standard Length, L, of
61°C [1.8°F] and 62 % relative humidity.
9.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at 23 6 2°C [73.4 6
Nominal Diam- Length of Radial
Minimum
Specimen to Be Used 3.6°F] and 50 6 5 % relative humidity, unless otherwise
eter Sections, 2R.S. for 89-mm [31⁄2-in.]
Length of Specimen specified
JawsASTM D638-03
A by contract or the relevant ASTM material specifica-
tion. Reference testing conditions, to settle disagreements,
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mm [in.]
shall apply tolerances of 61°C [1.8°F] and 62 % relative
3.2 [1⁄8 ] 19.6 [0.773] 356 [14.02] 381 [15]
4.7 [1⁄16 ] 24.0 [0.946] 361 [14.20] 381 [15]
humidity.
6.4 [1⁄4 ] 27.7 [1.091] 364 [14.34] 381 [15]
9.5 [3⁄8 ] 33.9 [1.333] 370 [14.58] 381 [15] TABLE 1 Designations for Speed of TestingA
12.7 [1⁄2 ] 39.0 [1.536] 376 [14.79] 400 [15.75]
15.9 [5⁄8 ] 43.5 [1.714] 380 [14.96] 400 [15.75] Nominal
19.0 [3⁄4 ] 47.6 [1.873] 384 [15.12] 400 [15.75] StrainC Rate at
Speed of Testing,
22.2 [7⁄8 ] 51.5 [2.019] 388 [15.27] 400 [15.75] ClassificationB Specimen Type Start of Test,
mm/min [in./min]
25.4 [1] 54.7 [2.154] 391 [15.40] 419 [16.5] mm/mm· min
31.8 [11⁄4 ] 60.9 [2.398] 398 [15.65] 419 [16.5] [in./in.·min]
38.1 [11⁄2 ] 66.4 [2.615] 403 [15.87] 419 [16.5] Rigid and Semirigid I, II, III rods and 5 [0.2] 6 25 % 0.1
42.5 [13⁄4 ] 71.4 [2.812] 408 [16.06] 419 [16.5] tubes
50.8 [2] 76.0 [2.993] 412 [16.24] 432 [17] 50 [2] 6 10 % 1
500 [20] 6 10 % 10
A
For other jaws greater than 89 mm [3.5 in.], the standard length shall be IV 5 [0.2] 6 25 % 0.15
increased by twice the length of the jaws minus 178 mm [7 in.]. The standard 50 [2] 6 10 % 1.5
length permits a slippage of approximately 6.4 to 12.7 mm [0.25 to 0.50 in.] in each 500 [20] 6 10 % 15
jaw while maintaining the maximum length of the jaw grip. V 1 [0.05] 6 25 % 0.1
10 [0.5] 6 25 % 1
FIG. 3 Diagram Showing Location of Rod Tension Test Specimen
100 [5]6 25 % 10
in Testing Machine Nonrigid III 50 [2] 6 10 % 1
500 [20] 6 10 % 10
7.2 Test ten specimens, five normal to, and five parallel IV 50 [2] 6 10 % 1.5
500 [20] 6 10 % 15
with, the principle axis of anisotropy, for each sample in the A
Select the lowest speed that produces rupture in 1⁄2 to 5 min for the specimen
case of anisotropic materials. geometry being used (see 8.2).
7.3 Discard specimens that break at some flaw, or that break B
See Terminology D 883 for definitions.
C
outside of the narrow cross-sectional test section (Fig. 1, The initial rate of straining cannot be calculated exactly for dumbbell-shaped
specimens because of extension, both in the reduced section outside the gage
dimension “L”), and make retests, unless such flaws constitute length and in the fillets. This initial strain rate can be measured from the initial slope
a variable to be studied. of the tensile strain-versus-time diagram.