ASTM C273/C273M-11

The core shear properties are fundamental properties that are used in the design of sandwich panels. This test method provides information on the force-deflection behavior of sandwich constructions or cores when loaded in shear parallel to the plane of the facings. From a complete force-deflection curve, it is possible to compute core shear stress at any force (such as the shear stress at proportional limit, at yield, or at maximum force) and to compute an effective core shear modulus.

The test does not produce pure shear, but the specimen length is prescribed so that secondary stresses have a minimum effect. Approximate shear properties can also be obtained from a sandwich flexure test (see Test Method C 393).

This test method provides a standard method of obtaining sandwich core shear data for material specifications, sandwich panel design, research and development applications, and quality assurance.

Factors that influence core shear strength and shall therefore be reported include the following: facing material, core material, adhesive material, methods of material fabrication, core geometry (density, cell size, orientation, etc.), adhesive thickness, specimen geometry and associated measurement accuracy, specimen preparation, specimen conditioning, environment of testing, specimen alignment, loading procedure, speed of testing, and adhesive void content. Further, core-to-facing strength may be different between precured/bonded and co-cured facings in sandwich panels with the same core and facing material.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of shear properties of sandwich construction core materials associated with shear distortion of planes parallel to the facings. It covers the determination of shear strength parallel to the plane of the sandwich, and the shear modulus associated with strains in a plane normal to the facings. The test may be conducted on core materials bonded directly to the loading plates or the sandwich facings bonded to the plates. Permissible core material forms include those with continuous bonding surfaces (such as balsa wood and foams) as well as those with discontinuous bonding surfaces (such as honeycomb).

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.