ASTM D3552-12

5.1 This test method is designed to produce tensile property data for material specifications, research and development, quality assurance, and structural design and analysis. Factors that influence the tensile response and should be reported include the following: material, methods of material preparation and lay-up, specimen stacking sequence, specimen preparation, specimen conditioning, environment of testing, specimen alignment and gripping, speed of testing, time at temperature, and volume percent reinforcement. Properties, in the test direction, which may be obtained from this test method include the following:

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile properties of metal matrix composites reinforced by continuous and discontinuous high-modulus fibers. Nontraditional metal matrix composites as stated in 1.1.6 also are covered in this test method. This test method applies to specimens loaded in a uniaxial manner tested in laboratory air at either room temperature or elevated temperatures. The types of metal matrix composites covered are:

1.2 The technical content of this standard has been stable since 1996 without significant objection from its stakeholders. As there is limited technical support for the maintenance of this standard, changes since that date have been limited to items required to retain consistency with other ASTM D30 Committee standards. The standard therefore should not be considered to include any significant changes in approach and practice since 1996. Future maintenance of the standard will only be in response to specific requests and performed only as technical support allows.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.

1.4 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.