ASTM Committee Research Articles

A brief history of the crack tip stress intensity factor and its application

The primary objective of this work is to discuss the origins, background and development of the elastic crack tip stress intensity factor, K, as they occurred. The further development of the three modes and the compilations of related formulas in the literature are discussed. The origins of applications to static crack growth stability, and sub-critical growth due to fatigue and environmental effects are included. Significant events such as the formation of the ASTM committee on Fracture Mechanics, the adoption of Damage Tolerance Analysis by the aircraft industry using Fracture Mechanics as a basis, and the further extension of the methods to large-scale plasticity conditions are presented. Finally a discussion of early predictions of crack paths is discussed.

Development of a two-body wet abrasion test method with attention to the effects of reused abradant

A simple test method has been developed to quantify the response of metals and alloys to two-body wet abrasion. A metallographic polishing machine was modified to create a disk-on-flat sliding test rig. Adhesive-backed SiC grinding papers were used under fixed load and speed to rank the abrasive wear of seven alloy steels, some of which are candidates for drill cones for geothermal drilling. Standardized two-body abrasion tests, like those described in ASTM G132, feed unused abrasive into the contact; however, the current work investigated whether useful rankings could still be obtained with a simpler testing configuration in which specimens repeatedly slide on the same wear path under water-lubricated conditions. Tests using abrasive grit sizes of 120 and 180 resulted in the same relative ranking of the alloys although the coarser grit produced more total wear. Wear decreased when the same abrasive disk was re-used for up to five runs, but the relative rankings of the steels remained the same. This procedure was presented to ASTM Committee G2 on Wear and Erosion as a potential standard test for wet two-body abrasive wear.

Development of a Non-Destructive Evaluation Practice of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints Using a Rolling Device—An Introduction to ASTM C 1736

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the development of standardized methodology to evaluate joint seal continuity, encompassed in the newly published ASTM C 1736-11, “Standard Practice for Non-Destructive Evaluation of Adhesion of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints Using a Rolling Device.” This standard practice was created under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C 24 on Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 30 on Adhesion; it was approved July 1, 2011. Fundamental details contributing to the successful usage of this practice are examined by answering the following questions: Where exactly do the stresses produced by this procedure have an effect upon the sealant-to-substrate bond-line? How does joint geometry impact this bond-line stress? What level of stress on a bond-line provides usable information without damaging the seal?

Development of a Proposed ASTM Guide to Continued Applicability of Reports on Fire Test Standards

Abstract Fire test reports provide information relative to the fire-test-response characteristics of a material, product, or assembly at the time when it was tested and to the evaluative approach of the fire test used, including understanding of the fire test that was used. Such fire test reports remain valid for the particular point in time at which the fire test was conducted, as long as the test was conducted in full accordance with the fire test standard referenced in the test report. However, fire test reports may, at some time, cease being applicable to the material, product, or assembly currently being offered for use; for example, if there has been a technical change in the fire test protocol or if there has been a substantial change in the material, product, or assembly being offered for use. The ASTM Committee E05, and subcommittee E05.31 on Terminology and Services/Functions, is considering the development of an ASTM Guide to formalize the above ideas. The draft ASTM guide contains concepts which provide guidance for assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports. The concepts in the draft guide are intended for application by users of fire test reports to assess whether a particular fire test report continues to be an applicable representation of the fire-test-response characteristics of a material, product, or assembly which is required to be tested for a new assessment using the same fire test standard. The continued applicability of the fire test report will be a function primarily of two issues: (a) whether the material, product or assembly being offered for use is substantially the same as the one that was tested and (b) whether the test method being required is substantially the same as the test that was conducted for the report in question. Some concepts included in the draft guide may be a function of the type of fire test conducted and of the type of material, product, or assembly assessed. The draft guide considers in a separate category materials, products or assemblies listed by an accredited listing agency.

ASTM D 3350: A Historical and Current Perspective on a Standard Specification for Identification of Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials

Abstract ASTM D 3350, Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials, was originally approved and published in 1974 and has increasingly been referenced in numerous F17 Piping Application Standards. This paper/presentation will review the background of the original standard, provide how it has transformed as the industry has evolved to improved materials and “salt and pepper” blending for pipe production, and identify the challenges in modifying the standard to apply for all polyethylene piping applications. ASTM D 3350 is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials.

On the reproducibility of measuring random incidence sound absorption

For over 50 years, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) has promulgated a method for the laboratory testing of random-incidence sound absorption coefficients (Test Method C423). This test method falls under the purview of ASTM Committee E33 (Environmental Acoustics). In 1999, the protocols in this test method became significantly more stringent with the goal of improving inter-laboratory “reproducibility” (i.e., quantitative differences among laboratories when testing the same specimen). ASTM calls such an inter-laboratory test a “round robin”; its outcome is an array of computed precision (i.e., uncertainty) values. This paper presents results from several “round robin” evaluations and discusses some possible causes for the range of values. If time permits, the fine points of the test protocols in C423 will be described and compared to those in ISO 354.

ASTM Committee on Corrosion of Materials approves latest corrosion inhibitor standard

ASTM Committee on Corrosion of Materials approves latest corrosion inhibitor standard

Statistical Standards and ASTM

The ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and Statistics has produced a number of standards relevant to readers of Quality Engineering. E11 develops standards through consensus among ASTM members and invited experts. E11 standards as of October 2010 include a t..

Modified Inverted Cup Test Method for Evaluating Moisture Penetration through Construction Materials

Abstract This paper presents a state-of–the-art review of the modified inverted cup (MIC) test method. The inverted cup method was introduced into ASTM E96, “Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials,” several decades ago. However, its capability in evaluating moisture response of building materials has not been fully realized. Recently, a consensus was reached to develop an independent MIC standard under the jurisdiction of the same ASTM committee. The MIC test method quantifies moisture transport in liquid and vapor phases together and has several advantages over its counterpart ASTM D779, “Standard Test Method for Water Resistance of Paper, Paperboard, and Other Sheet Materials by the Dry Indicator Method,” boat test method. The MIC test method can also be employed in evaluating effectiveness of surface treatments including hydrophobic sealers and coatings on material surfaces as well as water resistive barriers, water vapor retarders, and certain insulation products. This paper also discusses the differences between various moisture transport tests, including ASTM E96 water vapor transmission, D779 (boat test method), and ponding test to resolve confusion related to their use. The paper shows that the results of MIC tests are valuable in quantifying moisture response of different materials.

Forensic Science Standards: Where They Come From and How They Are Used

This article provides a brief history of standardization in the forensic sciences, describes the current sources of these standards, and addresses how the standards promulgated by various organizations fit into the quality-assurance program of the forensic-science laboratory. The value of using voluntary consensus standards is described, and a table listing all of the voluntary consensus standards promulgated by ASTM Committee E 30 on Forensic Sciences is provided.

ASTM Radial Medium Truck Tire Operating Temperatures—Curved versus Flat Surfaces

Abstract This paper reports the results of an extensive design of experiment (DOE) conducted on radial medium truck tires by the ASTM Committee F09.30 Task Group on Truck/Bus Tire Test Development. These results are from Phase I of the task group’s work, operational (“real world”) tire temperature benchmarking. DOE variables were tire inflation, load, and speed. Response temperatures from embedded thermocouples were measured at apex/ply ending, no. 2/no. 3 belt ending, and shoulder and centerline ribs. Steady-state temperatures for steer, drive, and trailer tires from three different test venues are compared, i.e., flat belt lab machine, road/track, and 1.7 m diam laboratory roadwheel. Results from temperature regression modeling are discussed. Examples of the effects of a curved test surface on tire operating temperatures as well as on tire strain levels are provided. Model predictions are used to compare temperatures and strains of tires running at current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 119 test conditions versus a severe service long-haul truck operating condition. The concept of “highway speed equivalency” for laboratory endurance testing is proposed.

Minimum ignition energy of nylon fibres

The aim of this paper is to provide new experimental data on the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of clouds of fibres dispersed in the air. Nylon fibres from an Italian flock manufacturer (diameter between 10 and 27.4 μm, length between 600 and 1800 μm) were collected and tested in a modified Hartmann tube in order to measure the MIE. The instrument is equipped with a capacitive triggering system. The ignition energy ranged between 4 mJ and 4 J, and the delay time between dispersion and ignition could be set at a range between 30 and 180 ms. Two levels of energy were identified, named E 1 and E 2, for each fibre dimension, according to Cesana and Siwek [2001. Operating Instructions for the Mike 3 Minimum Ignition Energy, Adolf Kuhner AG, Switzerland ASTM Committee E-27.05 (2001)] and ASTM [2002. E 2019-99 Standard Test Method for minimum Ignition Energy of a Dust Could in air, Annual Book of ASTM Standards 2002 (pp. 769–776). USA: ASTM International.]. E 2 is the lowest energy value at which ignition occurs at least once in ten successive tests, and E 1 is the highest energy value at which no ignition is observed in at least ten successive tests. A third energy level, named E 3, was identified as the value at which explosion occurred in five consecutive tests. The probability of ignition between E 1 and E 3 was measured as a function of the spark energy at a given fibre concentration. The influence of the diameter and of the length of the fibres on the MIE was observed separately.

Prospects for Adapting Current ASTM Wear and Erosion Tests for Bulk Materials to Thin Films, Coatings, and Surface Treatments

Abstract Most of ASTM Committee G2’s erosion, wear, and friction test standards were developed for use with bulk materials, yet there is a growing need to evaluate the tribological behavior of films, coatings, and surface treatments (FCSTs), some that affect layers only tens of nanometres to a few micrometres thick. Tribotesting standards for bulk materials can sometimes be modified for use on FCSTs, but the conditions and methods developed for bulk materials may sometimes be too severe or inapplicable. An Internet search and literature review indicated that a number of G2 Committee standards are currently being used for FCSTs. Of these, ASTM G 99 and G 65 seem to be the most popular. When attempting to apply an existing wear standard for bulk materials to FCSTs, two key issues must be addressed: (1) whether changes are needed in the magnitudes of the applied conditions, and (2) whether more precise methods are needed to measure the magnitude of surface damage. Straightforward calculations underscore the limitations for wear measurement of thin layers when evaluated using block-on-ring and pin-on-disk tests. Finally, suggestions are given for modifying selected ASTM G2 standards to enable their use on films, coatings, and surface treatments.

Status on Development of Code Requirements for Exterior Stone Cladding

Abstract Existing building codes legislated to set minimum standards for construction state dangerously little about stone used to clad buildings. Without standards, failures have proliferated from the use of new materials in unproven applications and familiar materials in new systems. In response, the American National Standards Institute called upon the industry to develop standards that could be adopted into code. Past reliance on judgment without adequate experience must be replaced by uniform standards that include fundamental principles for the design and installation of contemporary systems to protect the public. To improve responsible use of stone as cladding, building codes must address differences from other veneers. Masonry veneers are more homogenous in production, erection, and behavior than stone, yet stone is presently governed by the same provisions of the building code. The in-progress Code Requirements will include parts of the present ASTM C1242 Standard Guide for Design and ASTM C1528 Standard Guide for Selection. The contents will address minimum material properties by stone type, engineering evaluation, attachment types, safety factors, joint design, and weather barrier integration. This is the status of the document’s development, which upon completion, is intended to be incorporated into the building code. ASTM Committee C18 on Dimension Stone has compiled the industry practice on behalf of producers, engineers, architects, contractors, and owners for over 80 years. While its standard test methods, material specifications, and guides are invoked by many projects’ construction documents, the documented knowledge is not currently incorporated into any of the model building codes, including the International Building Code. To develop the new standard Code Requirements for ANSI, professionals representing all interests of the stone building process are compiling the fundamental aspects of recommended stone cladding practice that should be mandatory.

Precision and Accuracy Study on Measurement of Soft Magnetic Properties Using DC Hysteresigraphs

We report on an interlaboratory study on the precision and accuracy of determining dc soft magnetic properties, under the auspices of ASTM Committee A06 on Magnetic Properties. For certain quantities, the significant differences in the between-laboratory reproducibility results for high-permeability materials indicate that there is a need for improvement in the equipment and software procedures of measurement systems

Improving surface‐analysis methods for characterization of advanced materials by development of standards, reference data, and interlaboratory comparisons

AbstractThis paper summarizes the results of two surveys examining current needs for improved analyses of surfaces. Surfaces and interfaces are increasingly important to science and technologies associated with nanoparticles, nano‐structured materials and other complex materials including those associated with information systems and medical or biological applications. Adequate characterization of advanced materials frequently requires application of more than one analysis method along with the need to analyze data in increasingly sophisticated and sometimes interrelated ways. It is useful for both new and experienced analysts to have ready access to best practices for obtaining accurate and useful information from a variety of different analysis tools. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Committee TC 201 on surface chemical analysis and the ASTM Committee E‐42 on surface analysis are working to address these needs by assembling guides and standards reflecting the collective experience and wisdom of experts in this community. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Maintenance manual standard developed by ASTM committee on unmanned aircraft

Maintenance manual standard developed by ASTM committee on unmanned aircraft

NO2 Measurements At The Bus Station Area In ABig Tourist City In Argentina

Ambient air concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were monitored, together with the main meteorological parameters, at Mar del Plata’s bus station. This city is located in the southeast of Buenos Aires province, in Argentina, and by the sea. Nitrogen dioxide was selected because its effects on health are particularly critical and it is considered a hazardous substance. The standard sample analysis method for nitrogen dioxide was used, which is under the jurisdiction of ASTM committee (ASTM Designation: D 1607-76(1), 1979), based on the Griess-Saltzman reaction, and the IRAM 29268 (Argentina norm). Sampling was carried out in a fritted-tip bubbler. The absorbing device was installed at the places where people wait for the buses and at approximately 60 cm from the floor. The concentrations measured were considerably higher than those corresponding to other urban sites. However, the resulting NO2 levels were always below the existing air quality standards. Moreover, the results obtained may alert and guide the development of future controls and may be applied in the evaluation of air quality models. It is also an important step towards improving the knowledge of driver and passenger exposure in the urban area.

A Metallurgist's Views on the Selection of Engineering Alloys for Applications Involving Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres: Keynote Address

Abstract It is believed that most people never intend to become metallurgists involved in materials selection issues for systems involving oxygen-enriched atmospheres. However, oxygen applications involve multiple engineering and scientific disciplines and as a consequence, metallurgists or materials scientists become involved, sometimes as failure analysts. ASTM Committee G-4 was formed in 1975. Its first standard was G-63, dealing with nonmetallic materials. In its first symposium conducted in 1982, this committee documented its intention to develop selection guidelines for metals. However, test standards for metals still remained in the future. It is the purpose of this paper to review materials testing techniques and criteria for engineering alloys in oxygen-enriched atmospheres. Metallurgical factors which influence materials performance and selection for oxygen applications are discussed. In addition, potential advanced oxygen applications and materials requirements for these applications are reviewed. Testing requirements for advanced applications are discussed. Advanced alloys capable of handling the complex and hazardous environmental conditions will be needed. Engineering trade-offs may be required.

Volatility rate by thermogravimetry

ASTM Committee E37 on Thermal Measurements published a new test method 'Standard Test Method for Volatility Rate by Thermogravimetry' in June 1999 with the designation E 2008. This approach to assessing volatility utilizes an extension of the pinhole technology previously employed by E37 for vapor pressure determinations using differential scanning calorimetry (ASTM E 1782). After publication of the test method E 2008, an Interlaboratory Study was undertaken to develop a 'Precision and Bias' statement to be assigned with the test method. This paper provides some background data that supports the claim that E 2008 is generally insensitive to experimental conditions other than temperature. The Interlaboratory Study showing the statistical review is also discussed.