ASTM Task Group Research Articles

The characterization of wear-causing particles and silica sand in particular

Erodants and abradants are two types of wear-causing particles (WCP). Despite their effects on the severity and rate of wear, WCP are inadequately characterized in a surprising number of publications, especially those involving impingement erosion and three-body abrasion. That shortfall makes it difficult to correlate features of WCP with the details of worn surfaces, or to develop wear models that account for those features. It is argued that the documentation of WCP should go beyond simply reporting their composition and mean particle size. In late 1985, ASTM Committee G2 on Wear and Erosion established a task group on the characterization of WCP. At that time, image analysis was slower and less sophisticated than it is today. While that ASTM task group failed to produce a consensus standard, computerized particle characterization methods were developing in fields other than tribology, fields like geoscience, heavy sand mining, materials processing, and pharmaceuticals. A notable exception to this is ferrography, which is a widely-used diagnostic for lubricated tribosystems. In the context of dry wear, it is useful to identify which features of WCP would be beneficial to document, and to identify some techniques and scales of detail appropriate to particular tribosystems. Examples are presented here for the morphological and mechanical characterization of silica sand grains, as prompted by a triboanalysis of the abrasive and erosive wear of biomass pre-processing equipment. The authors propose a minimum level of documentation for WCP, one that can enrich tribosystem analysis both in laboratory tests and field studies.

Ten-year exterior durability test results compared to various accelerated weathering devices: Joint study between ASTM International and National Coil Coatings Association

ASTM's Task Group D01.53.03.03 Coil Coating Task Group on Accelerated Weathering was formed to answer a simple question: which accelerated test method best correlates with real-time weathering for highly durable coil coatings? A ten-year study was initiated, and coil coated panels were collected from D01.53 coater members for all current coil coatings technologies destined for exterior exposure applications. The real-time panels were weathered in southern Florida and in Phoenix, Arizona. Accelerated weathering was run, including UV-Condensation tests (with both “A” and “B” bulbs), Xenon Arc Weatherometer, Dew Cycle Weatherometer, and Fresnel-type weathering.

Numerical modelling of crack growth profiles in integral skin-stringer panels

Integral (monolithic) structures can play a significant role in high efficiency structural design. According to the current technological manufacture methods, integral structures have an impact on fabrication cost and on weight reduction. However, until now, some critical aspects have limited the use of these structures. Conventional structures with mechanical or chemical (by adhesion) joints are advantageous because of their damage tolerant and fail safe behaviour. The presence of two separate parts, skins and stringers, guarantee the structural integrity of the component when propagating defects and cracks are present and are thus the key factor in aircraft structures. Focusing our attention on aircraft related structures, the aim of this paper is to show the application of numerical methodologies to evaluate the behaviour of integrally machined skin-stringer panels in the presence of propagating cracks. The described activity resulted from the “Analytical Round Robin on Crack Growth and Residual Strength Prediction in Integral Structures” proposed by ASTM Task Group E08.04.05 while different FE approaches for a single type integral panel with a propagating crack have been introduced in this paper. The crack growth evaluation based on the numerical models agrees well with the experimental results.

Revisit of ASTM Round-Robin Test Data for DeterminingRCurves of Thin-Sheet Materials

AbstractThis paper revisits the ASTM round-robin fracture test data obtained in 1979–1980 by ASTM Task Group E24.06.02 on Application of Fracture Analysis Methods. The fracture tests were conducted using thin-sheet compact tension [C(T)] specimens made of three materials—7075-T561 aluminum alloy, 2024-T351 aluminum alloy, and 304 stainless steel—and different specimen widths were employed in order to take account of in-plane specimen size effect on fracture toughness. Typical experimental data are reanalyzed, and crack growth resistance curves are developed in accordance with fracture test standards, ASTM E561-05 and ASTM E1820-08. Several useful results as well as the conditions under which the two standards can equivalently determine a geometry-independent resistance curve are obtained for the thin-sheet C(T) specimens.

English

Digital geospatial data describing past, present, and proposed coal mining operations can provide significant benefits to government agencies, business interests, and the public when planning land use activities in coal- bearing areas of the nation. In September 2005, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) established the National Coal Mining Geospatial Committee (NCMGC) to promote the use of geospatial technology for implementing the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). The NCMGC is supported by OSM's Technical Innovation and Professional Services (TIPS) program and operates as a partnership between OSM and the states authorized to implement SMCRA. Committee members represent the geospatial technology interests of the states, tribes, and OSM offices. SMCRA organizations with representation in the NCMGC include the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC), National Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Programs (NAAMLP), and the Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB). In June 2006, the NCMGC hosted the first National Meeting of SMCRA Geospatial Data Stewards in Denver, CO. These stewards are designated by each state/tribe regulatory and/or AML program to represent their geospatial technology interests and provide national coordination. Meeting accomplishments included identifying local needs for advancing use of geospatial data; identifying goals within organizations to obtain and use geospatial data; and identifying NCMGC activities at a national level to advance the use of geospatial technology within SMCRA organizations. The stewards approved development of the first two national coal mining data layers: coal surface mining boundaries and coal underground mining boundaries. The NCMGC formed a Coal Mining Spatial Data Standards ASTM Task Group to establish voluntary standards for these two layers. The NCMGC also created a Coal Mining Spatial Data Infrastructure Team to prototype methodology to collect selected coal mining datasets contributed by each participating state/tribe. These data will be assembled into national datasets for use in SMCRA business processes and distribution to the nation. Automation, reuse, and dissemination of coal mining geospatial data will bring multiple benefits to government, the coal mining industry, other business interests, academia, and the public. These benefits will include improved regulation of active coal mining operations, more successful reclamation of abandoned mine lands, and better public policy at local, state, and national levels.

Improvements in the Measurement of Cut Protection Performance: Revisions to ASTM F 1790

Abstract Workers exposed to mechanical hazards that could cause cuts or lacerations to the hands and arms have a need to understand the cut protection performance of protective apparel. Cut protection performance of clothing can be measured using CEN 388, ASTM International standard F 1790-97, and ISO 13997. The ASTM and ISO test methods employ force-distance testers to determine the cut resistance of a material when exposed to a cutting edge under specified loads. The latter two test methods provide a process for differentiating the cut protection performance of various materials such as cotton, leather, and high performance fibers. ASTM task group F23.20.02 sought to improve the reliability and reproducibility of the F 1790-97 standard in a way that creates a global standard for measuring cut performance, demonstrates equivalence of results between different test equipment, and reduces variability in the test method. The revised test method has been balloted by the main and sub-committees for adoption. This paper will outline the results of extensive interlaboratory studies on the test equipment, calibration method, and calibration materials. The implications of other testing aspects on the harmonization of the standards will be described. This information will be useful for end users, distributors, and manufacturers interested in measuring the cut performance of clothing.

Determination of Formaldehyde Evolved During the Curing of Melamine-Formaldehyde-Based Coatings

Abstract Total formaldehyde in a coating is composed of both “free” and “cure” formaldehyde. It has been recognized for many years that certain coatings can contain free formaldehyde, which is present prior to the cross-linking reaction. Cure formaldehyde is generated as a byproduct during polymer cross-linking of certain coatings. Formaldehyde has been designated a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) by the USEPA and will contribute to the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content of the coating. ASTM Task Group D01.21.51A on “Cure Formaldehyde” has been working since 1998 to develop a simple method for determining the amount of cure formaldehyde emitted from coatings. Method development involved real time monitoring of formaldehyde by FT-IR to determine the effect of time, temperature, humidity, air flow, and film thickness on the cure reaction. The proposed ASTM method involves heating a thin film of coating for thirty minutes in a constant humidity purge chamber after solvent evaporation. Formaldehyde evolved during the curing process is collected on DNPH/Silica adsorbent tubes.

Asphalt Permeability Testing: Specimen Preparation and Testing Variability

Concern over asphalt mixtures allowing surface water to enter has led to an interest in developing a reliable permeability test. Several studies have been conducted on permeability testing, and ASTM is currently developing a falling-head test method to determine asphalt permeability. The Virginia Department of Transportation became interested in testing its pavements and using permeability as a design consideration. An ASTM task group investigated the effect of sawing specimens, a technique for separating the layers of asphalt. Sawing did not lead to reduced permeability when the sawing process was properly controlled. Since a falling-head test might be used in acceptance and design specifications, it was important to determine its associated variability. Permeability variability was computed from test data derived from field cores and specimens prepared in the laboratory. Repeat tests by different operators indicated differences that warrant additional investigation.

Qualifying a reverberation room for sound absorption measurements

ASTM C423, the standard method for measuring sound absorption in a reverberation room, was recently revised extensively and now includes tests to verify that the room has acceptable acoustical properties. Further changes are planned by the ASTM task group. This paper will present sets of measurements made in the reverberation rooms at the National Research Council Canada illustrating the effects of some physical factors, such as number of loudspeakers, number of microphones, the need for rotating diffusers, and the number of specimen positions that should be used for different specimens. Practical problems facing laboratory operators will be discussed. The precision required for measurement in a room will be determined to some extent by the reproducibility of the test method. There is little point in reducing the precision of the measurement in individual rooms once it is significantly less than the test reproducibility. Further changes that might be made to C423 will be presented.

Comparison of peel bond and shear tensile test methods for needlepunched geosynthetic clay liners

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are an established product group in the geosynthetics industry for various sealing applications. They can be used in slope applications, such as in landfill caps, covers or base sealing systems, effluent and sludge lagoons, where needlepunching or continuous internal reinforcement of the bentonite is required. The needlepunching of GCLs has resulted in internal shear angles of 45° and higher. It is recognized that the needlepunching influences the internal shear stress. A peel bonding test method based on the the strip width tensile strength method and the grab test method was developed by GCL manufacturers. Meanwhile the ASTM taskgroup D35.04 is developing a standardized peel bonding test method. Recently a shear tensile test has been introduced as a new test method to measure the bonding strength of needlepunched GCLs. These two manufacturing quality control (MQC) tests, the existing peel test and the newly introduced shear tensile test are compared with each other.

EIFS Sealant Joint Restoration

Abstract The successful performance of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) is related directly to the sealants used to weatherseal the EIFS and adjacent materials to EIFS. With millions of square feet of EIFS installed, proper restoration of EIFS joints can help ensure long-term watertight performance of the EIFS wall. A new test method that closely parallels ASTM C 1135—Test Method for Determining Tensile Adhesion Properties of Structural Sealants, is currently under consideration by ASTM Task Group C 24.20.12. This new test method allows sealant joints to be evaluated in many conditions to more closely simulate actual field conditions. This paper will focus on types of EIFS joint failure and possible causes for failure. Different restoration methods will be discussed with particular attention to the use of sealants to overlay failed sealant joints. A modification to the test method under review by ASTM Task Group C 24.20.12 will be used to evaluate various joint conditions with EIFS, including standard square joints, hourglassshaped joints, overlay joints with wet sealants, and overlay joints with performed sealants.

Development and Validation of a Standard Test Method for Sequential Batch Extraction of Waste with Acidic Extraction Fluid

Abstract A project was conducted to develop and validate a sequential batch extraction method using a dilute acid solution as the extraction fluid. The method was developed by ASTM Task Group D-34.02.01 on Waste Leaching Techniques, and calls for the pH of the extraction fluid to reflect the pH of acidic precipitation in the geographic region where the material being tested is to be disposed. A collaborative study of the method was conducted to determine the multiple-laboratory and single-operator precision of the extraction procedure when applied to two different waste materials using two different pH values. A general statement on the precision of the method that covers all wastes, analytical parameters, and extraction fluid pH values cannot be made because the data generated in the collaborative study are specific to the test materials, extraction fluid pH values, and elements of interest in this study. However, the data generated in the study provide information on the variability that can be expected between test results when the method is used by one or more laboratories. This information will help potential users assess the usefulness of the method in their proposed applications.

Results of the ASTM Nuclear Methods intercomparison on NIST apple and peack leaves standard reference materials

The ASTM Task Group on Nuclear Methods of Chemical Analysis (E10.05.12) has conducted a trace element intercomparison among some of its members over the past two years. Eight non-NIST laboratories submitted data using nuclear techniques, with a total of 111 values for the apple leaves and 116 values for the peach leaves, on 46 and 50 elements, respectively. This intercomparison provided a unique opportunity for the analytical laboratories, because the analytical values submitted could be later compared to the NIST certified values. For the seven elements which were certified by NIST and had three or more intercomparison values, the results showed that: 1) 61% of all 56 intercomparison values submitted had results whose stated uncertainty overlapped the uncertainty limits of the NIST certified values, and 2) less than 6% of the intercomparison values had means which fell outside ±20% of the NIST values. In general, the intercomparison values submitted showed excellent agreement with the NIST values. However, many reported uncertainties accompanying intercomparison values appeared overly optimistic.

Temperature Calibration of Thermomechanical Analyzers: Part I—The Development of a Standard Method

Abstract Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is conducted with a variety of configurations involving differing probe geometries under static loading in tension, compression, or flexure. The most frequent assignment made in these applications involving thermomechanical measurements is that of transition temperatures, which include the melt temperature, glass transition, softening point, etc. Assurance of an isothermal study temperature is also a common requirement in TMA experiments. Intrinsic in any of these measurements is the knowledge of the sample temperature; yet, in practice, it is only the temperature in close proximity to the specimen that is known. The transformation of proximity temperatures recorded in thermomechanical devices to sample transition temperatures is of utmost importance in both basic research and quality control of materials. It is accomplished by an accurate calibration of the TMA sample temperature and should be considered a prerequisite to may other determinations. This paper will discuss the topic of temperature calibration of thermomechanical devices. Efforts which led to the establishment of ASTM E 1363, Test Method for Calibration of Thermomechanical Analyzers, for the calibration of such TMA instruments through ASTM Task Group E37.01.12 will be included.

Temperature Calibration of Thermomechanical Analyzers: Part II—An Interlaboratory Test of the Calibration Procedure

Abstract An interlaboratory “round robin” test study was conducted for the calibration method developed by ASTM Task Group E37.01.12, which was described in Part I of this paper. The interlaboratory test protocol was consistent with the requirements outlined in ASTM E 691, Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Program to Determine the Precision of Test Methods. The results obtained by 10 participating laboratories were used to prepare a precision and bias statement for ASTM E 1363, Test Method for Temperature Calibration of Thermomechanical Analysers. Statistical treatment of the data yielded at the 95% confidence level a repeatability limit r = 1.43904°C, a reproducibility limit R = 4.11475°C, and a bias of 0.0137°C.

Evaluation of the Corrosivity of Smoke from Fire Retarded Products

A laboratory radiant combustion/exposure apparatus was used to evaluate the corrosion of copper test probes due to smoke from burning polymers. This apparatus is under consideration by an ASTM task group for development of a standard test procedure for corrosive properties of smoke. The brief test series was conducted with several different fire-retarded polymers and non-fire retarded polymers, and comprised the use of two different heat flux fire exposures and the option of adding moisture to the atmosphere. Recommen dations are presented for further test programs to improve upon the proposed standard test methodology.

A Comparison of Gas and Electric Radiant Panels for Measuring the Flammability of Loose-Fill Cellulose Insulation

Currently, there are two principal types of radiant panel apparatus available for fire related testing of cellulose insulation. One of these is the Flooring Radiant Panel (gas-fired radiant panel). It is an expensive piece of equipment and re quires high operational and maintenance costs The second type of radiant panel available is the Veri-Flux "100" (electric radiant panel), which is also known as the small scale radiant panel. It is currently being used as a quality control instrument in the cellulose insulation industry. Previously, there has been very little data published comparing the relative per formance of the two instruments. This paper analyzes the performance of 53 samples of insulation when tested by these instruments The analysis attempts to establish whether or not a direct comparison between the two instruments is viable. The results of this study will be useful to the ASTM task group, which is presently in vestigating the replacement of the larger gas-fired panel with the electric, small scale panel.

Corrosion Commentary

Participants needed for task group on corrosion testing. We have been asked to draw our readers attention to the fact that participants are needed for ASTM Task Group G1.05.04 on Corrosion Testing at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures, a new activity of standards‐writing Committee GF‐1 on Corrosion of Metals.

R-Curve Round-Robin Program for ASTM Recommended Practice for R-Curve Determination (E 561)

Abstract A round-robin program sponsored by ASTM Task Group E24.01.02 on Crack Growth Resistance Curves was conducted to establish guidelines on variability for a Precision and Accuracy statement for ASTM Recommended Practice for R-Curve Determination (E 561). Two high strength aluminum alloys were tested by seven participants using the compact configuration specimen. The results of these tests are summarized herein, and a Precision and Accuracy section given along with variability at four levels of effective crack growth.

ASTM Task Group

ASTM Task Group