ASTM D5528-01 - 10.11.2001
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method describes the determination of the opening Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness, G Ic, of continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials using the double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen (Fig. 1).

1.2 This test method is limited to use with composites consisting of unidirectional carbon fiber and glass fiber tape laminates with brittle and tough single-phase polymer matrices. This limited scope reflects the experience gained in round-robin testing. This test method may prove useful for other types and classes of composite materials; however, certain interferences have been noted (see 6.5).

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

1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment.

1.5 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D3878-26

Standard Terminology for Composite Materials

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

E1434-00

Standard Guide for Recording Mechanical Test Data of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials in Databases

E1471-92(1998)

Standard Guide for Identification of Fibers, Fillers, and Core Materials in Computerized Material Property Databases

E456-13a(2022)e1

Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics (Includes all amendments and changes 4/16/2024).

E177-26a

Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods (Includes all amendments and changes 5/14/2026).

E122-17(2022)

Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

E6-25

Standard Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing

E4-24

Standard Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines

D3171-22

Standard Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite Materials

D2734-23

Standard Test Methods for Void Content of Reinforced Plastics

D2651-01(2024)

Standard Guide for Preparation of Metal Surfaces for Adhesive Bonding

D883-26b

Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics (Includes all amendments and changes 8/24/2026).

E1309-00

Standard Guide for Identification of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials in Databases

D5229/D5229M-20

Standard Test Method for Moisture Absorption Properties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials