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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C273/C273M − 19

Standard Test Method for

Shear Properties of Sandwich Core Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C273/C273M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the determination of shear 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
properties of sandwich construction core materials associated C271/C271M Test Method for Density of Sandwich Core
with shear distortion of planes parallel to the facings. It covers Materials
the determination of shear strength parallel to the plane of the C393 Test Method for Core Shear Properties of Sandwich
sandwich, and the shear modulus associated with strains in a Constructions by Beam Flexure
plane normal to the facings. The test may be conducted on core D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
materials bonded directly to the loading plates or the sandwich tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
facings bonded to the plates. Permissible core material forms D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
include those with continuous bonding surfaces (such as balsa D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced
wood and foams) as well as those with discontinuous bonding Resins
surfaces (such as honeycomb). D2734 Test Methods for Void Content of Reinforced Plastics
D3171 Test Methods for Constituent Content of Composite
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units Materials
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in D3878 Terminology for Composite Materials
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to D5229/D5229M Test Method for Moisture Absorption Prop-
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be erties and Equilibrium Conditioning of Polymer Matrix
used independently of the other, and values from the two Composite Materials
systems shall not be combined. D5687/D5687M Guide for Preparation of Flat Composite
1.2.1 Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in Panels with Processing Guidelines for Specimen Prepara-
brackets. tion
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the D5961/D5961M Test Method for Bearing Response of Poly-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the mer Matrix Composite Laminates
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Lot or Process
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ASTM Test Methods
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology D3878 defines terms relating
to high-modulus fibers and their composites, as well as terms
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D30 on
Composite Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D30.09 on
2
Sandwich Construction. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2019. Published September 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1951. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C273/C273M – 18. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C0273_C0273M-19. the ASTM website.

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relating to sandwich constructions. Terminology D883 defines
terms relating to plastics. Terminology E6 defines terms
C273/C273M − 19
effect. Approximate shear properties can also be obtained from
a sandwich flexure test (see Test Method C393).
relating to mechanical testing. Terminology E456 and Practice 5.3 This test method provides a standard method of obtain-
E177 define terms relating to statistics. In the event of a ing sandwich core shear data for material specifications,
conflict between terms, Terminology D3878 shall have prece- sandwich panel design, research and development applications,
dence over the other terminologies. and quality assurance.
3.2 Symbols: 5.4 Factors that influence core shear strength and shall
γ = core engineering shear strain therefore be reported include the following: facing material,
τ = core shear stress core material, adhesive material, methods of material
b = width of specimen fabrication, core geometry (density, cell size, orientation, and
c = thickness of the core so forth), adhesive thickness, specimen geometry and associ-
CV = coefficient of variation statistic of a sample population ated measurement accuracy, specimen preparation, specimen
for a given property (in percent) conditioning, environment of testing, specimen alignment,
d = overall specimen thickness loading procedure, speed of testing, and adhesive void content.
G = core shear modulus Further, core-to-facing strength may be different between
L = length of specimen precured/bonded and co-cured facings in sandwich panels with
L' = length of fixture overhang the same core and facing material.
P = force on specimen
S = ∆P / ∆u, slope of initial portion of force-deflection 6. Interferences
curve
Sn-1 = standard deviation statistic of a sample population for 6.1 Material and Specimen Preparation—Poor material fab-
a given property rication practices, lack of control of fiber alignment, and
t1 = first facesheet thickness (measured or nominal) damage induced by improper specimen machining are known
t2 = second facesheet thickness (measured or nominal) causes of high data scatter in composites in general. Specific
u = displacement of loading plates material factors that affect sandwich composites include vari-
x = fixture line of loading offset distance ability in core density and degree of cure of resin in both facing
x̄ = mean or average (estimate of mean) of a sample matrix material and core bonding adhesive. Important aspects
population for a given property of sandwich panel specimen preparation that contribute to data
x1 = test result for an individual specimen from the sample scatter are incomplete or nonuniform core bonding to facings;
population for a given property misalignment of core and facing elements; the existence of
joints, voids, or other core and facing discontinuities; out-of-
4. Summary of Test Method plane curvature; facing thickness variation; and surface rough-
4.1 This test method consists of subjecting a sandwich core ness. For this particular core shear test, thickness of the
or sandwich panel to monotonically increasing shear force adhesive bond to honeycomb core (adhesive-filled depth into
parallel to the plane of its faces. The force is transmitted to the the honeycomb core cells) may affect the core shear strength
specimen through bonded loading plates that are subjected to and modulus values depending on the core thickness.
opposing tensile or compressive displacements that result in a 6.2 System Alignment—Unintended loading eccentricities
shear force on the sandwich core. Core shear modulus, stress, will cause premature failure. Every effort should be made to
and strength are reported in terms of the nominal shear area of eliminate undesirable eccentricities from the test system. Such
the core. eccentricities may occur as a result of misaligned grips, poor
4.2 The only acceptable failure mode is shear failure of the specimen preparation, or poor alignment of the bonded loading
core material. Adhesive or cohesive failures, or both, at the plates.
core-to-facesheet, facesheet-to-load-plate, or (if no facesheets 6.3 Geometry—Specific geometric factors that affect core
are used) core-to-load-plate interface are not acceptable failure shear behavior of sandwich panels include core cell geometry
modes. (shape, density, orientation), core thickness, and adhesive
thickness.
5. Significance and Use
6.4 Environment—Results are affected by the environmental
5.1 The core shear properties are fundamental properties conditions under which the tests are conducted. Specimens
that are used in the design of sandwich panels. This test method tested in various environments can exhibit significant differ-
provides information on the force-deflection behavior of sand- ences in both static strength and failure mode. Critical envi-
wich constructions or cores when loaded in shear parallel to the ronments must be assessed independently for each sandwich
plane of the facings. From a complete force-deflection curve, it construction tested.
is possible to compute core shear stress at any force (such as 6.5 Loading Direction—FEA analysis of the Test Method
the shear stress at proportional limit, at yield, or at maximum C273/C273M test configurations shows that both compressive
force) and to compute an effective core shear modulus. and tensile normal stress concentrations occur at the ends of the
5.2 The test does not produce pure shear, but the specimen core surfaces; the highest stress concentration is of the same
length is prescribed so that secondary stresses have a minimum sense as the loading mode (that is, the tension loading mode

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produces higher through-thickenss tensile stress concentrations
than the compression loading mode). Core shear strengths tend
C273/C273M − 19

to be more influenced by tensile normal stress concentrations

than compressive normal stresses. The result is, for some cores,
the core shear strength using the Test Method C273/C273M
compression loading mode agrees well with strength results
from the Test Method C393 short beam bending test method,
whereas the Test Method C273/C273M tension loading mode
can produce a lower strength result.

7. Apparatus
7.1 Micrometers and Calipers—A micrometer with a 4 to
7 mm [0.16 to 0.28 in.] nominal diameter ball-interface or a flat
anvil interface shall be used to measure the specimen thick-
ness. A ball interface is recommended for thickness measure-
ments when facings are bonded to the core and at least one
surface is irregular (for example, the bag-side of a thin facing
laminate that is neither smooth nor flat). A micrometer or
caliper with a flat anvil interface is recommended for thickness
measurements when facings are bonded to the core and both
surfaces are smooth (for example, tooled surfaces). A microm-
eter or caliper with a flat anvil interface shall be used for
measuring length and width, as well as the specimen thickness
when no facings are present. The use of alternative measure-
ment devices is permitted if specified (or agreed to) by the test
requestor and reported by the testing laboratory. The accuracy
of the instruments shall be suitable for reading to within 1 % of
the sample dimensions. For typical specimen geometries, an
instrument with an accuracy of 60.025 mm [60.001 in.] is FIG. 1 Plate Shear Specimens, Force Line of Action
adequate for the length, width, and thickness measurements.
7.2 Test Fixtures—Either a tensile or compressive loading 7.3 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall be in ac-
mode may be used. In either case, the test specimen shall be cordance with Practices E4 and shall satisfy the following
rigidly supported by means of steel plates bonded to the facings requirements:
(see Note 1) as shown in Fig. 1. The thickness of the plates may 7.3.1 Testing Machine Configuration—The testing machine
be varied in accordance with the strength of the sandwich (see shall have both an essentially stationary head and a movable
Note 2), but the plate length shall be such that the line of action head.
of the direct tensile or compressive force shall pass through the 7.3.2 Drive Mechanism—The testing machine drive mecha-
diagonally opposite corners of the sandwich as shown in Fig. 1, nism shall be capable of imparting to the movable head a
and as calculated per Fig. 2. A correct line of load action may controlled velocity with respect to the stationary head. The
also be obtained by modifying the core length to thickness ratio velocity of the movable head shall be capable of being
provided the specimen dimensional requirements noted in 8.2 regulated in accordance with 11.7.
are fulfilled. 7.3.3 Force Indicator—The testing machine force-sensing
device shall be capable of indicating the total force being
NOTE 1—To ensure a core shear failure on some honeycomb cores, two carried by the test specimen. This device shall be essentially
plies of adhesive must be used to bond the honeycomb to the steel plates. free from inertia lag at the specified rate of testing and shall
This provides deeper adhesive fillets on the honeycomb cell walls.
NOTE 2—It has been found that loading plates having a bending
indicate the force with an accuracy over the force range(s) of
stiffness per unit width, D = EI / b, not less than 2.67 MN - mm2/mm width interest of within 61 % of the indicated value.
per millimeter of core thickness (600 000 lb-in.2/in. per inch of core 7.3.4 Deflectometer, Compressometer, or Extensometer—
thickness) have performed satisfactorily. The deflection measurement device shall be capable of mea-
7.2.1 Tension Loading—Either pinned or bolted load plate- suring the displacement with a precision of at least 61 %.
to-universal-joint test fixtures, as shown in Fig. 3, may be used. 7.4 Conditioning Chamber—When conditioning materials
The overall load-train shall be of the suspended, self-aligning at non-laboratory environments, a temperature/vapor-level
type. controlled environmental conditioning chamber is required that
7.2.2 Compression Loading—Load plates shall taper to a shall be capable of maintaining the required temperature to
knife-edge and fit into V-notch loading blocks, as shown in Fig. within 63 °C [65 °F] and the required relative humidity level
4. V-notch loading blocks shall be rigidly attached to the test to within 63 %. Chamber conditions shall be monitored either
machine and aligned flat and parallel to within 60.02 mm on an automated continuous basis or on a manual basis at
[60.001 in.]. regular intervals.

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FIG. 2 Plate Shear Specimens, Fixture Length Calculations

7.5 Environmental Test Chamber—An environmental test statistically significant data, consult the procedures outlined in
chamber is required for test environments other than ambient Practice E122. Report the method of sampling.
testing laboratory conditions. This chamber shall be capable of
8.2 Geometry—The test specimens shall have a thickness
maintaining the entire test specimen at the required test
equal to the thickness of the sandwich, a width not less than
environment during the mechanical test.
50 mm [2.0 in.], and a length not less than twelve times the
8. Sampling and Test Specimens thickness.
8.1 Sampling—Test at least five specimens per test condi- 8.3 Facesheet Thickness—Accurate measurement of
tion unless valid results can be gained through the use of fewer facesheet thicknesses is difficult after secondary bonding or
specimens, as in the case of a designed experiment. For co-bonding of facesheets and core. If direct measurement of

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(a) Bolted Specimen (b) Pinned Specimen

FIG. 3 Tensile Plate Shear Test Set Up

the facesheets is not feasible, the test requestor is responsible test requester does not explicitly specify a pre-test conditioning
for specifying the facesheet thicknesses to be used for the environment, conditioning is not required and the test speci-
calculations in this test method. For metallic or precured mens may be tested as prepared.
composite facesheets which are secondarily bonded to the core, NOTE 3—The term moisture, as used in Test Method D5229/D5229M,
the facesheet thickness should be measured prior to bonding. In includes not only the vapor of a liquid and its condensate, but the liquid
these cases, the test requestor may specify that either or both itself in large quantities, as for immersion.
measured and nominal thicknesses be used in the calculations. 10.2 The pre-test specimen conditioning process, to include
For co-bonded composite facesheets, the thicknesses are gen- specified environmental exposure levels and resulting moisture
erally calculated using nominal per ply thickness values. content, shall be reported with the data.
8.4 Specimen Preparation and Machining—Guide D5687/ 10.3 If there is no explicit conditioning process, the condi-
D5687M provides recommended specimen preparation prac- tioning process shall be reported as “unconditioned” and the
tices and should be followed where practical. moisture content as “unknown.”
8.5 Labeling—Label the test specimens so that they will be
distinct from each other and traceable back to the panel of 11. Procedure
origin, and will neither influence the test nor be affected by it.
11.1 Parameters to Be Specified Before Test:
9. Calibration 11.1.1 The specimen sampling method, specimen geometry,
9.1 The accuracy of all measuring equipment shall have and conditioning travelers (if required).
certified calibrations that are current at the time of use of the 11.1.2 The properties and data reporting format desired.
equipment. NOTE 4—Determine specific material property, accuracy, and data
reporting requirements prior to test for proper selection of instrumentation
10. Conditioning and data recording equipment. Estimate the specimen strength to aid in
10.1 The recommended pre-test specimen condition is ef- transducer selection, calibration of equipment, and determination of
equipment settings.
fective moisture equilibrium at a specific relative humidity as
established by Test Method D5229/D5229M; however, if the 11.1.3 The environmental conditioning test parameters.

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FIG. 4 Compressive Plate Shear Test Set Up

11.1.4 If performed, sampling method, specimen geometry, 11.3 Bond the specimen to the loading plates, in accordance
and test parameters used to determine facing density and with the requirements of 7.2, 8.2, and 8.4.
reinforcement volume.
11.4 If re-machining is performed after the specimens have
11.2 General Instructions: been bonded to the loading plates, re-measure the specimen
11.2.1 Report any deviations from this test method, whether length and width as in 11.2.4.
intentional or inadvertent.
11.2.2 If core density is to be reported, then obtain these 11.5 Condition the specimens as required. Store the speci-
samples from the same sheet of core being tested. Density may mens in the conditioned environment until test time, if the test
be evaluated in accordance with Test Method C271/C271M. environment is different than the conditioning environment.
11.2.3 If specific gravity, density, facing reinforcement 11.6 Following final specimen conditioning, but before
volume, or facing void volume are to be reported, then obtain testing, re-measure the specimen length and width as in 11.2.3.
these samples from the same panels being tested. Specific
11.7 Speed of Testing—Set the speed of testing so as to
gravity and density may be evaluated in accordance with Test
produce failure within 3 to 6 min. If the ultimate strength of the
Methods D792. Volume percent of composite facing constitu-
material cannot be reasonably estimated, initial trials should be
ents may be evaluated by one of the matrix digestion proce-
conducted using standard speeds until the ultimate strength of
dures of Test Methods D3171, or, for certain reinforcement
the material and the compliance of the system are known, and
materials such as glass and ceramics, by the matrix burn-off
speed of testing can be adjusted. The suggested standard head
technique in accordance with Test Method D2584. The void
displacement rate is 0.50 mm/min [0.020 in./min].
content equations of Test Methods D2734 are applicable to
both Test Method D2584 and the matrix digestion procedures. 11.8 Test Environment—If possible, test the specimen under
11.2.4 Following final specimen machining, but before the same fluid exposure level used for conditioning. However,
conditioning and testing, measure the specimen length and cases such as elevated temperature testing of a moist specimen
width. The accuracy of these measurements shall be within 1 % place unrealistic requirements on the capabilities of common
of the dimension. Measure the overall specimen thickness; the testing machine environmental chambers. In such cases, the
accuracy of this measurement shall be within 625 mm mechanical test environment may need to be modified, for
[60.001 in.]. Record the dimensions to three significant figures example, by testing at elevated temperature with no fluid
in units of millimeters [inches]. exposure control, but with a specified limit on time to failure

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from withdrawal from the conditioning chamber. Record any
modifications to the test environment.
C273/C273M − 19
12.2 A significant fraction of failures in a sample population
occurring at the ends shall be cause to reexamine the means of
11.9 Specimen Installation—Install the specimen/loading- force introduction into the material. Factors considered should
plates assembly into the test machine test fixture, as shown in include the fixture alignment, bondline quality and integrity,
Figs. 1-4. specimen thickness, specimen length-to-thickness ratio, and
machining accuracy/quality.
11.10 Displacement Gauge Installation—Install the dis-
placement gauge such that it measures the relative displace- 13. Calculation
ment between the two steel loading plates. The gauge may be
mounted on either the specimen side or back. The contact point 13.1 Shear Stress—Calculate the instantaneous core shear
at which the relative motion between the loading plates is stress as follows:
measured shall be centered along the length of the core τ 5 P/ ~ L b ! (1)
material (see Figs. 3 and 4). where:
11.11 Loading—Apply a tensile or compressive force to the τ = core shear stress, MPa [psi],
specimen at the specified rate. Load the specimen until rupture. P = instantaneous force on specimen, N [lbf],
11.12 Data Recording—Record force versus head displace- L = length of specimen, mm [in.], and
ment and force versus axial displacement, continuously, or at b = width of specimen, mm [in.].
frequent regular intervals; for this test method, a sampling rate 13.2 Engineering Shear Strain—Calculate the instantaneous
of 5 to 10 data recordings per second, and a target minimum of effective core shear strain as follows:
300 data points per test are recommended. If a compliance γ 5 u⁄c (2)
change or initial damage event are noted, record the force,
displacement, and damage mode at such points. Record the where:
yield force (if any), the maximum force, the failure force, and γ = core engineering shear strain, mm/mm [in./in.],
the displacement at, or as near as possible to, the moment of u = instantaneous displacement between loading plates, mm
rupture. [in.],
c = core thickness, mm [in.], c = d – (t1 + t2) (See Fig. 5.),
11.13 Failure Modes—Record the mode and location of
t1 = first facesheet nominal or measured thickness, mm [in.],
failure for each specimen. Three-place failure mode t2 = second facesheet nominal or measured thickness, mm
descriptors, summarized in Table 1, shall be used. This notation [in.], and
uses the first character to describe the failure type, the second d = overall specimen thickness, mm [in.].
character the failure area, and the third character the failure NOTE 5—Calculations may be based on either nominal or actual
location. Adhesive or cohesive failures, or both, at the core-to- facesheet thicknesses (or both) as defined by the test requestor.
facesheet, facesheet-to-load-plate, or (if no facesheets are used) 13.3 2 % Offset Shear Strength—For core materials that
core-to-load-plate interface are not acceptable failure modes yield more than 2 % shear strain, calculate the 2 %-Offset core
and the data shall be noted as invalid. The core shear failure shear strength, denoted τos, using Eq 1, with P = Pos, where Pos
mode is considered to be acceptable. is the 2 % offset yield force. Report the τos results to three
12. Validation significant figures.
NOTE 6—Determine the 2 % offset yield force, Pos, using a data
12.1 Values for ultimate properties shall not be calculated reduction method that results in repeatability, and at least 3-significant-
for any specimen that breaks at some obvious flaw, unless such figure precision, such as that described in Test Method D5961/D5961M,
flaw constitutes a variable being studied. Retests shall be section 13.8.
performed for any specimen on which values are not calcu- 13.4 Ultimate Shear Strength—Calculate the ultimate core
lated. shear strength using Eq 1, with P = Pmax, where Pmax is the

TABLE 1 Three-Place Failure Mode Codes

First Character Second Character Third Character
Failure Type Code Failure Area Code Failure Location Code
Core Shear S At End A Top T
Interface failure I Gauge (within core) G Middle M
Explosive X One Corner C Bottom B
Other O Various V Entire Length E
Unknown U Various V
Unknown U

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FIG. 5 Sandwich Panel Thickness Dimensions

maximum recorded force on the specimen, and report the accuracy limits, such that precision and repeatability are maximized.
results to three significant figures. 13.6 Statistics—For each series of tests calculate the aver-
13.5 Core Shear Modulus—Calculate the effective core age value, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (in
shear modulus as follows, and report the results to three percent) for ultimate core shear strength, core shear modulus,
significant figures: and (if applicable) 2 % offset shear strength:

where:
G 5 ~ ∆P⁄∆u ! c/~ L b! (3)
x̄ 5 S( D
n

i51
x i /n (4)

∆P/∆u = (Pb – Pa)/(ub – ua) = Slope of the linear portion of

the force-displacement S n21 5 ŒS ( n

i51
D
x 2i 2 n ~ x̄ ! 2 / ~ n 2 1 ! (5)
curve, in N/mm [lbf/in.],
CV 5 100 3 S n21 /x̄ (6)
from ua mm [in.] to ub mm
[in.], as shown in Fig. 6, where:
where ua and ub may be cho- x̄ = sample mean (average),
sen on either a specimen- or Sn-1 = sample standard deviation,
dataset-basis, and must be CV = sample coefficient of variation, %,
reported. n = number of specimens, and
NOTE 7—When testing materials with facesheets, it is assumed that all xi = measured or derived property.
of the shear deformation is associated with the core and that any effects
from the facesheets are negligible. 14. Report
NOTE 8—Core shear modulus has historically been based on a user-
selected “initial portion of load-displacement curve.” Due to the varied 14.1 Report the following information, or references point-
nature of core elastic response, no specific range values are stated.
ing to other documentation containing this information, to the
However, it is recommended that users select range values that balance the
accuracy of the true material response (for example, elimination of initial maximum extent applicable (reporting of items beyond the
load-train slack and significant onset of nonlinearity) with instrumentation control of a given testing laboratory, such as might occur with
material details or panel fabrication parameters, shall be the
responsibility of the requestor):
14.1.1 The revision level or date of issue of this test method.
14.1.2 The name(s) of the test operator(s).
14.1.3 Any variations to this test method, anomalies noticed
during testing, or equipment problems occurring during testing.
14.1.4 Mode of loading (tension or compression) and
whether or not facesheets were used.
14.1.5 Identification of all the materials constituent to the
sandwich panel specimen tested, including for each: material
specification, material type, manufacturer’s material
designation, manufacturer’s batch or lot number, source (if not
from manufacturer), date of certification, and expiration of
FIG. 6 Typical Load-Displacement Response certification.

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14.1.6 Description of the fabrication steps used to prepare
the sandwich panel, including: fabrication start date, fabrica-
C273/C273M − 19
14.1.17 Environment of the test machine environmental
chamber (if used) and soak time at environment.
tion end date, process specification, cure cycle, consolidation 14.1.18 Number of specimens tested.
method, and a description of the equipment used. 14.1.19 Speed of testing.
14.1.7 If requested, report measured density, volume per- 14.1.20 Individual core shear modulus values, modulus
cent reinforcement, and void content of facesheets; measured range values (ua and ub), ultimate shear strengths, 2 % offset
core density; and associated test methods, specimen sampling core shear strengths, and average value, standard deviation,
method and geometries, test parameters and test results. and coefficient of variation (in percent) for the population, to
14.1.8 Sandwich material and adhesive properties, such as three significant figures. Note whether calculations were per-
nominal or measured (if available) facesheet thicknesses, formed with nominal or actual facesheet thickness measure-
nominal or calculated (if available) core thickness, density, and ments (or both).
(if honeycomb) cell size, and ribbon direction. 14.1.21 Force versus crosshead displacement data, and
14.1.9 Results of any nondestructive evaluation tests. force versus displacement gauge data (for each specimen so
14.1.10 Method of preparing the test specimen, including instrumented).
specimen labeling scheme and method, specimen geometry, 14.1.22 Failure mode and location of failure for each
sampling method, and specimen cutting method. specimen.
14.1.11 Calibration dates and methods for all measurements
and test equipment. 15. Precision and Bias
14.1.12 Details of loading plates and apparatus, including 15.1 Precision—The data required for the development of a
dimensions and material used. precision statement is not available for this method.
14.1.13 Type of test machine, alignment results, and data
acquisition sampling rate and equipment type. 15.2 Bias—Bias cannot be determined for this method as no
14.1.14 Measured length, width, and overall thickness for acceptable reference standards exist.
each specimen (prior to and after conditioning, if appropriate).
14.1.15 Conditioning parameters and results. 16. Keywords
14.1.16 Relative humidity and temperature of the testing 16.1 core; honeycomb; sandwich; sandwich construction;
laboratory. shear modulus; shear strength

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