ASTM D7137

The ASTM D7137 Compression After Impact (CAI) Test Fixture is engineered for evaluating the damage resistance and tolerance of composite materials. It provides precise measurement of compressive residual strength properties for multidirectional polymer matrix composite plates. Built with high-strength steel and featuring adjustable edge rails, it ensures secure support and prevents out-of-plane buckling during testing — ideal for aerospace structural design, material development, and quality assurance applications.

Overview

The Compression After Impact (CAI) Test Fixture is designed to measure the compressive residual strength properties of damaged multidirectional polymer matrix composite laminates. Used in conjunction with a pair of compression platens (not included), this fixture is engineered in strict accordance with ASTM D7137/D7137M. It evaluates the damage resistance and tolerance of composite laminates that have previously been subjected to a drop-weight impact event per ASTM D7136/D7136M.

Design Features and Benefits

• High-Strength Construction: Built with high-strength steel to provide exceptional stiffness, durability, and test-after-test longevity.
•  Adjustable Edge Rails: Features adjustable edge rails to accommodate small variations in specimen width and thickness, ensuring secure support and preventing out-of-plane buckling during compressive loading.
• Enhanced Test Repeatability: Equipped with centering aid tools to ensure precise specimen alignment, significantly enhancing test repeatability and measurement accuracy.

Applications

Primary Purpose:
To determine the residual compressive strength of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite laminates after an impact event. The fixture provides stabilization to the rectangular specimen under compressive loading, generating data essential for structural design, material development, and quality assurance.
Applicable Standards:
ASTM D7137 / D7137M
Specimen Materials:
Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite laminates.

Technical Specifications:

Parameter ACAD7137A1
(Standard)
ACAD7137B0
(Incl. Horizontal Support)
1 Max Load Capacity 150 kN 150 kN
2 Specimen Thickness 5 mm 1–5 mm
3 Specimen Length 150 mm 150 mm
4 Specimen Width 100 mm 100 mm
5 Dimensions (H×W×T) 196×350×95 mm 190×340×160 mm
6 Weight 20 kg 21 kg
7 Operating Temperature -70 to 300 °C -70 to 300 °C
8 Built Material Steel Steel
9 How to Use End loading with a pair of compression platens
(Upper Φ150 mm; Lower Φ200 mm)
End loading with a pair of compression platens
(Upper Φ150 mm; Lower Φ200 mm)

Related Products:

Part No. Model Code Description
11JYY1105V302 YSS105S.10 Compression Platen Set• Upper Platen: Ø150 mm with adjustable spherical seating• Lower Platen: Ø200 mm
Note: Compression platens are not included with the fixture and must be ordered separately. Refer to the Related Products section for compatible platen sets.

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