1.1This test method covers the determination of the hoop tensile strength including stress-strain response of continuous fiber-reinforced advanced ceramic tubes subjected to an internal pressure produced by the expansion of an elastomeric insert undergoing monotonic uniaxial loading at ambient temperature. This type of test configuration is sometimes referred to as an overhung tube. This test method is specific to tube geometries, because flaw populations, fiber architecture and specimen geometry factors are often distinctly different in composite tubes, as compared to flat plates.

1.2In the test method a composite tube/cylinder with a defined gage section and a known wall thickness is loaded via internal pressurization from the radial expansion of an elastomeric insert (located midway inside the tube) that is longitudinally compressed from either end by pushrods. The elastomeric insert expands under the uniaxial compressive loading of the pushrods and exerts a uniform radial pressure on the inside of the tube. The resulting hoop stress-strain response of the composite tube is recorded until failure of the tube. The hoop tensile strength and the hoop fracture strength are determined from the resulting maximum pressure and the pressure at fracture, respectively. The hoop tensile strains, the hoop proportional limit stress, and the modulus of elasticity in the hoop direction are determined from the stress-strain data. Note that hoop tensile strength as used in this test method refers to the tensile strength in the hoop direction from the induced pressure of a monotonic, uniaxially-loaded elastomeric insert where monotonic refers to a continuous nonstop test rate without reversals from test initiation to final fracture.

1.3This test method applies primarily to advanced ceramic matrix composite tubes with continuous fiber reinforcement: uni-directional (1-D, filament wound and tape lay-up), bidirectional (2-D, fabric/tape lay-up and weave), and tridirectional (3-D, braid and weave). These types of ceramic matrix composites can be composed of a wide range of ceramic fibers (oxide, graphite, carbide, nitride, and other compositions) in a wide range of crystalline and amorphous ceramic matrix compositions (oxide, carbide, nitride, carbon, graphite, and other compositions).

1.4This test method does not directly address discontinuous fiber-reinforced, whisker-reinforced or particulate-reinforced ceramics, although the test methods detailed here may be equally applicable to these composites.

1.5The test method is applicable to a range of test specimen tube geometries based on a non dimensional parameter that includes composite material property and tube radius. Lengths of the composite tube, push rods and elastomeric insert are determined from this non dimensional parameter so as to provide a gage length with uniform, internal, radial pressure. A wide range of combinations of material properties, tube radii, wall thicknesses, tube lengths and insert lengths are possible.

1.6This test method addresses tubular test specimen geometries, test specimen methods, testing rates (force rate, induced pressure rate, displacement rate, or strain rate), and data collection and reporting procedures in the following sections.

1.7Values expressed in this test method are in accordance with the International System of Units (SI).

1.8This 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. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 8 and Note 1.