1.1This test method covers determination of apparent in-plane shear strength and stiffness properties of flat sandwich constructions with composite face sheets. Permissible core material forms include those with continuous bonding surfaces (such as balsa wood and foams) as well as those with discontinuous bonding surfaces (such as honeycomb).

1.2The square test specimen with corner notches is mechanically fastened to a pinned metal frame along each edge. The frame is loaded in uni-axial tension which produces tensile forces in the frame elements at a 45° angle to the applied tension. These tensile forces act along the edges of the specimen to cause a state of predominately shear stress to transfer the applied force through the specimen. Procedure A uses a specimen without edge doublers; Procedure B uses a specimen with four discrete edge doublers; Procedure C uses a specimen with a continuous edge doubler.

1.3The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4This 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. .