1.1This test method covers the determination of shear strength of joints in advanced ceramics at ambient temperature using asymmetrical four-point flexure. Test specimen geometries, test specimen fabrication methods, testing modes (that is, force or displacement control), testing rates (that is, force or displacement rate), data collection, and reporting procedures are addressed.

1.2This test method is used to measure shear strength of ceramic joints in test specimens extracted from larger joined pieces by machining. Test specimens fabricated in this way are not expected to warp due to the relaxation of residual stresses but are expected to be much straighter and more uniform dimensionally than butt-jointed test specimens prepared by joining two halves, which is not recommended. In addition, this test method is intended for joints, which have either low or intermediate strengths with respect to the substrate material to be joined. Joints with high strengths should not be tested by this test method because of the high probability of invalid tests resulting from fractures initiating at the reaction points rather than in the joint. Determination of the shear strength of joints using this test method is appropriate particularly for advanced ceramic matrix composite materials but also may be useful for monolithic advanced ceramic materials.

1.3Values expressed in this test method are in accordance with the International System of Units (SI) and IEEE/ASTM SI 10.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are noted in 8.1.

1.5This 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.