Shear by Tension Loading ASTM D3164

Strength properties of adhesively bonded plastic lap-shear sandwich joints in shear, by tension loading ASTM D-3164

ASTM D-3164 / D-3164M is a test method that is used to determine the strength properties of adhesively bonded plastic lap-shear sandwich joints in shear by tension loading. This test method is useful for comparing adhesives or evaluating surface treatments, and can be used to produce shear strength data for joints.

ASTM D-3164 is one of several single-lap-joint shear tests specified by ASTM. Other tests include ASTM D-1002, which specifies lap shear for metal-to-metal joints, ASTM D-3163 for plastic joints, and ASTM D-5868 for fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) joints against itself or metal.

The test procedure involves placing the test specimens in the grips of a universal testing machine and pulling them until rupture. The grips must align so that the applied force is applied through the centerline of the specimen. The type of failure can be either adhesive (the adhesive separates from one of the substrates), cohesive (the adhesive ruptures within itself), or a break in one of the substrates.

The recommended lap shear specimen is 25.4 mm wide with an overlap of 12.7 mm, with a metal thickness of 1.62 mm and an overall length of 177.8 mm. The recommended thickness of the plastic insert is 0.354 mm or less.

The data generated by the test includes the ultimate strength of the joint in MPa or PSI, and the type of failure (cohesive, adhesive, or substrate). This information can be used to evaluate the performance of different adhesives or surface treatments, and to make comparisons between different materials and joint configurations.