For MSXIV, there was large difficulty manufacturing a structural bottom panel due to its size and complexity. Structural testing was needed to be carried out to evaluate the structural properties of the initial layers of the bottom panel that has been manufactured so far.

Structural testing of the bottom panel consisted of a 3-point flexural test that follows the standards for ASTM D790 - the determination of flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical insulating materials.

Specimen Preparation

Source: https://www.instron.us/testing-solutions/by-test-type/flexure/the-definitive-guide-to-astm-d790

• ASTM D790 Standard: 3.2 mm x 12.7 mm x 125 mm

  • 0.125” x 0.5” x 5.0”

• Dimensions of ASTM D790 specimens depend on the thickness of the material, which the start defines as being the depth of the specimen

• Sheet materials with a thickness between 3.2 and 1.6 mm will have a width of 12.7 mm and a support span defined as specimen thickness X 16

• Sheet materials less than 1.6 mm in thickness will be 50.8 mm X 12.7 mm with a 25.4 mm support span

Carrying Out the Test

Source: https://www.instron.us/testing-solutions/by-test-type/flexure/the-definitive-guide-to-astm-d790

• Procedure A:

  • Preferred method

  • Employs strain rate of 0.01 mm/mm/min

• Procedure B:

  • Employs a strain rate of 0.10 mm/mm/min

  • Intended for materials that may not break at 5% strain if tested at the lower rate

Data Processing

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_flexural_test#Standards

Results

Table #1: List of variables recorded for experiment

Table #2: Dimensions of test specimens