Below are the general procedures that are to be followed for testing of the bulkheads.

ASTM C393

1. Condition the specimen in a chamber if the test environment is not the same as a conditioned environment.

2. Measure the length, width and thickness at three places in the specimen.

3. Place the specimen into the test fixture as shown in the equipment and apparatus section.

4. Attach the deflection transducer (if we choose to use one).

5. Apply a compressive force to the specimen until failure or until a deflection equal to the thickness is reached.

ASTM D3039

1. Measure the specimen in 3 places and report average thickness and width as well as average area. 

2. Place the specimen into the grips of the testing machine

3. Apply the force until failure occurs

ASTM D3410

• Condition specimens

• Apply strain gages/extensometers to both faces of the specimen(if we choose to).

• Monitor test temperature using thermocouples (if we choose to).

• If needed, move the testing machine crosshead to open the distance between the 2 housing blocks so both the upper and lower wedge rip assemblies may be accessed. 

• Close the upper grips manually to check the specimen's vertical displacement. Do it with the lower grips as well. The upper grips should be in full contact with the wedge when closed. Repeat if we need to. 

• Attach strain transducers if they will be used. Then, attach the strain recording instrumentation to the strain gages or other transducers on the specimen. Then, remove any remaining preload and zero the transducer(s).

• Apply the force to the fixture at the specified rate until failure while recording data.