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Flexure/Bend Testing
Flexure/Bend Testing
Flexure/bend testing is also known as transverse testing, modulus of rupture testing, 3-point bend testing and 4-point bend testing. It is a way of determining how something will react when it is being bent, and we do this by supporting the specimen by two bearing surfaces and applying an axial compressive load at its centre by either a third bearing load, or a further two bearing load points.
This type of test is performed to assess the strength of components and materials e.g. PVC/ABS pipes; ceramic or polymer rods and bars; stiff metal wire; rods; tubing; automotive and aeronautical structural beams; wood building beams; composites; concrete to name but a few. Some other applications where testing bending strength is just as critical include 3-point bend testing of hypodermic needles and vascular stents.
Benefits of Flexure/Bend Testing
These include:
- Ensuring the integrity and safety of products
- Ensuring components, materials and products are fit-for-purpose
- Reducing material costs and achieving lean manufacturing goals
- Compliance with industry standards
Standards
There are many standards for flexure/bend testing, developed by organisations such as ASTM, BS, DIN, ISO and MIL. They include:
- ASTM C67 - 08 Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
- ASTM C674 - 88(2006) Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Ceramic Whiteware Materials
- ASTM D-790 Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Ceramic Whiteware Materials
- ASTM E855 - 08 Standard Test Methods for Bend Testing of Metallic Flat Materials for Spring Applications Involving Static Loading
- ASTM F2606 - 08 Standard Guide for Three-Point Bending of Balloon Expandable Vascular Stents and Stent Systems
- BS EN 2746:1998 Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics. Flexural Test. Three Point Bend Method
- BS EN ISO 7438:2005 Metallic Materials. Bend Test
- BS EN ISO 8491:2004 Metallic Materials. Tube (in Full Section). Bend Test
- ISO 9358:1996 Aerospace - Hydraulic Tubing Joints and Fittings - Planar Flexure Test
- ISO 18756:2003 Fine Ceramics (Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Technical Ceramics) - Determination of fracture toughness of Monolithic Ceramics at Room Temperature by the Surface Crack in Flexure (SCF) Method
