4.1 This test method provides a framework for material development, quality control, characterization, and design data generation purposes. The user needs to assess the applicability of the method on the specific material and for the intended use, as shown by the interlaboratory study.

4.2 This test method determines the maximum loading on a graphite specimen with simple beam geometry in three-point bending, and it provides a means for the calculation of flexural strength at ambient temperature and environmental conditions.

4.3 The flexure stress is computed based on simple beam theory with assumptions that the material is isotropic and homogeneous, the moduli of elasticity in tension and compression are identical, and the material is linearly elastic. For materials with large grains, the minimum specimen dimension should be significantly larger than the maximum grain size (see Guide D7775).

4.4 Flexural strength of a group of test specimens is influenced by several parameters associated with the test procedure. Such factors include the loading rate, test environment, specimen size, specimen preparation, and test fixtures. Specimen sizes and fixtures should be chosen to reduce errors due to material variability or testing parameters, such as friction and non-parallelism of specimen surfaces.

4.5 The flexural strength of a manufactured graphite or carbon material is dependent on both its inherent resistance to fracture and the size and severity of flaws. Variations in these cause a natural scatter in test results for a sample of test specimens. Fractographic analysis of fracture surfaces, although beyond the scope of this standard, is highly recommended for all purposes, especially if the data will be used for design as discussed in Practices C1239 and C1322.

4.6 The three-point test configuration exposes only a very small portion of the specimen to the maximum stress. Therefore, three-point flexural strengths are likely to be much greater than four-point flexural strengths. Three-point flexure has some advantages. It uses simpler test fixtures, allowing small specimen testing and fracture toughness measurements. However, four-point flexure is preferred and recommended for most characterization purposes.