scope:

This International Standard specifies a method for measuring the propagation of a crack in a notched specimen subjected to a cyclic tensile load varying between a constant positive minimum and a constant positive maximum value. The test results include the crack length as a function of the number of load cycles and the crack length increase rate as a function of the stress intensity factor and energy release rate at the crack tip. The possible occurrence of discontinuities in crack propagation is detected and reported. The method is suitable for use with the following range of materials: .rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastic moulding and extrusion materials (including filled and short-fibre-reinforced compounds) plus rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastic sheets; .rigid and semi-rigid thermosetting materials (including filled and short-fibre-reinforced compounds) plus rigid and semi-rigid thermosetting sheets.