This test method provides information regarding the behavior of cellular materials under compressive loads. Test data is obtained, and from a complete load-deformation curve it is possible to compute the compressive stress at any load (such as compressive stress at proportional-limit load or compressive strength at maximum load) and to compute the effective modulus of elasticity.

Compression tests provide a standard method of obtaining data for research and development, quality control, acceptance or rejection under specifications, and special purposes. The tests cannot be considered significant for engineering design in applications differing widely from the load - time scale of the standard test. Such applications require additional tests such as impact, creep, and fatigue.

Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or a combination thereof, covered in the materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no material specifications, then the default conditions apply.