ASTM D3763

Standard Test Method for High Speed Puncture Properties of Plastics Using Load and Displacement Sensors

Summary Description

The ASTM D3763 test standard specifies the characterization of puncture properties of rigid plastics over a range of test speeds. The test is performed by applying an instrumented impact head at a defined impact velocity to a suitable rigid specimen. Common properties that reference ASTM D3763 include the load-deflection curve, absorbed energy-deflection curve, peak load, deflection at peak load, absorbed energy at peak load, total absorbed energy and failure type.

Additional Test Standards of Relevance

  • ISO 6603-2

Characterization Measurements and Relevant Tests

DatapointLabs offers the following test that addresses different properties covered under the ASTM D3763 standard. These include the following characterization measurements [bracketed link refers to relevant test in the DatapointLabs Test Catalog]:

Dynatup Instrumented Impact

  • Load-deflection curve, absorbed energy-deflection curve, peak load, deflection at peak load, absorbed energy at peak load, total absorbed energy, failure type [M-410]

Test Procedure and Equipment Used

A Dynatup 8250 impact tower with a ‘tup’ – an instrumented impact head incorporating a load cell and accelerometer – is used to determine material toughness and puncture resistance. Specimens are typically 1/8” thick 4” square plaques or 4” diameter disks. The specimen is clamped between grips at the base of the apparatus. The crosshead with the attached tup is then released at a predetermined height to impact the specimen with a set velocity and kinetic energy. The tup falls gravitationally, with an initial pneumatic assist, if required, for higher impact velocities. The test is complete when the tup penetrates the specimen and stops. The instantaneous load and acceleration as a function of time is recorded by the instrumented tup throughout the test. Various characterization measurements of interest, as detailed below, are calculated from the resulting test data.

Sample Conditioning and Non-Ambient Testing

Sample conditioning, if required, is carried out following specimen preparation in accordance with ASTM D618. Typical conditioning selections are ‘dry as molded’ (low humidity storage at 23°C) and 40 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Non-ambient testing may be carried out at any temperature between -53°C and 200°C.

Test Specimen Specification and Description

Specimen specifications under ASTM D3763 are as follows:

  • Impact plaques specified by ASTM D3763, ISO 6603-2 or alternative, as acceptable; see Impact Plaques for further details

Characterization Measurement Descriptions

Typical characterization measurements under ASTM D3763 include:

  • Load-Deflection Curve: The plotted relationship between applied load and vertical deflection of the specimen at point of impact

  • Absorbed Energy-Deflection Curve: The plotted relationship between the kinetic energy absorbed by the specimen and vertical deflection of the specimen at point of impact

  • Peak Load: The maximum load applied to the sample in the course of the test, as determined from the peak of the load-deflection curve

  • Deflection at Peak Load: The vertical deflection of the specimen at maximum applied load, as determined from the load-deflection curve

  • Absorbed Energy at Peak Load: The kinetic energy absorbed by the specimen at maximum applied load, as determined from the absorbed energy-deflection curve

  • Total Absorbed Energy: The total kinetic energy absorbed by the specimen, from initial impact to final zero applied load

  • Failure Type: reported as brittle (crack formation in plaque) or ductile (no crack formation in plaque)

Complete Listing of DatapointLabs Tests Referencing ASTM D3763

The entire list of tests in the DatapointLabs test catalog that reference ASTM D3763 are as follows:

Standard Description
M-410 Dynatup Instrumented Impact
M-412 Falling Dart Uninstrumented Impact
V-101 Falling Dart Impact Validation for LS-DYNA Crash Material Model
V-102 Falling Dart Impact Validation for Abaqus Crash Models
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