ASTM D623 Rubber Compression Flexing Fatigue and Heat Generation

An Introduction to ASTM D623 

ASTM D623 Rubber Compression Flexing Fatigue and Heat Generation 

Written by Rebecca Reiff-Musgrove

ASTM D623 contains test methods to compare the compressive fatigue characteristics and rate of heat generation of vulcanized rubbers. It describes two methods for applying a rapidly oscillating compressive stress under controlled conditions. Results include the measured temperature rise, degree of specimen dimensional changes and time to fatigue failure (in certain test conditions). In order to fully understand the test setups, procedures, and results requirements, it is important to review the full standard.

What is the test setup?

The test methods in ASTM D623 describe highly bespoke apparatuses, either the Goodrich Flexometer or the Firestone Flexometer, which apply a high-frequency, cyclic compression at a constant applied load. However, the standard Instron ElectroPuls® E3000 with WaveMatrix™ software and its Advanced Amplitude Control Module can achieve the same effect without the need for highly specialized equipment.

Instron can advise on appropriate accessories for testing at ambient and non-ambient temperatures.

ElectroPuls E3000 with Compression Platens
ASTM D623 Test Setup
ElectroPuls E3000 Test Instrument
5 kN Dynacell™ Dynamic Load Cell
Compression Platens
WaveMatrix Software with Advanced Amplitude Control Module

 

Typical Test

A typical test method in WaveMatrix using the ElectroPuls E3000 would be:

  1. Move the actuator in position control until a small contact force is measured.
  2. Ramp the actuator in load control to the required constant load (ASTM D623 Test Method A specifies loads of 160 N, 245 N, or 489 N).
  3. Hold at the static load for 5 seconds to allow the specimen material to relax.
  4. Apply the cyclic compressive oscillation in displacement control at the required amplitude and frequency (ASTM D623 Test Method A recommends strokes of 4.45 mm, 5.71 mm, or 6.35 mm, at 30 Hz). Use Advanced Amplitude Control to maintain the required constant mean force at a constant displacement amplitude.
Tips and Tricks

A key result from ASTM D623 is the temperature rise. WaveMatrix supports temperature measurement from a thermocouple transducer, allowing the temperature rise during the test to be recorded.

Instron provides chambers appropriate for testing at non-ambient temperatures, ASTM D623 recommended testing at 50°C or 100°C.

More precise displacement data can be gathered using a 2601 series LVDT (linear displacement transducer) attached to the platens.

If the applied loads are small in your application, more accurate data can be obtained using a smaller force cell. Instron supports dynamic force transducers down to 250 N.

Related Content

Células de carga con resistencia a la fatiga Dynacell

Las células de carga Serie 2527 están diseñadas para su uso con sistemas de ensayo dinámicos y ofrecen un rendimiento excepcional con la capacidad de medir fuerzas tan bajas como 1/250 de la capacidad de fuerza con una precisión del 0,5 % de la lectura. El reconocimiento automático del transductor y la calibración eléctrica facilitan su uso. Las células de carga pueden soportar cargas de hasta el 150 % de su capacidad de fuerza sin daños y el 300 % sin fallos mecánicos. Todas las células de carga de Instron se compensan de manera individual con la temperatura y se comprueba su precisión y repetibilidad en aparatos de calibración que responden a estándares internacionales, con una incertidumbre de medición que no supera un tercio del error admisible de la célula de carga.

Descargar

Catálogo de ElectroPuls®

Los instrumentos ElectroPuls son sistemas avanzados de ensayo electrodinámico para la realización de pruebas dinámicas y estáticas de materiales y componentes. Alimentados totalmente por una red monofásica, cuentan con la última tecnología para ensayos y otras muchas funciones orientadas al usuario.

Descargar

Sensores de desplazamiento LVDT Serie 2601

Los sensores de desplazamiento LVDT del transformador diferencial de variación lineal (LVDT) de la serie 2601 son dispositivos de medición que calculan el desplazamiento de los bastidores de carga.

Descargar

WaveMatrix™3 Brochure

WaveMatrix3 is intelligent software designed for fatigue and dynamic testing of materials and components. It delivers flexibility - run everything from a simple static ramp, to cyclic waveforms through to complex multi-step, multi-axial tests The highly visual environment with integrated tabular screens, clear menu structures, time-based matrix test preview and configurable live test workspace is designed to be intuitive and instill confidence. Packed with intelligent features, such as data reduction and built-in project organization, designed to simplify your testing.

View More