ASTM C1361-96

1.1 This practice covers the determination of constant-amplitude, axial tension-tension cyclic fatigue behaviour and performance of advanced ceramics at ambient temperatures to establish "baseline" cyclic fatigue performance. This practice builds on experience and existing standards in tensile testing advanced ceramics at ambient temperatures and addresses various suggested test specimen geometries, specimen fabrication methods, testing modes (load, displacement, or strain control), testing rates and frequencies, allowable bending, and procedures for data collection and reporting. This practice does not apply to axial cyclic fatigue tests of components or parts (that is, machine elements with non uniform or multiaxial stress states).

1.2 This practice applies primarily to advanced ceramics that macroscopically exhibit isotropic, homogeneous, continuous behaviour. While this practice applies primarily to monolithic advanced ceramics, certain whisker- or particle-reinforced composite ceramics as well as certain discontinuous fibre-reinforced composite ceramics may also meet these macroscopic behaviour assumptions. Generally, continuous fibre-reinforced ceramic composites (CFCCs) do not macroscopically exhibit isotropic, homogeneous, continuous behaviour and application of this practice to these materials is not recommended.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard and are in accordance with Practice E 380.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Refer to Section 7 for specific precautions.