Flexure Test

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The flexure test method measures behavior of materials subjected to simple beam loading. It is also called a
transverse beam test with some materials. Maximum fiber stress and maximum strain are calculated for
increments of load. Results are plotted in a stress-strain diagram. Flexural strength is defined as the maximum
stress in the outermost fiber. This is calculated at the surface of the specimen on the convex or tension side.
Flexural modulus is calculated from the slope of the stress vs. deflection curve. If the curve has no linear region,
a secant line is fitted to the curve to determine slope.
Read More . . .
Flexure Overview
Configurations
Standards

Why Perform a Flexure Test?

Flex testing produces tensile stress in the convex side of the specimen and compression stress in the concave
side. This creates an area of shear stress along the midline. To ensure the primary failure comes from tensile or
compression stress the shear stress must be minimized. This is done by controlling the span to depth ratio; the
length of the outer span divided by the height (depth) of the specimen. For most materials S/d=16 is acceptable.
Some materials require S/d=32 to 64 to keep the shear stress low enough.

Types of Flex Tests

Flex testing is often done on relatively flexible materials such as polymers,

wood and composites. There are two test types; 3-point flex and 4-point flex. In a 3-point test the area of
uniform stress is quite small and concentrated under the center loading point. In a 4-point test, the area of
uniform stress exists between the inner span loading points (typically half the outer span length).

Typical Materials
Polymers

The 3-point test is the most common for polymers. Specimen deflection is usually measured by the crosshead
position. Test results include flexural strength and flexural modulus.

Wood and Composites

The 4-point test is common for wood and composites. The 4-point test requires a deflectometer to accurately
measure specimen deflection at the center of the support span. Test results include flexural strength and flexural
modulus.

Brittle Materials
When a 3-point flex test is done on a brittle material like ceramic or concrete it is often called modulus of rupture
(MOR). This test provides flex strength data only, not stiffness (modulus). The 4-point test can also be used on
brittle materials. Alignment of the support and loading anvils is critical with brittle materials. The test fixture for
these materials usually has self-aligning anvils.

Flexure - Test Standards

ASTM

D790-02 Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and
Electrical Insulating Materials
D6272-02 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and
Electrical Insulating Materials by Four-Point Bending
C393-00 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Sandwich Constructions
C78-02 Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam with Third-Point
Loading)
C293-02 Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam With CenterPoint Loading)

C1161-02b Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Advanced Ceramics at Ambient Temperature

D198-99 Standard Test Methods of Static Tests of Lumber in Structural Sizes

D143-94(2000)e1 Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber

D6109-97e1 Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic
Lumber
C1341-00 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Advanced
Ceramic Composites
D5572-95(1999) Standard Specification for Adhesives Used for Finger Joints in Nonstructural Lumber
Products

ISO

178:2001 Plastics - Determination of Flexural Properties