ASTM C271/C271M-11

Density is a fundamental physical property that can be used in conjunction with other properties to characterize the sandwich core. Most sandwich core structural properties, such as strength and stiffness, are proportional to the density.

This test method provides a standard method of obtaining sandwich core density data for design properties, material specifications, research and development applications, and quality assurance.

Factors that influence the density and shall therefore be reported include the following: core material, methods of material fabrication, core geometry (nominal cell size), specimen geometry, specimen preparation, methods of weight and dimensional measurement, specimen conditioning, and moisture content during weight and dimensional measurements.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density of sandwich construction core materials. Permissible core material forms include those with continuous bonding surfaces (such as balsa wood and foams) as well as those with discontinuous bonding surfaces (such as honeycomb).

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.2.1 Within the text the inch-pound units are shown in brackets.

1.3 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.