This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D8289 − 20

Standard Test Method for

Tensile Strength Estimate by Disc Compression of
Manufactured Graphite1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8289; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical

1.1 This test method covers testing apparatus, specimen
preparation, and testing procedures for determining the split-
ting tensile strength of graphite by diametral line compression
of a disk. This small specimen geometry (Test Method D7779)
is specifically intended for irradiation capsule use. Users are
cautioned to use Test Method C749 if possible for measuring
tensile strength properties of graphite.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 All dimension and force measurements and stress cal-
culations shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits
and rounding established in Practice D6026.
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 appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C749 Test Method for Tensile Stress-Strain of Carbon and
Graphite
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid
Fuels, and Lubricants
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.F0 on Manufactured Carbon and Graphite Products.
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D8289 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/D8289-20.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Data
D7542 Test Method for Air Oxidation of Carbon and Graph-
ite in the Kinetic Regime
D7775 Guide for Measurements on Small Graphite Speci-
mens
D7779 Test Method for Determination of Fracture Tough-
ness of Graphite at Ambient Temperature
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Refer to Terminology D4175 for specific definitions.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 splitting tensile strength, n—the tensile strength of a
material estimated from a splitting compressive configuration
such as that described here.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 By definition, the tensile strength of manufactured
graphite is obtained by the direct uniaxial tensile test (Test
Method C749). The C749 tensile test specimen is relatively
large and is frequently incompatible with available irradiation
capsule volumes, or oxidation apparatus (Test Method D7542).
The splitting tensile test provides an alternate means of testing
tensile properties on specimens that have severe geometric
constraints and otherwise cannot meet the prescribed testing
geometries of Test Method C749. By loading a disc-shaped
specimen, on edge, under a compressive load, the resulting
tensile stresses transverse to the loading axis provide an
indication of the tensile strength properties of graphite. To
obtain consistent and meaningful values of a splitting tensile
strength, it is vital that the fracture initiate in the center of the
disk and not along an edge. This standard test helps to ensure
that the disk specimens break diametrally along the loading
diameter due to tensile stresses that are perpendicular to the
loading axis and that the fracture initiates at the center of the
disk.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 D8289 − 20
4.2 The stress determined using the diametral compression
test is the maximum tensile stress at the center of the disk when
loaded under the prescribed conditions and the fracture initiates
at the center of the disk. It should be understood that this
tensile stress value is obtained with the specimen in a complex
biaxial stress condition. When the test is performed carefully
and consistently these tensile stress values are comparable to
each other, but the performers of this test should validate the
values obtained. Any bias when comparing values with this
standard to the uniaxial tensile stress values obtained using
Test Method C749 should be identified and reported. Validation
shall be performed on the same material and may not be
applicable to other states of the same material (for example,
oxidized, irradiated). Guidance on small specimen testing can
be found in Guide D7775.

5. Apparatus
5.1 Loading Device, to apply and measure an axial com- FIG. 2 Loading Fixture Diagram
pressive load on the specimen (Fig. 1) of sufficient capacity
and to apply the load at a rate conforming to the requirements TABLE 1 Fixture Dimensions That Maintain a 30° Contact Angle
in 8.3. The load cell/device shall be calibrated at suitable time Suitable for the Specimen Geometries in Table 2
intervals in accordance with Practices E4 and shall comply Designation Fixture Dimensions, mm
with the requirements prescribed therein. Specimen Diameter 6 8 10 12.7
R 3 4 5 6.35
5.2 Bearing Surfaces—The testing machine shall be A 30 30 30 30
B 10 10 10 10
equipped with two curved tool steel bearing blocks (Fig. 2). C 12 12 12 12
5.2.1 Curved Bearing Blocks—Must be used to reduce the D 5 5 5 5
contact stresses between the bearing blocks and the specimen. E 17 17 17 17
F 1.55 2.07 2.59 3.29
The radius of curvature of the supplementary bearing blocks G 10 10 10 10
shall be designed such that their arc of contact with the H 5 5 5 5
specimen shall be 30° and such that the width of contact (F in I 11.99 12.25 12.51 12.87
J 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Fig. 2) is less than R, where R is the radius of the specimen α 30° 30° 30° 30°
(Fig. 2). β 15° 15° 15° 15°
5.2.2 Spherical Seating—One of the compressive machine
platens (Fig. 1) upon which the bearing blocks are situated
should be spherically seated in order to facilitate correct load
train alignment. Table 2. These dimensions maintain the critical 30° of speci-
5.3 Fixture Design—The test fixture shall be similar to that men contact arc. An illustration of the loading fixture is given
shown in Fig. 2. in Fig. 3.
5.4 Fixture Dimensions—Dimensions are given in Table 1 6. Sampling
for fixture sizing appropriate for the specimen dimensions in
6.1 The specimens shall be selected from the billet(s) to
obtain a representative strength for the grade and orientation of
the graphite under consideration.

7. Test Specimens
7.1 The minimum specimen diameter is 6 mm. Specimen
geometries used in the intra-laboratory study are given in Table
2. Note the thickness values represent the maximum allowed
thickness for the corresponding diameter.

TABLE 2 Acceptable Specimen Geometries

Specimen Dimensions
Diameter, mm Thickness, mm
6 3
8 4
10 5
12.7 6.35
FIG. 1 Proposed Testing Setup for Splitting Tensile Strength

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 D8289 − 20
8.2.2 Specimen Alignment—Ensure that the specimen is
oriented to within 10° of the appropriate reference mark with
the axis perpendicular to the loading direction, this being the
direction of tensile loading and the orientation of record. The
specimen’s alignment is critical in the case of anisotropic
graphite but is not important for isotropic graphite where σAG
= σWG.
8.3 Loading—Apply the load continuously, at a constant
rate of crosshead or platen movement, and without shock until
ultimate failure. Choose the rate of movement so that average
rupture time is greater than 30 s.
8.4 Fracture Orientation—The fracture, if visible, should
occur in the vertical plane initiating from the center of the
specimen as seen in Fig. 3.
FIG. 3 Illustration of the Loading Fixture
9. Calculation
9.1 Calculation of the estimated maximum tensile stress
follows Awaji3 and Hondros4:
7.2 Number of Specimens—At least six specimens shall be
tested to obtain a meaningful average value. If the reproduc- σ sts '
P
πLRF1 2 S DG
b
R
2
(1)
ibility of the test results is good (coefficient of variation less
than 5 %), a smaller number of specimens may be acceptable. 9.2 Using the 30° included angle as in the anvil design
described in this standard results in:
7.3 The test specimen shall be a (button-type) right cylinder
P
with ends machined to yield planar and parallel faces. These σ sts '0.931 (2)
πLR
faces shall be perpendicular to the cylindrical surface to within
0.025 mm (0.001 in.) of diameter total indicator reading. All where:
surfaces shall have a surface finish visually comparable to σsts = splitting tensile strength, MPa (psi),
0.8 µm (32 µin.) rms or better. Reasonable care should be P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing
exercised to ensure that all edges are sharp and without chips machine, N (or lbf),
or other flaws. L = thickness of the specimen, mm (or in.),
7.4 Determine the thickness and diameter of the specimen to D = diameter of the specimen, mm (or in.),
the nearest 0.25 % of the dimension. The thickness shall be b = circumference of contact length, mm (or in.), and
based on the average of at least three measurements, one of R = specimen radius, mm (or in.).
which shall be at the center of the disk. The diameter shall be
the average of at least two measurements taken at perpendicu- 10. Report
lar locations. 10.1 The report shall include as much of the following as
7.5 The moisture conditions of the specimen at the time of possible:
test can have a significant effect upon the indicated strength of 10.1.1 Source of the specimen, including: manufacturer’s
the graphite. Dry the specimens for 1 h at a minimum of name and graphite grade number, forming method, billet
130 °C. If the tests are not immediately carried out following number, orientation of the specimen to billet’s forming axis
specimen drying, it is recommended the cleaned and dried (that is, WG or AG or no preferred grain orientation).
specimens be stored in a desiccator. 10.1.2 Dates of sampling and testing.
10.1.3 Specimen diameter and thickness.
10.1.4 Rate of loading or deformation rate.
8. Procedure
10.1.5 Splitting tensile strength of each specimen as
8.1 Marking—A reference mark on the specimen can aid in calculated, average splitting tensile strength of all specimens,
the desired orientation of the specimen. This reference mark standard deviation or coefficient of variation.
can also be used during dimensional measurements. These 10.1.6 Type and location of failure.
reference marks should in no way damage the surface of the 10.1.7 Atmospheric temperature and humidity at time of
specimen. If the graphite grade being tested is anisotropic, take test.
care to ensure that the grain orientation is known with respect
to the mark. The reference line on each specimen shall refer to
the same orientation. 3
Awaji, H. and Sato, S., “Diametral Compressive Stress Considering the
8.2 Positioning: Hertzian Contact,” Journal of the Society of Materials Science, Japan, Vol 27, 1978,
pp. 336–341.
8.2.1 Loading Fixture—Position the loading fixture in the 4
Hondros, G., “The Evaluation of Poisson’s Ratio and Young’s Modulus of
center of the spherically seated platen to within 1.25 mm Materials of a Low Tensile Resistance by the Brazilian Test,” Australian Journal of
(0.05 in.). Applied Science, 1959.

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 D8289 − 20
11. Precision and Bias
11.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
interlaboratory study of WK61462, New Standard Test Method
for Splitting Tensile Strength of Manufactured Graphite, con-
ducted in 2018. Seven laboratories tested two different graphite
materials for splitting tensile strength. In the case of Graphite
B, specimens in both the with-grain (WG) and against-grain
(AG) orientation were tested. Every “test result” represents an
individual determination, and the labs were asked to report six
replicate test results for each material. Practice E691 was
followed for the design and analysis of the data; the details are
given in ASTM Research Report No. RR:D02-1910.5
11.1.1 Repeatability Limit (r)—The difference between re-
petitive results obtained by the same operator in a given
laboratory applying the same test method with the same
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
material within short intervals of time would, in the long run,
in the normal and correct operation of the test method, exceed
the following values only in one case in 20.
11.1.1.1 Repeatability can be interpreted as the maximum
difference between two results, obtained under repeatable
conditions, that are accepted as plausible due to random causes
under normal and correct operation of the test method.
11.1.1.2 Repeatability limits are listed in Table 3.
11.1.2 Reproducibility Limit (R)—The difference between
two single and independent results obtained by different
operators applying the same test method in different laborato-
5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1910. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at service@astm.org.
ries using different apparatus on identical test material would,
in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
method, exceed the following values only in one case in 20.
11.1.2.1 Reproducibility can be interpreted as the maximum
difference between two results, obtained under reproducibility
conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes
under normal and correct operation of the test method.
11.1.2.2 Reproducibility limits are listed in Table 3 in units
of MPa.
11.1.3 The terms “repeatability limit” and “reproducibility
limit” are used as specified in Practice E177.
11.1.4 Any judgment in accordance with 11.1.1 and 11.1.2
would have an approximate 95 % probability of being correct.
11.2 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted
reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test
method; therefore, no statement on bias is being made.
11.3 The precision statement was determined through sta-
tistical examination of 250 test results, from seven laboratories,
on six graphite materials.
11.4 The precision statement was determined through sta-
tistical examination of all usable data, from five laboratories
per analysis, on two different materials, described in Table 4.
To judge the equivalency of any two test results, it is
recommended to choose the listed material closest in charac-
teristics to the test material.
12. Keywords
12.1 compression testing; graphite; indirect tensile strength;
loading tests; splitting tensile strength; tension (tensile)
properties/tests

TABLE 3 Splitting Tensile Strength (MPa)

Repeatability Reproducibility
Average Standard Standard Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Material
x̄ Deviation Deviation r R
sr sR
Graphite A, 12.7 mm 27.738 0.896 1.478 2.510 4.139
Graphite B WG, 12.7 mm 19.807 1.287 1.474 3.603 4.127
Graphite B AG, 12.7 mm 21.022 1.866 2.078 5.224 5.819
Graphite A, 6 mm dia. 30.263 1.498 4.297 4.195 12.033
Graphite B WG, 6 mm dia. 22.510 2.848 4.373 7.973 12.244
Graphite B AG, 6 mm dia. 21.761 2.463 3.318 6.898 9.291

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 D8289 − 20
TABLE 4 Parameters and Characteristics of the Two Graphite Grades Used in the ILS
Grade Forming Method Source Coke Grain Size (µm) Ash Content (wppm) Density (g/cm3)
Graphite A Iso-static molded Non-petroleum 13 <2.7 1.81
Graphite B Vibration molded Pitch 1600 <10 1.85

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.F0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D8289 – 19) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2020.)

(1) Revised subsection 7.1. (2) Revised Table 4.

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