Physics:Compression set

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The compression set (ASTM D395) of a material is the permanent deformation remaining after squashing it.[1] In specific methods, temperatures and percent compression are specified. The term is normally applied to soft materials such as elastomers and foams. Compression is normally measured in two ways: compression set A and compression set B.[2]

Compression Set A

Compression Set A Diagram
A diagram of the compression set A experiment (under constant force in air).

This has the formal name compression set under constant force in air. In compression set A a force of 1.8 kN is applied to the specimen for a set time at a set temperature. Compression set A is defined as the percentage of original specimen thickness after the specimen has been left in normal (uncompressed) conditions for 30 minutes. CA, the compression set A is given by CA = [(to - ti) / to] * 100 where to is the original specimen thickness and ti is the specimen thickness after testing.[2]

Compression Set B

Compression Set B Diagram
A diagram of the compression set B experiment (under constant deflection in air).

This has the formal name compression set under constant deflection in air. The specimen is compressed to 75% of its original height for a set time and at a set temperature (sample is compressed to .75 of its original height). Compression set B is (like Compression set A) defined as the percentage of specimen deflection after it has been left in normal (uncompressed) conditions for 30 minutes. CB, the compression set B is given by CB = [(to - ti) / (to - tn)] * 100 where to is the original specimen thickness, ti is the specimen thickness after testing and tn is the spacer thickness or the specimen thickness during the test.[2]

References

  1. Carroll, Gregory T.; Jongejan, Mahthild G. M.; Pijper, Dirk; Feringa, Ben L. (2010). "Spontaneous generation and patterning of chiral polymeric surface toroids" (in en). Chemical Science 1 (4): 469. doi:10.1039/c0sc00159g. ISSN 2041-6520. http://xlink.rsc.org/?DOI=c0sc00159g. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Compression Set - ASTM D395 Plastic Test Standard". IDES. Integrated Design Engineering Systems. http://www.ides.com/property_descriptions/ASTMD395.asp. Retrieved 15 June 2012.