How the bursting strength of fabric is measured using diaphragm bursting strength tester? Describe the factors that affect bursting strength of fabric.
Measurement of Fabric Bursting Strength (Diaphragm Method)
How the bursting strength of fabric is measured using diaphragm bursting strength tester?
Mastering the Diaphragm Bursting Strength Test
Welcome back to the blog! Today, we are diving into one of the most satisfying tests in the physical testing lab: Bursting Strength.
Today, we break down exactly how we measure this using the Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester.
Why Do We Need This Test?
Usually, when we test fabric strength (like denim), we pull it in one direction (Tensile Strength). But Knitted fabrics and non-wovens are different. They stretch everywhere!
The Machine: How It Works
Think of the Diaphragm Bursting Tester as a high-tech balloon popper.
- The Diaphragm: A thick rubber membrane sits underneath the fabric.
- The Fluid: Under the rubber, we pump hydraulic fluid (like glycerin) or air.
- The Clamp: A metal ring holds your fabric down tight.
The Concept: We pump fluid under the rubber → The rubber expands → It pushes the fabric up into a dome → The fabric bursts.
The Step-by-Step Guide
Here is the cheat sheet procedure you need to know.
Step 1: Prep Your Samples
Don't just grab fabric and run. You need to condition it first (Standard atmosphere: 20°C, 65% RH). Cut your circles or squares, and make sure there are no wrinkles! You usually need at least 10 specimens to get a valid average.
Step 2: Clamp It Down
Place your fabric over the diaphragm. Lower the top clamp.
Pro Tip: Ensure the fabric is flat but relaxed. Do not stretch it while clamping, or your results will be wrong!
Step 3: The Burst
Start the machine. The pressure gauge will start climbing. Watch the fabric dome up. Wait for the POP. The machine will record the Gross Pressure at the exact moment of rupture.
Step 4: The "Secret" Correction Step
The pressure you just recorded isn't just the fabric strength. It’s the Fabric + The Rubber Diaphragm stiffness.
To fix this, you must:
- Take the broken fabric away.
- Run the test again with only the rubber diaphragm.
- Inflate it to the exact same height the fabric reached before it burst.
- Record that pressure. This is your Tare Pressure (or Diaphragm Correction).
🧮 The Formula
To get the final result, you do a simple subtraction:
Actual Bursting Strength = (Gross Pressure) - (Diaphragm Correction)
📚 References & Standards
If you are writing a lab report, you need to cite the official standards. These are the two bibles of bursting strength:
- ASTM D3786: The Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength (Hydraulic Method). This is the most common one in the US.
- ISO 13938 (Part 1 & 2): The International standard covers both Hydraulic and Pneumatic methods.
- Saville, B.P. (1999). Physical Testing of Textiles. A classic textbook you should definitely check out from the library.
Hope this helps clear up the Diaphragm Bursting Test! If you have any questions about the difference between Hydraulic and Pneumatic testers, drop a comment below and I'll cover that next time.
Happy Testing! 🧵✨
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