AITM 1-0010 is an Airbus Industries Test Method (AITM) used for compression-after-impact (CAI) evaluation of fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates. It is commonly referenced when programs need a standardized way to compare residual compressive strength after a controlled impact event.
If you need help aligning your fixture style, impact setup, and compression test configuration to the exact AITM 1-0010 edition cited on your drawing, spec, or purchase order, talk with our team about your application.
AITM 1-0010 (Airbus) — Compression strength after impact (CAI)
AITM 1-0010 is used to assess how impact damage reduces the compressive load-carrying capability of composite laminates. The method is often applied in aerospace composite material screening, process verification, and qualification-style comparisons where impact tolerance is a key requirement.
In practice, the standard ties together two linked activities: a controlled low-velocity impact on a clamped laminate specimen, followed by compressive loading of the impacted specimen using a CAI compression fixture.
Quick Definition
What it is: An Airbus AITM test method for measuring residual compression performance of a composite laminate after a defined impact event.
What it outputs: Compression-after-impact performance metrics used to compare laminates, material forms, or processing conditions under the same impact and compression test setup.
Why buyers cite it: To standardize CAI fixture requirements and a repeatable lab workflow for impact damage creation and post-impact compression testing.
What This Standard Covers
AITM 1-0010 covers CAI testing of fiber-reinforced plastic composite laminates, focusing on the change in compressive capability after impact damage is introduced. The method is used when barely visible impact damage (BVID) or similar impact conditions must be represented in a consistent way for comparisons.
Because CAI results are sensitive to specimen restraint, this standard is closely associated with a specific style of CAI compression fixture that clamps and supports the specimen edges during compressive loading.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Composite laminates can experience a major reduction in compressive strength from impact events that may not leave obvious visible damage. AITM 1-0010 provides a consistent framework for creating impact damage and then quantifying residual compressive performance, supporting apples-to-apples comparisons across candidate material systems.
For test labs and QA/QC teams, the main risk is variability introduced by fixture alignment, clamping condition, impact support setup, and compression loading stability. Equipment and fixturing decisions can strongly influence repeatability and comparability of CAI results.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
Common materials: Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates and other fiber-reinforced plastic laminates used in aerospace structures.
Common use cases: Material down-selection, process change studies, qualification-style test programs, and supplier verification where impact tolerance and residual compression behavior are procurement or design drivers.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Most CAI programs built around AITM 1-0010 follow a repeatable sequence of: specimen measurement and setup, controlled low-velocity impact using a drop-weight impact system with a clamping fixture, and compression loading of the impacted specimen in a CAI compression fixture on a universal testing machine.
Common workflow elements: Impact energy selection for the program requirement, impact dent/damage characterization (as required by the controlling program), optional conditioning and temperature control, and compressive loading to failure to establish post-impact performance.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
AITM 1-0010 typically points to an integrated equipment path: an instrumented drop-weight impact tester for the initial damage event, plus a universal testing machine and a dedicated CAI compression fixture for the post-impact compression test.
Common equipment: Drop-weight impact test system with an AITM 1-0010-style specimen clamping fixture; electromechanical or servo-hydraulic universal testing machine; CAI compression fixture that clamps/supports the specimen edges; alignment tools and suitable load measurement; optional environmental chamber for non-ambient testing when required by the program.
If you are comparing impact tower capacity, impact fixture options, and CAI compression fixture configurations for your laminate size and force range, you can request a detailed quote for a system configuration matched to your workflow.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
AITM references are typically cited as “AITM 1-0010” (sometimes formatted with a dot as “AITM 1.0010”). For purchasing, compliance, or report acceptance, the controlling document is the exact designation and edition (issue/revision) called out by the customer or program.
Revision sensitivity: CAI testing is fixture- and setup-sensitive, so small changes between editions can affect specimen restraint, setup details, and reporting expectations. Match your equipment and software templates to the exact cited edition before running production or qualification work.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
CAI testing is also described in other widely used standards families. When customers allow alternates or when you need cross-referencing for internal procedures, it is common to see CAI programs reference ASTM and ISO methods alongside Airbus AITM requirements.
Common related methods: ASTM D7136 / ASTM D7136M, ISO 18352 (CAI procedures referenced in many composite impact-tolerance programs).
Talk through your AITM 1-0010 setup
When you share your laminate type, thickness range, specimen geometry, target impact energy range, and expected failure loads, it becomes much easier to select an impact tower configuration, CAI fixture style, and test machine capacity that fit the cited AITM 1-0010 requirement. To discuss equipment options and lead times, contact our team.