AITM 1-0010 is an Airbus test method for determining compression strength after impact (CAI) of fibre-reinforced plastic laminates. It is commonly used to quantify residual compressive strength after a controlled low-velocity impact event.
This method is typically referenced in aerospace material qualification and supplier verification when damage tolerance needs to be compared across laminate systems, layups, or processing conditions. If you need help aligning fixtures, specimen details, and the cited edition, contact our team.
AITM 1-0010 — Fibre reinforced plastics: Determination of compression strength after impact
AITM 1-0010 is used to evaluate how impact damage reduces the compression capability of composite laminate coupons. In practice, the method links an impact event (to create representative damage) with a controlled compression test (to measure residual strength).
Because CAI testing is very sensitive to fixturing and boundary conditions, equipment configuration should be matched to the specific AITM 1-0010 setup required by the program or customer specification.
Quick Definition
AITM 1-0010 is a test method that determines the compressive strength of a composite laminate after it has been damaged by a defined impact (compression-after-impact / CAI).
What This Standard Covers
The standard covers a two-stage approach: first introducing controlled impact damage into a composite coupon, then compressing the impacted coupon to failure to determine residual compressive strength.
Common result: Residual compression strength (often reported as maximum compression load normalized by the original cross-sectional area, depending on the program’s reporting requirements).
Practical scope note: The method’s intent is comparative performance and qualification support; it is not a full-scale structural test.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Composite laminates can lose a significant amount of compressive strength from impact damage that may be difficult to detect visually. CAI testing provides a repeatable way to compare damage tolerance across material systems and manufacturing variables.
In qualification and supplier control, CAI results are often used to support material allowables development, process change evaluation, and ongoing conformity checks tied to aerospace build programs.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
AITM 1-0010 is commonly associated with fiber-reinforced polymer composites, especially carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) used in aerospace structures.
Typical use cases: Comparing laminate architectures, resin systems, cure cycles, and material batches; and demonstrating damage tolerance performance after representative impact energies.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Most CAI workflows built around AITM 1-0010 follow this high-level sequence.
- Coupon preparation (cutting/machining and any specified conditioning).
- Low-velocity impact using a drop-weight impact system and an AITM-style support/clamping arrangement to produce controlled damage.
- Compression after impact using a dedicated CAI compression fixture that constrains the coupon and applies end loading in compression until failure.
- Reporting of residual compressive strength and required observations (program-specific acceptance criteria are usually defined outside the method).
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
AITM 1-0010 typically points to an equipment set that supports both impact introduction and controlled compression to failure.
Common equipment: Drop-weight impact tester (instrumented as required), impact support fixture compatible with Airbus-style CAI support conditions, CAI compression fixture (AITM-style), and a universal testing machine or servo-hydraulic frame configured for compression.
Common accessories: Compression platens/adapters for the CAI fixture, load cell sized for expected failure loads, displacement measurement, and (when required by the program) environmental temperature capability for non-ambient testing.
If you are comparing frame capacity, CAI fixture style, and impact tower options as a complete CAI setup, you can request a detailed quote with the configuration matched to your laminate thickness range and expected impact energy range.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
Designation: “AITM 1-0010” is commonly written with or without a space (AITM 1-0010 / AITM1-0010) and may also appear with a dot format (AITM 1.0010) in some documentation systems.
Revision sensitivity: AITM methods are typically controlled by issue/date. Test setup details such as fixture constraints, specimen geometry, impact support conditions, and reporting requirements can be edition-dependent, so the exact cited issue should be flowed down on the purchase order or test plan.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks when useful
CAI testing is also covered by other aerospace and composite standards. When programs reference both Airbus and non-Airbus methods, the biggest practical differences are often in fixture design and boundary conditions.
Often referenced alongside CAI work: ASTM D7136 / D7136M (impact damage resistance of polymer matrix composite plates), ASTM D7137 / D7137M (compression after impact properties), ISO 18352 (CAI testing), and EN 6038 (CAI-related guidance in some aerospace contexts).
Talk with a CAI test setup specialist
If you need help selecting an impact tower, CAI fixture, and compression frame configuration that aligns with the AITM 1-0010 approach cited in your customer documentation, talk with our team with your specimen size, thickness range, and target impact energy.