IS 4859:1968 specifies the requirements for high strength aircraft plywood used in primary structural parts of aircraft. It covers timber species selection, veneer quality, bonding, mechanical properties, and testing methods to ensure durability, strength, and dimensional stability under operational conditions. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in aerospace plywood production and certification.
Overview
IS 4859:1968 specifies the requirements for high strength aircraft plywood used in primary structural parts of aircraft. It covers timber species selection, veneer quality, bonding, mechanical properties, and testing methods to ensure durability, strength, and dimensional stability under operational conditions. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in aerospace plywood production and certification.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope:
IS 4859 covers test methods for plywood, including shear and bending tests.
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{Area}} ]
Where:
(F_s) = Shear strength (kg/cm²)
(P) = Ultimate load (kg)
(t) = Thickness of plywood (cm)
(w) = Width of specimen (cm)
Loading Block Sizes (mm):
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
| Plywood Thickness (mm) | Mandrel Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 100 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| 2.0 | 200 |
| 2.5 | 250 |
| 3.0 | 300 |
| 3.5 | 350 |
| 4.0 | 400 |
| 4.5 | 450 |
| 5.0 | 500 |
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Mass | kilogram | kg |
| Force | newton | N |
| Pressure, Stress | pascal | Pa |
flowchart LR
A[Plywood Specimen] --> B[Placed on Compression Table]
B --> C[Load Applied Axially]
C --> D[Measure Ultimate Load (P)]
D --> E[Calculate Shear Strength: Fs = 2twP]
``
1. Reference Standards:
2. Shear Strength Formula (Clause 1.3):
[
F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{Area}}
]
Where:
3. Loading Block Sizes (mm):
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
4. SI Units Used:
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Mass | kilogram | kg |
| Time | second | s |
| Force | newton | N |
| Pressure / Stress | pascal | Pa |
flowchart LR
A[Compression Table]
B[Supporting Blocks]
C[Plywood Specimen]
D[Loading Blocks]
A --> B --> C --> D
D --> Load[Load Applied Axially @ 455 kg/min]
Note: For detailed definitions, refer to IS 707:1968 and IS 4859 clauses. This ensures consistency in terminology and testing procedures.
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{Area}} ]
Where:
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
| Botanical Name | Trade Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Dysoxylum malabaricum Bedd. | White cedar | WCE |
| Palaguium ellipticum (Dalz) Engles | Pali | PAL |
| Plywood Thickness (mm) | Mandrel Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 100 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| 2.0 | 200 |
| 2.5 | 250 |
| 3.0 | 300 |
| 3.5 | 350 |
| 4.0 | 400 |
| 4.5 | 450 |
| 5.0 | 500 |
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Force | newton | N |
| Pressure/Stress | pascal | Pa |
IS 4859: Veneer Quality and Defects - Key Specifications
| Defect Type | Permissible Limit |
|---|---|
| Small live knots | ≤ 6 mm diameter |
| Dead knots (sum) | ≤ 10 mm diameter per 1000 cm² |
| Closed splits (core) | ≤ 0.25 mm width |
| Open defects | Not allowed |
| Sapwood | Not allowed |
flowchart TD
A[Veneer Quality] --> B[Face Veneers]
B --> C{Defects}
C -->|No open defects| D[Insect holes, splits, pitch pockets, pin worm holes]
C -->|Knots| E[Small live knots ≤ 6 mm]
C -->|Dead knots sum| F[≤ 10 mm per 1000 cm²]
A --> G[Core Veneers]
G --> H[Closed splits ≤ 0.25 mm]
A --> I[Prohibited Defects]
I --> J[Brash wood, Sap stain, Ingrown bark, Filling/inlaying]
This ensures veneer quality complies with IS 4859 for durability and appearance.
IS 4859: Dimensions and Tolerances for Plywood
| Dimension | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 / -0 |
| Width | +3 / -0 |
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Edge Straightness | 2 mm per 1000 mm or 0.2% |
| Squareness | 2 mm per 1000 mm or 0.2% |
Available thicknesses (mm):
1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{Area}} ]
Where:
| Block | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Plywood Board] --> B{Check Dimensions}
B -->|Length| C[+6 / -0 mm]
B -->|Width| D[+3 / -0 mm]
B -->|Thickness
IS 4859 - Manufacture and Assembly Key Points
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{(cm}^2\text{)}} ]
Where:
(F_s) = Shear strength (kg/cm²)
(t) = Thickness of plywood (cm)
(w) = Width of specimen (cm)
(P) = Ultimate load (kg)
Loading Blocks Dimensions (mm):
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
flowchart TD
A[Place Assembly on Compression Table] --> B[Ensure Supporting Blocks Rest Square]
B --> C[Apply Load Axially at 455 kg/min]
C --> D[Record Ultimate Load P]
D --> E[Calculate Shear Strength Fs = 2 × t × w × P]
This summarizes the key formulas and assembly specifications from IS 4859 for plywood testing and manufacture.
IS 4859: Mechanical Properties of Plywood - Key Formulas & Tables
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{Area}} ]
Where:
(F_s) = Shear strength (kg/cm²)
(P) = Ultimate load (kg)
(t) = Thickness of plywood (cm)
(w) = Width of specimen (cm)
Loading Block Sizes (mm):
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
| Plywood Thickness (mm) | Mandrel Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 100 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| 2.0 | 200 |
| 2.5 | 250 |
| 3.0 | 300 |
| 3.5 | 350 |
| 4.0 | 400 |
| 4.5 | 450 |
| 5.0 | 500 |
| Direction | MOE (N/mm²) Avg | MOE Min Ind | MOR (N/mm²) Avg | MOR Min Ind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Along grain | 7,500 | 6,700 | 50 | 45 |
| Across grain | 4,000 | 3,600 | 30 | 27 |
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Mass | kilogram | kg |
IS 4859 - Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications for Durability and Resistance Tests
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{cm}^2} ]
Where:
(F_s) = Shear strength (kg/cm²)
(t) = Thickness of plywood (cm)
(w) = Width of specimen (cm)
(P) = Ultimate load (kg)
Loading Block Sizes (mm):
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
| Thickness (mm) | Mandrel Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 100 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| 2.0 | 200 |
| 2.5 | 250 |
| 3.0 | 300 |
| 3.5 | 350 |
| 4.0 | 400 |
| 4.5 | 450 |
| 5.0 | 500 |
| Direction | Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm² | Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm² |
|---|---|---|
| Average | Minimum Individual | |
| Along | 7,500 | 6,700 |
| Across | 4,000 | 3,600 |
IS 4859: Moisture Content - Key Formulas and Specifications
[ \text{Moisture Content (%)} = \frac{W_1 - W_d}{W_d} \times 100 ]
| Parameter | Moisture Content (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Test pieces (during test) | 8 – 12 | As per Clause 9.1 |
| Specimen conditioning | 10 – 14 | Before testing (Clause 2.3) |
| Oven drying temperature | 103 ± 2 °C | To get oven-dry weight |
flowchart LR
A[Original Sample (W1)] --> B[Oven Drying at 103°C]
B --> C[Oven-Dry Weight (Wd)]
C --> D[Calculate Moisture Content]
D --> E[Moisture Content % = ((W1 - Wd)/Wd)*100]
E --> F{Is Moisture Content within 8-12%?}
F -- Yes --> G[Proceed with Test]
F -- No --> H[Condition Sample to 10-14% Moisture]
This ensures accurate and standardized moisture content measurement in wood samples per IS 4859.
IS 4859: Strength Tests - Shear Strength
Shear strength ( F_s ) is calculated as:
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{Area}} ]
Where:
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
| Plywood Thickness (mm) | Mandrel Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 100 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| 2.0 | 200 |
| 2.5 | 250 |
| 3.0 | 300 |
| 3.5 | 350 |
| 4.0 | 400 |
| 4.5 | 450 |
| 5.0 | 500 |
flowchart LR
A[Specimen Preparation] --> B[Place on Compression Table]
B --> C[Apply Load Axially at 455 kg/min]
C --> D[Measure Ultimate Load P]
D --> E[Calculate Shear Strength Fs]
This summarizes the key formulas, test setup, and specifications for shear strength testing per IS 485
IS 4859: Inspection and Sampling Key Points
| Batch Size (No. of boards) | No. of Samples to Select |
|---|---|
| < 50 | 2 |
| 51 to 100 | 4 |
| 101 to 200 | 5 |
| 201 to 250 | 6 |
| 251 to 500 | 7 |
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{cm}^2} ]
Where:
| Block | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
This ensures quality control by standardized sampling and testing methods per IS 4859.
IS 4859 - Marking and Identification of Plywood Boards
Each plywood board must have the following indelibly stamped on one side:
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{t \times w} = 2 \times t \times w \times P ]
Where:
| Block | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
graph LR
A[Board Surface] --> B[Manufacturer Name/Trade Mark]
A --> C[Specification Number]
A --> D[Veneer Species Symbol]
A --> E[Thickness]
A --> F[Adhesive Type]
A --> G[Date of Manufacture]
A --> H[Batch & Press Load Number]
A --> I[ISI Certification Mark (optional)]
This ensures traceability, quality assurance, and standard compliance for plywood products as per IS 4859.
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{150 \times 100} ]
Where:
(F_s) = shear strength (kg/cm²)
(P) = ultimate load (kg)
(t) = plywood thickness (cm)
(w) = specimen width (cm)
Loading block sizes (mm):
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
| Plywood Thickness (mm) | Mandrel Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 100 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| 2.0 | 200 |
| 2.5 | 250 |
| 3.0 | 300 |
| 3.5 | 350 |
| 4.0 | 400 |
| 4.5 | 450 |
| 5.0 | 500 |
graph TB
A[Compression Testing Machine]
B[Supporting Blocks (base)]
C[Specimen (150x100 mm)]
D[Loading Blocks (Block A/B/C)]
A --> B --> C --> D
style C fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
**Use these guidelines for type testing and approval of plywood as per IS 485
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{150 \times 100} ]
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
[ \text{Moisture %} = \frac{W_1 - W_2}{W_1} \times 100 ]
| Thickness (mm) | Mandrel Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | 100 |
| 1.5 | 150 |
| ... | ... |
| 5.0 | 500 |
Storage & Handling Tips:
flowchart LR
A[Sample Cutting] --> B[Weigh Sample (W1)]
B --> C[Oven Dry Sample]
C --> D[Weigh Oven-Dry Sample (W2)]
D --> E[Calculate Moisture %]
E --> F[Shear Strength Test]
This ensures accurate moisture and strength evaluation per IS 4859.
IS 4859: References and Amendments - Key Points
[ F_s = \frac{2 \times t \times w \times P}{\text{Area}} ]
| Block | Length | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 115 | 38 | 13 |
| B | 115 | 38 | 15 |
| C | 150 | 50 | 15 |
Amendment No. 3 (Dec 2005):
Amendment No. 2 (Mar 2005):
flowchart LR
A[Specimen Setup] --> B[Load Applied Axially]
B --> C[Measure Ultimate Load P]
C --> D[Calculate Shear Strength Fs]
D --> E[Use Formula: Fs = 2*t*w*P]
This concise summary covers essential formulas, block sizes, amendments, and unit references for IS 4859.
Frequently Asked
Permitted Timber Species for High Strength Aircraft Plywood (IS 4859):
According to Clause 3.1 and Table 1 of IS 4859, the primary species allowed are:
| Botanical Name | Trade Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Dysoxylam malabaricum Bedd. | White cedar | WCE |
| Palaguium ellipticum (Dalz) Engles | Pali | PAL |
Additional species (Clause 3.1.1 Note) may be used if proven satisfactory in use and meeting performance criteria:
Key points:
This ensures high strength and durability for primary structural aircraft plywood.
According to IS 4859 (1968) for high strength aircraft plywood used in primary structural parts:
| Property | Typical Value (High Strength Aircraft Plywood) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (parallel to grain) | ~ 70-90 MPa |
| Bending Strength (Modulus of Rupture) | ~ 80-120 MPa |
| Shear Strength (glue line) | ~ 8-15 MPa |
| Density | ~ 600-700 kg/m³ |
Note: Exact values should be confirmed from detailed test data or amendments to IS 4859 or related standards.
Loading diagram...
For precise design, refer to detailed test reports or updated amendments of IS 4859.
Moisture Content Control and Testing for Aircraft Plywood (IS 4859):
Required Moisture Range:
Testing Method (Appendix B):
Moisture content is determined by oven-drying the specimen and calculating the percentage loss in weight:
[ \text{Moisture Content (%)} = \frac{\text{Wet Weight} - \text{Dry Weight}}{\text{Dry Weight}} \times 100 ]
Specimen Preparation:
Test pieces are cut with length parallel to grain, typically 25 x 10 cm or 150 x 25 mm for glue adhesion tests (Clauses 8.1, 8.2).
Conditioning:
Specimens must be conditioned in a controlled environment to stabilize moisture content within specified limits before testing.
Loading diagram...
According to IS 4859 for aircraft plywood production:
Face Veneers (Clause 4.9):
Core Veneers (Clause 4.1):
Bird Pecks and Burrs (Clause 4.11):
| Defect Type | Face Veneers | Core Veneers | Allowed Size/Extent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open defects | Not allowed | Not specified | - |
| Small live knots | Allowed ≤ 6 mm dia | Not specified | Sum dead knots ≤ 10 mm/1000 cm² |
| Closed splits | Not allowed | Allowed ≤ 0.25 mm | - |
| Bird pecks & burrs | Allowed (per figs) | Not specified | As per Fig. 1 & 2 |
| Brash wood, sap stain | Not allowed | Not allowed | - |
This ensures high-quality, defect-controlled veneers suitable for aircraft plywood.
IS 4859 Testing Methods for Glue Adhesion and Shear Strength
Glue Adhesion Test (Clause 8.1 & 7.1):
Test Setup (Clause A-3.1):
| Test Type | Specimen Size (mm) | Conditioning | Avg. Failing Load (kg) | Min. Individual Load (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glue Adhesion Test | 150 x 25 | 3 hrs boiling water | ≥ 90 | ≥ 70 |
| Knife Test (Alt.) | As per IS 709-1957 | - | ≥ 135 | ≥ 100 |
Loading diagram...
This ensures plywood meets required adhesion and shear strength for aircraft-grade quality.
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