Several different types of test specimen are defined to suit different types of material. The methods specified are selectively suitable for use with the following range of materials: rigid and semirigid thermoplastics moulding, including filled and reinforced compounds in addition to unfilled types, sheets and films, rigid and semirigid thermosetting moulding naterials including filled and reinforced compounds, and sheets including laminates, as well as fibre-reinforced thermoset and thermoplastics composites.