In-Plane Shear Test for Composite Materials.
Abstract
A new method for characterizing the in-plane shear properties of composite materials is discussed. The method employs an asymmetrical four-point bending (AFPB) load arrangement which subjects the test specimen to pure shear at its centerline: the shear stress distribution at this location is uniform or otherwise depending upon the specimen geometry. Demonstration tests were conducted on specimens of aluminum and two types of fiber-reinforced composites of various specimen geometries including rectangular, vee-notched rectangular, and fillet-notched rectangular. In addition, a finite element analysis of these specimen configurations was undertaken to determine the depthwise stress distribution in each case. Strain measurements on test specimens showed a parabolic distribution in rectangular specimens and a uniform distribution in vee-notched specimens. The finite element analysis, however, showed a stress concentration at the notch root in the latter case, and specimens loaded to destruction tended to fail at the notch. It was concluded that with appropriate modification in the test fixture and specimen geometry the AFPB method developed will be an effective test procedure for measurement of in-plane shear properties. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA062830
Entities
People
- John M. Slepetz
- Robert F. Novello
- Theodore F. Zagaeski
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory