Determination of In-plane Shear Strength of Unidirectional Composite Materials Using the Off-axis Three-point Flexure and Off-axis Tensile Tests

Author

1. G. Vargas
   1. Polytechnic University College, University of the Basque Country Plaza Europa, 1, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain,  gustavo.vargas@ehu.es

1. F. Mujika
   1. Polytechnic University College, University of the Basque Country Plaza Europa, 1, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain

Abstract

The aim of this work is to compare from an experimental point of view the determination of in-plane shear strength of unidirectional composite materials by means of two off-axis tests: three-point flexure and tensile. In the case of the off-axis three-point flexure test, the condition of small displacements and the condition of lift-off between the specimen and the fixture supports have been taken into account. Some considerations regarding stress and displacement fields are presented. The in-plane shear characterization has been performed on a carbon fiber reinforced unidirectional laminate with several fiber orientation angles: 10°, 20°, 30°, and 45°. Test conditions for both off-axis experimental methods, in order to ensure their applicability, are presented. Off-axis flexure test is considered more suitable than off-axis tensile test for the determination of in-plane shear strength.

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http://jcm.sagepub.com/content/44/21/2487.abstract