ISSN: 0884-6804
CODEN: JCTRER
Page Count: 8

Unidirectional Composite Compression Strengths Obtained by Testing Cross-Ply Laminates
Adams, DF
Graduate student and professor, University of Wyoming, Wyoming

Welsh, JS
Graduate student and professor, University of Wyoming, Wyoming

Abstract

The strength and stiffness of a unidirectional AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy composite material system was experimentally determined using tabbed and untabbed cross-ply specimens tested in established shear- and end-loaded compression test fixtures. Four different analysis techniques were used to predict the unidirectional lamina strength from the measured cross-ply specimen strength. The compressive strength and failure mode of the cross-ply laminates showed a desirable immunity to fabrication techniques, testing conditions, and fixture type. Several special aspects of using cross-ply laminates, including isolating the 0° laminae, free-edge effects, and stress concentrations induced by end tabs, are discussed. The effects of these topics on the cross-ply laminates used in the present study are compared to conventional unidirectional specimens.

Keywords:
compression testing, unidirectional composites, cross-ply laminates, carbon/epoxy composites, back-out factor

Paper ID: CTR10109J
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10109J
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