ISSN: 0884-6804
CODEN: JCTRER
Page Count: 6

Size and Geometry Effects in Transverse Flexural Testing of Unidirectional Graphite/Thermoplastic
Hinkley, JA
Research assistant professor, NASA-Langley Research Center, VA

Wilkinson, S
Chemical engineer, College of William and Mary, VA

Abstract

Over 140 flex tests were conducted on IM7/polysulfone laminates to determine the effects of specimen dimensions and resin content on measured strength. The only statistically significant size effect found was a decrease in strength with increase of the total stressed volume. A Weibull parameter of 7.9 could be fit to the data. Recommendations were made for the use of the flex test to quantify resin/matrix adhesion.

Keywords:
thermoplastic composites, transverse flex test, adhesion, fiber/matrix interface strength

Paper ID: CTR10470J
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10470J
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