SEDL / STP / STP1206-EB / STP12621S

Compression of “Thick” Composites: Two Test Methods

Goeke, EC
Mechanical engineer, Army Research Laboratory, Watertown, MA

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

Because several uses of “thick” composites have become important to the armed forces, a need to characterize the compression properties of such materials was evident. A literature review did not uncover a test specimen that was adequate. Two programs to explore compression specimens will be discussed.

The Navy specimen is an end-loaded coupon with tabs and clamping blocks. Its use was studied with glass epoxy and carbon epoxy materials.

The Army specimen is a prism. Several materials have been tested with it. The observed failures and consistency of data indicate that it is a useful compression specimen.