SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1992
STP20148S

The Effect of Tab Orientation on the Distribution of Strains in Composite Specimens

Source

An accurate measurement of tensile strength of graphite/epoxy composites can be difficult because of nonuniformities in the stress/strain field. To improve the uniformity of the strain state in 0°, ± 45°, and (0°/ ± 45°/90°)s laminate specimens, the design of end tabs was studied using the finite element technique. The results of the analyses indicate that the use of tapered chevron tabs with chevron angles of 2, 25, and 5°, respectively, for the three laminates, yield more uniform strain states than the square-ended tapered tabs. In the case of ± 45° laminates with the tabbing material oriented at 45°, additional improvement in the strain state occurs with ends of the tapered tabs chevroned at 20°. Tests conducted on ±45° laminates with three types of tapered tab ends (namely, square ends and chevroned at 25 and 20°) verified the analytical findings.

Author Information

Foos, BC
Wright Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
Wolfe, WE
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Sandhu, RS
Wright Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
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Details
Developed by Committee: D30
Pages: 103–113
DOI: 10.1520/STP20148S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5184-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1426-5