Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

On short-beam shear tests for composite materials

  • Published:
Experimental Mechanics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Interlaminar beam tests in the form of three-point and four-point flexure are examined both experimentally and analytically. Experimental data are obtained on unidirectional composites. Photomicrographs of actual failure modes and results of a stress analysis based on classical theory of elasticity are utilized to supplement the experimental data. Complex failure modes in the presence of extremely high combined stress gradients are observed and cast serious doubts on the usefulness of interlaminar-beam experiments for characterizing the delamination resistance of composite materials. Further difficulties are encountered with ductile-matrix-resin composites.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Browning, C.E., Abrams, F.L. and Whitney, J.M., “A Four-Point Shear Test for Graphite-Epoxy Composites,” Composite Materials: Quality Assurance and Processing, ASTM STP 797, ed. C.E. Browning, ASTM, 54–74 (1983).

  2. Berg, C.A., Tirosh, J. and Israeli, M., “Analysis of Short Beam Bending of Fiber Reinforced Composites,” Composite Materials: Testing and Design (2nd Conf.), ASTM STP 497, ASTM 206–218 (1972).

  3. Sandorff, P.E., “Saint-Venant Effects in an Orthotropic Beam,”J. Comp. Mat.,14,199–212 (July1980).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Whitney, J.M., “Elasticity Analysis of Orthotropic Beams Under Concentrated Loads,”Comp. Sci. and Tech.,22,167–184 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Morris, G.E., “Determining Fracture Directions and Fracture Origins on Failed Graphite/Epoxy Surfaces,” Nondestructive Evaluation and Flaw Criticality for Composite Materials, ed. R.B. Pipes, ASTM, 274–297 (1979).

  6. Weil, N.A. andDaniel, I.M., “Analysis of Fracture Probabilities in Non-uniformly Stressed Brittle Materials,”J. Amer. Cer. Soc.,47,268–274 (June1964).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Laboratory, Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 45433, OH

    J. M. Whitney (SEM Member) & C. E. Browning (Research Engineers)

Authors
  1. J. M. Whitney
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C. E. Browning
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Whitney, J.M., Browning, C.E. On short-beam shear tests for composite materials. Experimental Mechanics 25, 294–300 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325100

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325100

Keywords

Search

Navigation