Chapter 7:

Experimental Characterization of Composite Materials

Objectives of Experimental Study:
• Determine properties of unidirectional lamina for use in structural design &
analysis.
• Investigate & verify the analytical prediction of the mechanical behavior of
structure.
• Independent experimental study of material and structural behavior for
specific geometry & loading conditions.

Specific Testing:
• Characterization of constituent materials.
• Characterization of unidirectional lamina.
- Physical: Density, Volume fraction, Porosity, CTE & CME
- Mechanical: E1, E2, ν12, and G12.
• Determination of interlaminar properties.
• Determination of material properties under special loading types; fatigue,
creep, impact, high loading, etc.
• Experimental stress and failure analysis of composite laminates & structures.
• Assessment of structural integrity by nondestructive testing.
Ref: ASTM standards on Testing and Materials-Vol. 15.3) D30 High modulus composite materials.
MIL Handbook
 Determination of Tensile Properties

∆σ 1
E1 =
∆ε1
∆ε 2
ν 12 = −
∆ε1

∆σ 2
E2 =
∆ε 2
∆ε1
ν 21 = −
∆ε 2

0-deg 90-deg
Laminates
Determination of Compressive Properties

∆σ 1
E1c =
∆ε1
∆ε 2
ν 12 c = −
∆ε1
 Determination of Shear Properties

∆σ x
∆τ 6 =
2
(
∆γ 6 = ∆ε x − ∆ε y )
∆σ x
G12 =
( )
(±45)ns angle-ply
laminate 2 ∆ε x − ∆ε y
 Iosipescu Shear Test

x1
Shear modulus G13
x3

x2
Shear modulus G12
x1
Schematic of the loading fixture
x2
Shear modulus G23
P
τ6 =
lh x3
∆γ 6 = ( ∆ε 45 − ∆ε −45 )
∆τ 6
G12 =
∆γ 6