TRANSVERSE COMPRESSIVE TESTING OF T300 914

The transverse compressive behaviour of a structurally complex carbon- epoxy unidirectional composite (T300/914) has been investigated over v arious temperatures and test rates. The mechanical behaviour was found to mirror the transverse tensile behaviour of the material, with the viscoelastic response being different between micro- and macroproperti es. Composite macrofracture was found to occur at +/- 34 degrees to th e loading axis and was regular, whereas fracture of the bulk resin was irregular and occurred by Poisson forces, rather than compressive for ces. The performance of the test fixture was assessed and found to be adequate for composites testing. An optimum specimen gauge length was determined as the ASTM recommendation was found to be unsatisfactory.