DETERMINATION OF SHEAR PROPERTIES FOR RP PULTRUDED COMPOSITES

A complete understanding of the behavior of a structural system compri sing RP components necessitates the determination of material properti es for these components. Properties of interest include tensile, compr essive, shear and bending stiffness and strength. This study focuses o n the identification of a reliable test method for the determination o f in-plane shear modulus and strength. Iosipescu shear tests and torsi on tests were conducted on coupon samples. Results indicate that the t orsion test is an easier and reliable method for the determination of shear modulus whereas the Iosipescu test should be used for the determ ination of shear strength.