The purpose of this paper is to compare the value of the shear modulus
of an isotropic material (PMMA) obtained from both tensile and losipe
scu shear tests. A finite-element model is introduced to account for a
nonuniform stress distribution in the losipescu coupon. A correction
accounting for nonuniform strain values over the strain-gage section i
s also introduced. Rigorous statistical data processing leads to an es
timation of the error between the moduli obtained by the two tests. So
me points relevant to the losipescu test are reviewed, particularly co
ncerning the sample preparation. Provided that a careful procedure is
followed, excellent agreement is achieved between the shear moduli mea
sured by the two methods.