THE INFLUENCE OF TEST METHOD ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF SEVERAL FIBER-REINFORCED PLASTICS

The results are presented of an extensive experimental study. Current well-established compression tests are assessed, leading to the develo pment of an improved jig and associated specimen. Data are given for u nidirectional fiber-reinforced composites fabricated from carbon fiber and epoxy resins and for carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK. Reference is a lso made to unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced materials, and to wo ven and multidirectional laminates. It is shown that very high failure strains can be achieved by suppressing stress concentrations in the s pecimen, although there is then the possibility that failure will be b y overall buckling.