ACCURATE COMPARATIVE DETERMINATION OF THE INPLANE SHEAR MODULUS OF T300 914 BY THE IOSIPESCU AND 45-DEGREES OFF-AXIS TESTS/

This paper compares the initial shear modulus distributions obtained f rom [0](20), [90](20) and [0/90](5s) losipescu and [45](20) off-axis T 300/914 specimens. The data reduction processes for the two tests are presented together with a finite element analysis of the losipescu tes t that enables the determination of correction factors to account for the non-homogeneity of the stress and strain fields along the notch li ne. A preliminary 45 degrees off-axis test is performed to determine a region of linear elastic behaviour within which the samples are each tested four times. Close examination of the test data leads to a detai led discussion of the quality of the losipescu specimens in terms of p erpendicularity of the loading surfaces to the lateral faces. The degr ees of scatter due to the mechanical loading conditions and to the sam ple to sample variations are compared.