4-POINT BENDING TESTS ON OFF-AXIS COMPOSITES

This paper deals with the accurate measurement of longitudinal off-axi s bending compliances of composites using four-point bending tests. Th e effect of supports that induce additional twisting moments is examin ed analytically, numerically and experimentally. A new testing device allowing the rotation of the tested sample about its principal axis is described and used to assess longitudinal bending compliances of seve ral specimens. It is shown that usual four-point bending devices provi de apparent compliances that are lower than actual ones.