INTERLAMINAR SHEAR-STRENGTH AND FRACTURE-BEHAVIOR IN AGED COMPOSITE LAMINATES

An experimental procedure for measuring interlaminar shear strength an d fracture toughness in composite laminates was proposed. The procedur e was used to determine the interlaminar properties of a quasi-isotrop ic laminate of IM7/K3B thermoplastic composite that had undergone ther mal or thermo-mechanical aging. A five-point bending device and the EN F fixture were used to determine the interlaminar shear strength and i nterlaminar toughness, respectively. The aging effects on these two pr operties of IM7/K3B under various aging conditions were evaluated. It was found that the aging effect on interlaminar toughness is similar t o that on interlaminar shear strength.