Measurement of the properties of woven CFRP T300/914 at different strain rates

Three types of test, i.e. tension, compression and in-plane shear, have bee n carried out to measure the in-plane mechanical properties of woven CFRP T 300/914 laminates at three different strain rates. Specimens were waisted s ymmetrically in the thickness direction. Difficulties presented in testing specimens with 90 degrees reinforcement in compression and [+/-45] in tensi on at high strain rate are discussed. To obtain the modulus in [90] compres sion and in [+/-45] tension at high strain rate, specimens with uniform thi ckness have to be used. Results show linear elastic properties in both of t he [0] and [90] directions. Under tension, the specimens remain virtually l inear elastic up to failure. Plastic deformation occurred before total fail ure in compression tests. Tensile tests on [+/-45] specimens give non-linea r stress strain curves. Results show that properties dominated by matrix, i .e. compression strength, Poisson's ratio and in-plane shear modulus and sh ear strength are strain rate dependent and properties dominated by the fibr es, such as tensile modulus and strength in [0] and [90] directions are vir tually rate independent. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .