Understanding the factors affecting the compressive testing of unidirectional carbon fibre composites

Squires, Charlene A., Netting, Keith H. and Chambers, Alan R. (2007) Understanding the factors affecting the compressive testing of unidirectional carbon fibre composites. Composites Part B: Engineering, 38 (4), 481-487. (doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2006.08.002).

Record type: Article

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to establish the effects of specimen preparation and configuration on the measured compressive strength of unidirectional carbon fibre. The compressive strength was determined through ASTM D 695 M [1] test method Specimens conforming to this standard were produced with different thickness, edge and surface preparation. Optical and electron (SEM) microscopical techniques were used to assess initiation of failure and to quantify the damage encountered by the compressive test specimen. The findings correlated well with the mechanical test results, additionally; from the mechanical testing there was significant evidence to suggest that if there is damage to the compressive test specimen is specific areas this dominates the type of failure that will occur.

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