A New Static and Fatigue Compression Test Method for Composites

Abstract: A new test method to determine the compressive properties of composite materials under both static and fatigue loading was developed. The novel fixture is based on the concept of transmitting the load by a fixed ratio of end‐to‐shear loading. The end‐to‐shear load ratio is kept fixed during the test through a mechanical mechanism, which automatically maintains the gripping pressure. The combined loading method has proven very efficient in static loading and is used in the new fixture which is specially designed for fatigue testing. Optimum gripping (shear loading) and alignment of the test coupon are achieved throughout the fatigue life. The fatigue strength obtained is more reliable because bending of the specimen due to poor gripping and alignment is minimised. The application of the new fixture to static and fatigue compression is demonstrated by using unidirectional carbon/epoxy and glass/polyester composite systems. Repeatable results and acceptable failure modes are obtained under both static and fatigue loading.