ABSTRACT

The anisotropy and inhomogeneity of composite materials make the characterization of their engineering properties a complex issue. The mechanical properties of advanced composite material systems are determined by specially designed test methods. These test methods are mechanically simple in concept but are extremely sensitive to specimen preparation and test execution procedures and often require complex data reduction analysis. The rigor of specimen fabrication and testing practices employed determine the quality and cost of the resulting mechanical property data. It is important to define the purpose of mechanical characterization prior to conducting tests. The purpose determines the type of testing program, specimen fabrication, and testing rigor and ultimately the cost of characterization. Costs are controlled and time is saved by matching quality and accuracy requirements to the intended use.