Further Tests to Determine the Stress Distribution in the Vicinity of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) End Pads Where the Specimen Is Held and Loaded (CFC (Carbon Fiber Composite) Coupon Specimens)

摘要

Stress distribution near CFC specimen loading pads and loading/unloading characteristics from a point where audible cracking of the specimen first occurs were investigated. On the first specimen tested, no audible noises were detected. The second specimen was tested without GRP end pads so a direct comparison of the stress distributions could be made for specimens with and without GRP end pads. Again on this specimen no audible noises were detected until catastrophic failure at 59.1 kN. The tests allow a direct comparison of strains to be undertaken in basically identical specimens, with and without GRP end pads, and should assist in the understanding of the load distribution associated with load introduction on coupon tests.