MECHANICAL TESTING

Short Beam Shear - ASTM D 2344

This test method determines the apparent interlaminar shear strength of parallel fiber reinforced plastics. ASTM D2344 specifies using a 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) diameter loading nose to apply a force downwards on the center of the specimen until fracture. It does this at a rate of 1.3 mm (0.05 in.)/min.

The specimens are either small segments cut from a ring or short beams cut from a flat laminate. For the standard test, they can be no thicker than 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) and their dimensions are calculated before every test. This guarantees results will be as accurate as possible. However, the test method can be applied to thicker samples, and Touchstone engineers can perform both standard and customized testing. Samples can be conditioned at room or elevated temperature, depending on your application.

The number of test specimens is optional, however at least ten specimens are needed to obtain a satisfactory average for one ring or laminate. The results can be useful for comparative analysis of composites and for research and development of interply strength.


Reference: ASTM D2344 – Standard Test Method for Apparent Interlaminer Shear Strength of Parallel Fiber Composites by Short-Beam Method

Index of Mechanical Testing