The influence of test method on the compressive strength of several fiber-reinforced plastics

The results are presented of an extensive experimental study. Current well- established compression tests are assessed, leading to the development of an improved jig and associated specimen. Data are given for unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites fabricated from carbon fiber and epoxy resins and for carbon-reinforced PEEK. Reference is also made to unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced materials, and to woven and multidirectional laminates. it is shown that very high failure strains can be achieved by suppressing stress concentrations in the specimen, although there is then the possibility that failure will be by overall buckling