Fatigue testing at UB: experimental set up

Researchers at the University of Bristol have completed the first set of tests to characterise the Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of composite laminates, using “central cut-ply” coupons (CCP).

These specimens are made of unidirectional IM7/8552 and comprise a mid-thickness ply termination, which causes the onset and propagation of shear-driven delaminations under a constant peak energy release rate. The coupon compliance is monitored during the test via a contact extensometer. The delamination length is also measured via DIC to validate the compliance-based data reduction method.

All images courtesy of the University of Bristol.