A Self-Aligned Test Fixture for Interlaminar Tensile Testing of Two-Dimensional Carbon-Carbon Composites

Abstract

The interlaminar tensile testing of two-dimensional carbon-carbon laminates requires special attention on aligning the specimen with the test fixture. A selfaligned test fixture is designed to efficiently carry out such tests. The self-alignment of the two pull rods of the test fixture is achieved by holding the threaded pull rods by means of a nut prior to gripping the pull rods with the loading frame. It is demonstrated that the fixture can easily be used to measure interlaminar tensile stiffness and strength of thin carbon-carbon specimens. The interlaminar tensile stiffness and strength of three carbon-carbon laminates ([0/90]2s, [0/90/ ±45]s, and [0/90/ ±45]3s) measured by the present test fixture are reported.