Abstract
This paper presents the proposal of a new integrated method for off-axis tension and compression test in the unidirectional composites, and its application to the testing of in-plane shear characterization. To accomplish this goal, a new rotating-type end grip apparatus which installed a set of bearing that can load with the both directions of axial and radial in the hydraulic grips has been developed. The improved effect for the nonuniform stresses in the off-axis specimen was compared with the existing two different end grip systems. The results of numerical and experimental investigation were shown that this method is equal excelling with the conventional system with an oblique end-grip. It was also found that the new testing method is suitable for in-plane shear characterization and it is recommended that it should be considered as a possible testing method for the off-axis characterization in two load systems, tension and compression.
