Abstract
The cryogenic interlaminar shear behavior of G-10CR glass-cloth/epoxy laminates has been discussed through theoretical and experimental characterizations. The interlaminar shear tests were carried out with double-notch and short-beam shear specimens at room temperature, 77 K and 4 K to evaluate the interlaminar shear strength of G-10CR. The effects of temperature and specimen geometry on the apparent interlaminar shear strength are shown graphically. Photomicrographs (scanning electron micrographs, optical micrographs) of actual failure modes were utilized to verify the failure mechanisms. A three dimensional finite element analysis was also performed to investigate the effect of specimen geometry on the shear stress distribution in the expected fracture plane. Effective elastic moduli were determined under the assumption of uniform strain inside the representative volume element. The numerical findings are then correlated with the experimental results.
