The through-thickness strength of triaxial braided composites was measured using thin specimens bonded to metallic tabs. Despite providing reasonable engineering estimates of the bulk properties, some test specimen limitations were noted: For strong epoxies, significant shear and tensile stresses occur and induce failure between the first layer and bond-line; the strains over much of the exterior are ~10% lower than interior strains, which are representative of the nominal state; and failure often occurred near or along the adhesive bond line. These interference were partially overcome by adding a large radius to the gage section. Based on the finite element analysis and experimental measurements, the nominal elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio are E(sub 33) = 10.7 GPa and v(sub 31) = 0.08 for the three triaxial braided composites tested. Strengths vary from 14 to 40 MPa depending on the resin. Relative to the in-plane properties, the through thickness modulus, fracture strength, failure strain, and Poisson's ratio are 1/5th, 1/30th, 1/6th, and 1/4th. Interlaminar failure occurred with varying degrees of fiber tear out along with little damage to axial tows, resulting is a smooth undulating fracture surface. Post cure temperature excursions to 177 deg C (350 deg F) had little effect on elastic constants but reduced the strength E862 based composites severely. The strength of PR520 and 5208 based composites increased.
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