| The high strain rate response and failure characteristics of several fiber-reinforced epoxy composites at high shear strain rates have been investigated. A modified split Hopkinson pressure bar was used for obtaining shear strain rate response at rates between 8000 sec{dollar}sp{lcub}-1{rcub}{dollar} and 20,000 sec{dollar}sp{lcub}-1{rcub}{dollar}. To determine the effects of fiber type and orientation, resin type, and temperature, tests were conducted at room temperature and 200{dollar}spcirc{dollar}C using carbon T-300 or E-glass fibers in epoxy matrices (Fiberite 934 and 976). The four different composite combinations were tested in interlaminar and transverse shear. Shear stress and strain histories for each test condition were used with scanning electron microscope examination of the fracture surfaces to characterize failure modes. Relations have been determined to predict the behavior of the composites involved in this investigation. |
