← Back to all work
PROJECT 05 / 11 · ME412 · Composites

ASTM D3039 / D3518 Testing

Composite coupon fabrication and mechanical testing to ASTM standards for ME412, characterizing lamina properties and checking them against micromechanics theory.

ClassME412
StandardsASTM D3039 · D3518
MaterialToray TC250 pre-preg
LayupsUnidirectional & woven
RigInstron
AgreementWithin 2% of theory
Overview

To characterize the lamina I fabricated unidirectional and woven coupons from Toray TC250 infused pre-preg and tested them on an Instron. ASTM D3039 tension gave longitudinal and transverse strength and modulus; ASTM D3518 ±45° tension gave the in-plane shear response.

I compared the measured values against analytical micromechanics predictions, and the experimental mean strengths landed within 2% of theory, a strong check on both manufacturing quality and the analytical model.

Highlights
Gallery / 06 frames
D3039 unidirectional plies
D3039 unidirectional plies
D3039 post-fracture
D3039 post-fracture
Woven D3039 samples
Woven D3039 samples
D3518 in-plane shear plies
D3518 in-plane shear plies
D3518 shear coupons
D3518 shear coupons
Characterization plies
Characterization plies