The Iosipescu shear test method as used for testing polymers and composite materials

AbstractThe Iosipescu shear test, developed initially in the 1960s for use with homogeneous, isotropic structural materials such as metals, has been adapted during the past ten years for use with composite materials. Much of this development work has taken place at the University of Wyoming, where a very efficient test fixture configuration has been developed, and extensive test results have been generated. Many other research groups have also adopted the test method during the past five years. As a result, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is presently in the final stages of making the Iosipescu shear test an ASTM standard. The test method is described and its range of applications indicated, including examples of typical data.