Composite Testing Grips and Fixtures for Tensile, Shear, and Delamination Evaluation

Description

Composite testing grips and fixtures are designed for the mechanical testing of carbon fiber reinforced polymers, fiberglass laminates, and other layered composite materials. Because composites can fail prematurely from gripping pressure or misalignment, the fixtures are configured to support controlled load application across the intended failure region.

For tensile testing, hydraulic wedge grips with surface-treated jaws are used to maintain hold on composite laminates without crushing or slipping. Compression testing commonly uses Combined Loading Compression (CLC) and IITRI-style fixtures, where side supports or end tabs help produce the correct failure mode.

Interlaminar and in-plane shear evaluations are performed using short-beam shear fixtures (ASTM D2344), Iosipescu shear fixtures (ASTM D5379), and rail shear devices (ASTM D7078). Delamination and fracture toughness assessments include double cantilever beam setups for Mode I (ASTM D5528) and end-notch or mixed-mode bending fixtures for Mode II.

Additional configurations include picture frame fixtures and bias extensometer arrangements for fabric in-plane shear, as well as floating roller peel (ASTM D3167) and climbing drum peel (ASTM D1781) fixtures for adhesive and bonded laminate peeling tests.

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