Interlaminar shear strength of C/C-composites: the dependence on test methods Original Research Article

The interlaminar shear strengths of laminar materials (one- and two-directionally carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composites) are examined by 3-point bend of short beam (SB) and double-notched compression (DNC) methods. The serrated load versus displacement curve in SB test is related to multiple interlaminar shear failures. The conventional interlaminar shear strength of SB is always and significantly larger than that of DNC. However, the shear strength of SB modified on the basis of the microfracture processes and mechanisms for shear failure is in excellent agreement with that of DNC.