Sensitivity analysis of potential tests for determining the interlaminar shear modulus of fibre reinforced composites

A sensitivity analysis using finite element (FE) simulations was conducted as part of an overall attempt to develop a new and robust parameter identification method for determining the interlaminar shear moduli G13 and G23 of laminated composite materials. It is proposed that the new method will use an integrated experimental and numerical technique. Six different shear and bending tests were investigated numerically using three-dimensional FE models to determine their suitability for this integrated technique. The sensitivity of the potential tests to changes in the different material properties, especially the interlaminar shear moduli, G13 and G23, and the elastic modulus in the through-thickness direction, E3, was determined. It was discovered that several configurations within three of the six potential tests considered are suitable for the new proposed parameter identification method. This is based on the criteria that they are more sensitive to the interlaminar shear moduli than to other material constants. When manufacturing factors were considered, the two most suitable tests were identified for use in the new proposed method.