In-plane shear strength of a carbon/carbon composite at different loading rates and temperatures

The in-plane shear strength (IPSS) of a carbon/carbon composite (C/C) was measured at different loading rates and temperatures by compressing the double-notched specimen (DNS). The fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that IPSS measured by loading in compressing DNS is very close to that determined by the Iosipescu method at room temperature. There is a linear relationship between IPSS and the loading rate on the log–log coordinate, as the loading rate increases from 0.005 to 2 mm/min. IPSS at 1873 K is about two times of that at room temperature. The results were caused by the degassing effect of the absorbed water, release of the thermal stress and enhancement of the fiber strength.