Experimental reexamination of transverse tensile strength for IM7/8552 tape-laminate composites

Due to the observed dependence of transverse-tensile strength, Y T , on test geometry and specimen size, there is no consensus regarding a test method that can uniquely measure Y T . This study reexamines the characterization of Y T by comparing results from established flexure tests with results from a new tensile test that exhibits consistent failure in the gage region. Additionally, the effects of surface preparation and direction of...