The Iosipescu shear test as applied to composite materials

After presenting a development history of the applicatio of the Iosipescu (1967) shear test to composite materials, attention is given to this test method's fixture and specimen design principles. The Iosipescu test is then compared to such similar test techniques as the asymmetrical four-point bending test. The in-plane and through-the-thickness shear properties measured by the test in the cases of unidirectional graphite/epoxy, random and continuous fiber sheet molding compounds, and two polymer materials, are also presented.