_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Objective To discover the similarities and differences between 3 and 4 point bend testing and the

behaviour of fiber reinforced composites. Testing Procedure 1. Prepare Hexcell fiber reinforced composites for bend testing 2. Select the strain rate following ASTM standard for fiber reinforced composites testing 3. Input specimen dimensions 4. Fix specimen in the apparatus 5. Perform test following ASTM standard 6. Observe the failure modes for the composites Results

3-Point, 4-Point Bend Testing

The Instron Tensile Tester and Testing Apparatus Observations Samples failed somewhat between a ductile and brittle failure as fibers individually failed brittle at different stresses creating the illusion of ductility. Load at Maximum Flexure load (N) 1 2 3 4 Mean Standard Deviation -687.34 -666.80 -701.92 -685.08 -685.29 14.40 Flexure extension Flexure stress at at Maximum Maximum Flexure Flexure load load (mm) (MPa) 3.58 489.82 3.55 502.41 3.73 508.83 3.50 478.52 3.59 494.89 0.10 13.47

3-Point Bend Testing results

Contact Info: aschader@calpoly.edu , Austin Schader