Characterization of Interfacial Normal Tensile Strength in Composite Materials Using Cruciform Specimens

ABSTRACT: An in depth finite element analysis of the cruciform specimen used in interfacial normal strength tests was conducted. The purpose of the study was to verify the optimized cruciform geometry that has been tested by previous researchers and to gain insight into any other types of test specimens that could possibly outperform the cruciform. Parametric studies of the cruciform’s geometry were used to confirm the optimized dimensions. It was found that the cruciform can probably not be optimized any further and a different type of specimen would have to be used to increase performance