Influence of End Constraint in the Testing of Anisotropic Bodies

Abstract

One of the most elementary concepts in elasticity theory is that of a uniform state of stress. Producing such a state of stress in the laboratory, however, is not a trivial task. A common experiment in composite mechanics—the tension test of off-angle composites-is discussed in this paper and the influence of end constraint on the uniform stress field is investigated. Analytical and experimental evidence is presented to show the serious effects caused by con ventional clamping devices.