Analysis of graphite/polyimide rail shear specimens subjected to mechanical and thermal loading
A two-dimensional, linear-elastic, finite element analysis of selected graphite/polyimide rail shear test specimens was made to determine the mechanical loading and the effect of heating the specimen to a uniform temperature. The presence of specimen free edges and their influence on the accuracy of the rail shear test is discussed. Parameters include the length-to-width ratio of the specimen and the ply layup for symmetric, balanced laminates. Results presented include shear and normal stress distributions and the deflection behavior of various specimens caused by the mechanical loading and elevated temperature.