On Short-Beam Shear Tests for Composite Materials 

 -  Experimental Mechanics, 25, p.294-300, 1985 .
<br/><br/> Interlaminar beam tests in the form of threepoint and four-point flexure are examined both experimentally and analytically. Experimental data are obtained on unidirectional composites. Photomicrographs of actual failure modes and results of a stress analysis based on classical theory o! elasticity are utilized to supplement the experimental data. Complex failure modes.in the presence of extremely high combined stress gradients are observed and cast serious doubts on the usefulness of inter!aminar-beam experiments for characterizing the delamination resistance of cOmposite materials. Further difficulties are encountered with ductilematrix- resin composites.