A tensile impact test apparatus for composite materials

A tensile impact test apparatus capable of applying a pure axial tensile loading to even a highly orthotropic composite material, e.g., a unidirectionally reinforced composite, was designed and constructed. Existing impact test methods such as Charpy, Izod and plate impact induce very complex stress states, making the interpretation of results difficult. Details of the apparatus design, and instrumentation problems which had to be overcome, are discussed.