EN 2377
Apparent Interlaminar Shear Strength of Glass Fibre Reinforced PlasticsApplication Overview
Test Method Summary
Three-point flexure testing per EN 2377, is used to determine the apparent interlaminar shear strength of textile glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials. The short-beam strength is of interest for screening materials or for quality control of composite materials.
The beam flexure test is performed by placing the specimen symmetrical on the support fixture that is mounted either to a servohydraulic or an electromechanical testing machine. The load is applied to the specimen at mid-span until interlaminar shear failure occurs.
Solutions for EN 2377 typically include these types of components:
Load Frame Options
The MTS Landmark servohydraulic test systems and MTS Criterion electromechanical universal test systems are ideal for performing accurate and repeatable monotonic testing of glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite materials per EN 2377.
The MTS Landmark system’s innovative test frame design exhibits superior stiffness and alignment capabilities. The test system integrates the latest MTS servohydraulic technology including precision-machined columns for consistently tight alignment, fatigue-rated MTS actuators with low friction bearings, smooth-ramping hydraulic service manifolds, and SilentFlo™ hydraulic power units are quiet enough to be located directly in the laboratory.
The compact MTS Criterion test system features high-resolution MTS digital controls, linear motion guides for superior alignment, high-speed, low vibration MTS electromechanical drives, optional Dual Zone test space for maximizing efficiency and anti-rotation grip/fixture mounting to minimize fixture misalignment.
Chamber Options
MTS Series 651 Environmental Chambers
- Temperature range of -150°C to 540°C (-240°F to 1000°F)
- Designed for MTS Landmark systems
- Compatible with video extensometers
MTS Advantage™ Environmental Chamber
- Temperature range of -129°C to 315°C (-200°F to 600°F)
- Designed for MTS Criterion systems
- Compatible with video extensometers
Fixture Options
MTS 3-Point Bend Fixtures
- Recommended to test in accordance with EN 2377
- Value-priced fixtures for a wide range of flexural tests provides a line of maximum stress
- Available in a range sizes with force capacities of 10 kN, 20 kN and 30 kN
- Loading noses and supports are fixed
- Fast and accurate specimen positioning with centering device
- Precision machined rollers are made from corrosion resistant hardened steel for long service life
- Adjustable lower spans feature metric scales
- Temperature range of -70° C to 350° C (-94° F to 662° F)
Software Options
MTS has developed generic composite apparent interlaminar shear strength TestSuite TW test templates that can easily be modified to be in compliance with the EN 2377 requirements.
Reports can display all of the required calculations including the apparent interlaminar shear strength value.
MTS consultants are also available to support your composite applications, test method set-up, and data collection and integration requirements.
About MTS TestSuite™ TW
The efficient MTS TestSuite TW software provides the versatility required to address unique and complex testing requirements.
TestSuite TW Elite includes all the test definition capacity and flexibility test designers need to create and edit custom test sequences while accommodating the specific runtime needs of lab personnel.
TW Express is designed for the test operator and is used to run tests created with TW Elite. This application allows the operator to easily execute even the most complex tests and monitor data or calculated values in runtime views that can be tailored by both test designers and operators.