ASTM D5379 - Shear Properties of Composite Materials by the V-Notched Beam Method

ASTM D5379 (Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Composite Materials by the V-Notched Beam Method) is a V-notched beam testing method used to determine the in-plane shear properties of composite materials. This test method applies an asymmetrical four-point compression load to a sample with V notches, which enables the application of only shear stress on the evaluation area. This method is ideal for testing a variety of CFRP laminate materials, including unidirectional, orthogonally laminated, and discontinuous fiber materials.

Results from a typical ASTM D5379 test are shown in Table 1. To obtain these measurements, an AGX Series Universal Test Machine, Trapezium X Series software and an ASTM-compliant test jig were used. The AGX Series provides multiple input channels for strain gauges and other analog devices.

Strain gauges were attached between the top and bottom V notches to measure strain in -45° and +45° directions (the center of the evaluation area). The mean of the outputs obtained from the strain gauges was calculated, confirming that shear strain was being applied symmetrically on the front and rear of the specimen.

ASTM D5379 Specimen Shear Strain Distribution

ASTM D5379 Specimen After Testing