Tensile test technique for composites using small notched specimens

Nozawa, Takashi; Tanigawa, Hiroyasu

Development of small specimen test technique (SSTT) is one of key issues for irradiation study of nuclear-grade materials. This study aims to propose a new tensile test methodology using miniature notched specimens. For that purpose, crack extension behaviors of notched tensile specimens and their size effects were initially evaluated. Observing crack propagation behaviors of SiC/SiC composites, the apparent notch insensitivity was identified even if the moderate fiber/matrix interface was formed. Due to the notch insensitivity, it was found that key tensile properties can easily be predicted by test results of notched specimens. Noteworthy, this relation appeared independent of specimen size. Based on these findings, a conceptual design of miniature tensile test methodology using a notched specimen was proposed.