Transverse Compressive Moduli and Yield Behavior of Some Orthotropic, High-Modulus Filaments

An account is given of the experimental determination of the transverse elastic moduli and yield behavior of some commercially available organic and graphite high-modulus filaments. The experimental technique involves transverse compression of single cylindrical filaments between two parallel flat platens and concurrent measurement of the platen- relative displacements and contact forces on the filaments. A theoretical discussion of the transverse compressional behavior of a linear elastic, homogeneous, orthotropic cylinder is presented. Using the theoretical results and the trans verse load-displacement measurements, a technique is developed for calculating the elastic moduli and maximum shear stresses at yield or fracture.