DESIGN ALLOWABLES SUBSTANTIATION
Christy Kirchner Lapp
33.1 INTRODUCTION
Designing with composite materials requires
knowledge of a significantly greater number
of properties than for conventional isotropic
metals. The selection of lamina and laminate
allowables can be critical in the analysis of a
composite structure. However, composite
design allowables may not always be obtained
from a single source of data. Several references
must often be consulted to determine all the
properties in the necessary directions, espe-
cially if several fibers or matrices are being
considered in the design. This can be a time-
consuming effort, especially during the initial
design phase. In addition, some organizations
may not have easy access to all the necessary
references required to collect the data. This
chapter assembles lamina data from numerous
sources so that the engineer may have a single
reference point for initial design and analysis
of composite structures. A broad range of
fibers has been included since composites are
increasingly being applied outside the aero-
space community.
Design allowables in this section are for
both elastic and strength properties. Elastic
properties are necessary for laminate design or
the analysis of composite structures. These
properties include elastic moduli and
Poisson’s ratios. Strength properties are
required to predict laminate strengths or per-
form a failure analysis of the structure.
Handbook of Composites. Edited by S.T. Peters. Published
in 1998 by Chapman & Hall, London. ISBN 0 412 54020 7
33
Strength properties for compression, tension
and shear must be determined. Both elastic
and strength properties can be influenced by
numerous variables such as the fiber, matrix,
fiber volume and processing method. The test
method used to determine the allowable can
also affect the property. In addition, some
allowables cannot be readily tested, especially
properties through-the-thickness of the com-
posite. Often, complete characterization of a
fiber/matrix system may not be available and
the engineer must estimate or assume proper-
ties. It can be expensive and time-consuming
to completely characterize a fiber/matrix sys-
tem during the initial design phase, so it is
important for the engineer to have allowables
based on reliable data and to understand the
limitations.
This chapter concentrates on providing the
material database and techniques for assem-
bling the necessary composite allowables for
preliminary design. Final design allowables
may require additional testing. The allowables
provided in this chapter should be considered
preliminary design values. Allowables for
both two dimensional (2-D) and three dimen-
sional (3-D) properties are included. As a
starting point, lamina allowables for com-
monly used fiber/matrix systems are
described and listed. The references for these
allowables are included. Several references
may be listed for a single material. Methods
for estimating properties when data is not
available or testing cannot be readily per-
formed are also defined. The effects of
processing methods on allowables and methods
 Lamina allowables 759

for adjusting lamina properties for these vari- 33.3 LAMINA ALLOWABLES
ables is described. The intent is to provide a Lamina allowables may be used in a laminated
baseline for design allowables which can then plate code to predict laminate elastic and
be expanded with additional testing data as strength properties, or they may be used
required or modified for a specific application. directly in a finite element analysis code. Table
33.1 defines the lamina properties and the
33.2 NOMENCLATURE FOR DESIGN basis for each property. Most of the properties
ALLOWABLES are based on test data for the 2-D properties.
The 3-D properties typically represent calcu-
The nomenclature used to describe composite lated values based on the equations shown in
lamina and laminate properties is not consis- Table 33.1.
tent within the industry. For this chapter, the Properties for commonly used fiber and
lamina properties parallel to the fiber are spec- epoxy resin systems are included and the con-
ified with a 1 and the lamina properties struction is assumed to be continuous fiber
transverse to the fiber are designated with a 2. reinforcement. A wide variety of reinforcing
Figure 33.1 illustrates this nomenclature for fibers is included since composites may be
composite lamina and laminate properties. used in variety of applications, each with very
The properties in the 1-2 plane are often different design requirements. Glass, polyeth-
referred to as the in-plane lamina properties ylene, aramid and graphite fibers are covered.
whereas the properties through-the-thickness Graphite fibers include standard, intermediate
(out-of-plane)of the composite are designated and high modulus types. The fiber/resin sys-
with a 3. The 1, 2 and 3 directions can be tems have very different properties and the
referred to as the longitudinal, transverse, and actual composite application will dictate the
through-the-thickness properties respectively. selection. For example, glass fibers are less
expensive and more impact resistant than

Laminate property definition

amina property definition

Fig. 33.1 Nomenclature for lamina and laminate properties.

760 Design allowables substantiation

Table 33.1 Definition of lamina properties and equations used to calculate material properties

Lamina material Definition Equation used to calculate

properties material property
Elastic

El
Elastic modulus in the fiber direction Property based on test data
E2 Elastic modulus transverse to the fiber direction Property based on test data
E3
Elastic modulus through-the-thickness Transverse isotropy: E, = E,
GI2 Shear modulus in the 1-2 plane Property based on test data
E3
G23
Shear modulus in the 2-3 plane G23 = 2(1 + YB)
G13 Shear modulus in the 1-3 plane Transverse isotropy: G,, = G,,
v12
Poisson's ratio in 1-3 plane Property based on test data

'23

Poisson's ratio in 1-3 plane Transverse isotropy: v13= vI2

Tensile strength in the fiber direction Property based on test data

Compressive strength in the fiber direction
Tensile strength transverse to the fiber
Compressive strength transverse to the fiber
Tensile strength through-the-thickness
Compressive strength through-the-thickness
'12
Shear strength in 1-2 plane (in-plane)
t13
Shear strength in the 1-3 plane (interlaminar)
'23
Shear strength in the 2-3 plane (interlaminar)
Property based on test data
Property based on test data
Property based on test data
u3 = u2
a3= a,
Property based on test data
Property based on test data
'23 = '13

graphite fibers, but have a higher density and
lower modulus. Since the lamina properties
are assumed to be used as preliminary design
and analysis parameters, the effects of temper-
ature, environment and fatigue are not
considered. However these conditions must be
considered during the final design develop-
ment.
33.3.1 TWO-DIMENSIONAL (2-D) LAMINA
PROPERTIES
The elastic lamina properties required for a
composite 2-D analysis are typically E,, E,, G,,,
and vI2. The specific properties may depend
upon the type of analyses being performed or
the analysis code being used. If a strength or
failure analysis is performed, then the follow-
ing strength allowables may be required; q,
o,,-q,-0,and T,,. Tables 33.2 and 33.3 include
these elastic and strength properties, which
were compiled from various sources, such as
military standards, material supplier data and
published literature. References are included
for each property so that the engineer may
directly consult a particular reference if further
information is required. These references are
listed in Tables 33.4 and 33.5.
The lamina properties for glass, polyethyl-
ene and aramid fibers are listed in Table 33.2.

Polyethylene and aramid fibers are more com-
monly known by their trade names as Spectra
and Kevlar. Kevlar 29 and 49 are included for
aramid properties. The polyethylene fibers
include Spectra 900 and 1000. E-glass and S-
glass (trade names) are included for glass
fibers. Table 33.3 lists lamina properties for
standard, intermediate and high modulus
graphite fibers. Data for non-USA produced
fibers is not included.
The type of material system is also indi-
cated in Tables 33.2 and 33.3. Design
allowables for a prepreg material system ver-
sus a wet filament wound system may result
in different properties. It is important to con-
sider the processing method when selecting
the properties to be used in a design. One pro-
cessing method may result in a lower moduli
or strength than another. The effects of differ-
ent processing methods on design allowables
is discussed in further detail at the end of this
chapter.
The majority of the 2-D properties is based
on test data, not micromechanics equations.
The test data is typically based on 'thin speci-
mens' (typically less than 2.54 mm (0.10 in)
thick). Properties based on thin specimens
may not represent those for thick composites
(typically greater than 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thick).
The exact definition of a thick composite is not
consistent within the composites community.
Thick composite structures may have proper-
ties lower than those of thin composites, so the
engineer may need to perform additional test-
ing for certain applications.
33.3.2 THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3-D) LAMINA
PROPERTIES
Irutially the majority of analyses performed on
composite structures were two dimensional.
However with advancement of finite element
analysis programs and as new applications for
composites arise, more analyses are being per-
formed for the 3-D case. Thus through-the
-thickness lamina properties have become nec-
essary in performing certain analyses. Often
Lamina allowables 761
these properties are difficult to test and data is
not always readily available. The 3-D lamina
properties listed in Tables 33.2 and 33.3 are
estimated based on 2-D properties. The fol-
lowing section describes the methods for
calculating lamina properties in the 3-direc-
tion when data is not available.
33.3.3 ESTIMATING LAMINA PROPERTIES
WHEN DATA IS NOT AVAILABLE
Lamina properties through-the-thickness (3-
direction) are often not readily available,
although they may be required to perform an
analysis. When data is not available, these
properties can be determined by assuming
that the lamina is transversely isotropic. For a
transversely isotropic lamina, the properties in
the 2- and 3-directions are assumed to be the
same. Thus the following equations may be
used to determine elastic properties in the 3-
direction':
E, = E,
G*, = G12
r
L3
G23 = 2(1 + vz3)
'13 = '12
The transverse Poisson's ratio, v23, can be
determined from the following relationship2:
where vf is the fiber Poisson's ratio, V , is the
fiber volume fraction, vm is the matrix
Poisson's ratio, and Em is the matrix elastic
modulus. Therefore to calculate certain prop-
erties in the 3-direction, the engineer needs to
know certain fiber and matrix properties, and
these have also been listed in Tables 33.2 and
33.3. For initial design purposes, it is simplest
762 Design allowables substantiation
to assume that the fiber and matrix are
isotropic, although certain fibers are consid-
ered to be anisotropic. The fiber or resin shear
modulus can be calculated by:
E the limitations of the selected processing
G=----'--
2(1 + v)
The following equations may be used to esti-
mate strength properties in the 3-direction.
u3= u2
-a3= -u2
The equations listed above should be consid-
ered a starting point for estimating 3-D lamina
properties when actual test data is not avail-
able. The values may need to be verified by
testing as the design progresses.
33.4 LAMINATE ALLOWABLES
Laminate elastic properties and strengths can
be determined by testing or by using a lami-
nated plate code. During the initial design
phase, laminate allowables are typically deter-
mined by using a laminated plate code. This is
especially true if the composite lay-up devi-
ates from a 'standard' lay-up, such as a
quasi-isotropic laminate ([90, +45, 4 5 , OIJ.
There is typically more test data available for a
quasi-isotropic lay-up than any other lay-ups.
Laminate testing is often performed after com-
pletion of the initial design, material selection
and composite lay-up has been decided.
Laminate testing would be performed to con-
firm predictions and processing effects.
33.5 EFFECTS OF PROCESSING
VARIABILITIES ON DESIGN ALLOWABLES
The actual fabrication method used to build a
composite structure can have an impact on the
design allowables. Some processing methods
can result in a higher fiber volume fraction
and lower void content than others. For exam-
ple, an autoclave cured part using prepreg
tape will typically have a higher fiber volume
and lower void content than a wet filament
wound part. This can affect properties such as
the elastic modulus (E,) or tensile strength (uJ.
It is important that the engineer understand
method and adjust the design allowables
accordingly. Processing parameters which can
affect the lamina allowables are fiber volume
fraction and void content. Design allowables
should be modified if the process used to
determine the lamina properties deviates from
the intended process for the final composite
part; this ensures that unrealistic properties
are not being used to design the part.
There are numerous fabrication methods
applicable for composites. The methods which
will be discussed are those that apply to con-
tinuous fiber reinforcement. These include
filament winding, hand lay-up and resin
transfer molding (RTh4). The method of cure
can also affect the lamina properties. For
example, one part can be filament wound with
prepreg tow and another can be hand layed up
with prepreg tape. These parts have different
fabrication methods, but they may be cured in
the same manner; in an autoclave with vac-
uum and pressure. It is very likely that these
two parts would have similar properties and
require no adjustment of lamina properties.
However, if the filament wound part was wet
wound and cured in an oven without vacuum
or pressure, then the lamina properties would
need to be adjusted if they were based on
properties derived from testing using prepreg
tape. A wet filament wound part typically has
a lower fiber volume fraction and higher void
content. Thus in determining if lamina proper-
ties need to be modified, the engineer must
consider the complete method of processing,
including the raw material and cure method,
not just the automated or manual process
which is being used to fabricate the part.
In general, if a part is wet filament wound,
it will possess a lower fiber volume fraction
and a higher void content than a hand-layed
up part using prepreg tape and cured in an
autoclave. Wet filament wound parts cured in
 References 763

an oven without vacuum and pressure typi- E , (wet filament wound)

cally have a fiber volume fraction between
0.55 and 0.60 with a void content between 1 V,(wet filament wound)
and 5%. Parts fabricated from prepreg tow or
tape, which are cured in an autoclave with
Adjusting properties by the ratio of fiber vol-
vacuum and pressure will typically contain
ume fraction is applicable for modulus,
fiber volume fractions between 0.60 and 0.65.
tensile and compressive strength, but does not
Parts which are fabricated using the RTM
serve well for Poisson’s ratios which would
process will typically possess fiber volume
require micromechanics. The Poisson’s ratio
fractions of approximately 0.50. Determining
can be calculated based on the following
lamina properties for RTM parts is particularly
equation,:
difficult since the preform is usually woven
and properties are not readily available. Also Y1, = v,v,+ vm(l - V,)
weaving in some conditions may slightly
where vf is the fiber Poisson’s ratio, Vf is the
degrade the properties.
fiber volume fraction and vm is the matrix’s
The adjustment of lamina properties should
Poisson’s ratio.
focus on the 2-D elastic properties; E,, E,, G,,,
v,, and the 2-D strength properties; u,, -ol, u,,
-pz and rl,. The simplest method is to adjust REFERENCES
the desired property by multiplying the value Whitney, J., Daniel, I. and Pipes, B., 1984.
by the ratio of the fiber volume for the selected Experimental Mechanics of Fiber Reinforced
processing method to the fiber volume listed Composite Materials. Brookfield Center,
in Tables 33.2 and 33.3. For example, if one has Connecticut: The Society for Experimental
properties based on prepreg tape which has Mechanics.
been autoclaved cured and wants to adjust Vinson, J. and Sierakowski, R. 1987. The Behavior
these properties for a wet filament wound part of Structures Composed of Composite Materials.
Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
the following calculation would be used to
adjust the longitudinal elastic modulus (El):
764 Design allowables substantiation

Table 33.2 Lamina properties for glass, aramid and polyethylene fibers in epoxy matrices

Properties E-glass/ S2-glass/ S2-glass/ Kevlar

DER 332 DER 332 xP251 s 29/934
Material system Wet wound Wet wound Prepreg Prepreg
Fiber type E-Glass S-Glass S2-Glass Aramid
Supplier Owens Owens Owens DuPont
Resin type Epoxy EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY
Supplier Dow Dow 3M Fiberite
Fiber volume 60% 60% 60% 58%
Composite density, g/cm3 2.05 1.98 1.98 1.38
(ib/in3) (0.074) (0.072) (0.072) (0.050)
Lamina elastic properties
E,, GPa 48 54 51 54
(psi x lo6) (7.0) (7.9) (7.5) (7.9)
E,, GPa 12 16 17 5
(psi x lo6) (1.8) (2.3) (2.5) (0.7)
E,, GPa 12 16 17 5
(psi x lo6) (1.8) (2.3) (2.5) (0.7)
G,,,GPa 6 7 7 2
(psi x lo6) (0.84) (0.98) (0.98) (0.24)
G,,,GPa 5 6 7 2
(psi x lo6) (0.70) (0.89) (0.95) (0.24)
G,,,GPa 6 7 7 2
(psi x IOh) (0.84) (0.98) (0.98) (0.24)
'12
0.19 0.25 0.25 0.40
'23
0.26 0.32 0.32 0.47
VI i 0.19 0.25 0.25 0.40
Lamina strength properties
01
Tension, MPa 1613 1779 1069
(psi x lo3) (234) (258) (155)
Compression, MPa 462 -641 -272
(psi x lo3) 467) 493) 439)
(72
Tension, MPa 39 58 9
(psi x lo3) (54 (8.4) (1.3)
Compression, MPa -103 -186 -130
(psi x lo3) -05) -(27) -09)
ff3
Tension, MPa 39 58 9
(psi x lo3) (5.6) (8.4) (1.3)
Compression, MPa -103 -186 -130
(psi x lo3) 415) 427) -09)
212
MPa 28 75 37
(psi x lo3) (3.3) (4.0) (10.9) (5.3)
 Tables 765

Kevlar Kevlar 49 Kevlar Spectra Spectra

49/934 /DER332 149/934 9OO/EPON 826 1000/EPON 826
Pprepreg Wet Wound Prepreg Wet Wound Wet Wound
Aramid Aramid Aramid Polyethylene Polyethylene
DuPont DuPont DuPont Allied Allied
EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY
Fiberite Texaco Fiberlite Shell Shell
58% 60% 58% 55% 55%
1.38 1.35 1.38 1.12 1.12
(0.050) (0.049) (0.050) (0.040) (0.040)

72 82 106 31 50
(10.5) (11.9) (15.4) (4.5) (7.3)
5 5 6 4 1
(0.7) (0.7) (0.9) (0.5) (0.1)
5 5 6 4 1
(0.7) (0.7) (0.9) (0.5) (0.1)
2 2 2 1 1
(0.24) (0.26) (0.24) (0.21) (0.10)
2 2 2 1 0
(0.24) (0.27) (0.32) (0.21) (0.05)
2 2 2 1 1
(0.24) (0.26) (0.24) (0.21) (0.10)
0.41 0.31 0.34 0.32 0.28
0.48 0.38 0.42 0.40 0.36
0.41 0.31 0.34 0.32 0.28

1151
(167)
-281
441)

12
(1.7)
-134
419)

43 24 49 24 17
(6.3) (3.5) (7.1) (3.5) (2.5)
Continued on next page
766 Design allowables substantiation

Table 33.2 continued Lamina properties for glass, aramid and polyethylene fibers in epoxy matrices

Properties E-glass/ S2-glassl S2-glass/ Kevlar

DER 332 DER 332 XP251S 29/934

213
MPa 66 66 77 34
(psi x lo3) (9.5) (9.5) (11.1) (5.0)
r23
MPa 66 66 77 34
(psi x lo3) (9.5) (9.5) (11.1) (5.0)
Constituent properties
Fiber
E,, GPa 72 87 87 83
(psi x lo6) (10.50) (12.60) (12.60) (12.00)
vf 0.09 0.18 0.18 0.44
G, GPa 33 37 37 29
(psi x IO6) (4.8) (5.3) (5.3) (4.2)
Tensile strength, MPa 3103 3792 3792 3620
(psi x lo3) (450) (550) (550) (525)
Density, g/cm3 2.60 2.49 2.49 1.44
(lb/in3) (0.094) (0.090) (0.090) (0.052)
Resin
E , GPa 3.4 3.4 3.4 4.1
(psi x lo6) (0.49) (0.49) (0.49) (0.60)
213
0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35
G , GPa 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5
(psi x lo6) (0.18) (0.18) (0.18) (0.22)
Tensile strength, MPa 64 64 64 83
(psi x lo3) (9.3) (9.3) (9.3) (12)
Density, g/cm3 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.30
(ib/in31 (0.044) (0.044) (0.044) (0.047)
 Tables 767

Kevlar Kevlar 49 Kevlar Spectra Spectra

49/934 DER332 149/934 9OO/EPON 826 1OOO/EPON 826

50 50 38 23 23
(7.2) (7.2) (5.5) (3.4) (3.4)

50 50 38 23 23
(7.2) (7.2) (5.5) (3.4) (3.4)

124 124 172 117 172

(18.00) (18.00) (25.00) (17.00) (25.00)
0.45 0.28 0.33 0.30 0.22
43 48 65 45 70
(6.2) (7.0) (9.4) (6.6) (10.2)
3620 3620 3448 2586 2992
(525) (525) (500) (375) (434)
1.44 1.44 1.47 0.97 0.97
(0.052) (0.052) (0.053) (0.035) (0.035)

4.1 3.4 4.1 2.8 2.8

(0.60) (0.49) (0.60) (0.40) (0.40)
0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35
1.5 1.2 1.5 1.0 1.o
(0.22) (0.18) (0.22) (0.15) (0.15)
83 64 83 83 83
(12) (9.3) (12) (12) (12)
1.30 1.22 1.30 1.30 1.30
(0.047) (0.044) (0.047) (0.047) (0.047)
768 Design allowables substantiation

Table 33.3 Lamina properties for graphite fibers in epoxy matrices

Properties AS4/3501-6 lM6/3501-6 IM7/3501-6 lM8/3501-6

Material system Prepreg Prepreg Prepreg Prepreg
Fiber type Graphite Graphite Graphite Graphite
Supplier Hercules Hercules Hercules Hercules
Resin type EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY
Supplier Hercules Hercules Hercules Hercules
Fiber volume 60% 60% 60% 60%
Composite density,
g/cm3 1.58 1.55 1.57 1.58
(ib/in3) (0.057) (0.056) (0.057) (0.057)
Lamina elastic properties
E,, GPa 143 159 159 186
(psi x IO6) (20.7) (23.0) (23.0) (27.0)
E,, GPa 10 10 10 10
(psi x lo6) (1.4) (1.4) (1.4) (1.4)
E,, GPa 10 10 10 10
(psi x lo6) (1.4) (1.4) (1.4) (1.4)
GI,, GPa 6 5 5 6
(psi x lo6) (0.85) (0.71) (0.72) (0.80)
G,,GPa 3 3 3 3
(psi x lo6) (0.41) (0.41) (0.41) (0.41)
G,,,GPa 5 5 5 5
(psi x lo6) (0.68) (0.68) (0.68) (0.68)

'12
0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
'23 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52
'13
0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
Lamina strength properties
01
Tension, MPa 2172 2413 2620 2689
(psi x lo3) (315) (350) (380) (390)
Compression, MPa -1558 -1655 -1862 -1931
(psi x lo3) -(226) -(240) -(270) -(280)
02
Tension, MPa
(psi x lo3)
Compression, MPa
(psi x lo3)

03
Tension, MPa 59
(psi x lo3) (8.5)
Compression, MPa -186
(psi x lo3) 427)
 Tables 769

T300/5208 T40/1962 T50/1962 P55/1962 P75/1962

Prepreg Prepreg Prepreg Prepreg Prepreg
Graphite Graphite Graphite Graphite Graphite
Amoco Amoco Amoco Amoco Amoco
EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY EPOXY
Fiberite Amoco Amoco Amoco Amoco
62% 62% 62% 62% 62%

1.60 1.60 1.72 1.72

(0.057) (0.058) (0.058) (0.062) (0.062)

141 172 241 241 338

(20.5) (25.0) (35.0) (35.0) (49.0)
9 10 7 8 7
(1.2) (1.5) (1.1) (1.1) (1.0)
9 10 7 8 7
(1.2) (1.5) (1.1) (1.1) (1.0)
6 7 6 5 6
(0.92) (1.00) (0.84) (0.79) (0.85)
3 4 3 3 3
(0.41) (0.54) (0.39) (0.39) (0.36)
5 7 6 5 6
(0.68) (1.00) (0.84) (0.79) (0.85)
0.30 0.33 0.28 0.34 0.30
0.52 0.40 0.35 0.41 0.37
0.30 0.33 0.28 0.34 0.30

1524 3241 1413 931 965

(221) (470) (205) (135) (140)
-1482 -1724 -965 -510 441
-(215) -( 250) -(140) 474) 464)

36 69 37 33 33
(5.2) (10.0) (5.3) (4.8) (4.8)
-159 -159 -159 -159 -159
-P3) 423) 423) 423) 423)

36 69 37 33 33
(5.2) (10.0) (5.3) (4.8) (4.8)
-159 -159 -159 -159 -159
423) 423) 423) 423) 423)

Continued on next page

770 Design allowables subsfantiation

Table 33.3 continued Lamina properties for graphite fibers in epoxy matrices

Properties AS4/3501-6 lM6/3501-6 IM7/3501-6 lM8/3501-6

212
MPa 87 85 96 80
(psi x lo3) (12.6) (12.3) (13.9) (11.6)

13
MPa 124 121 121 131
(psi x lo3) (18.0) (17.5) (17.5) (19.0)

‘23
MPa 94 94 94 94
(psi x IO3) (13.6) (13.6) (13.6) (13.6)
Constituent properties
Fiber
E , GPa 234 276 276 303
(psi x lo6) (34.0) (40.0) (40.0) (44.0)
Vf 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26
G,, GPa 93 109 109 120
(psi x lo6) (13.5) (15.9) (15.9) (17.5)
Tensile strength, MPa 3930 5102 5309 5447
(psi x lo3) (570) (740) (770) (790)
Density, g/cm3 1.80 1.74 1.77 1.80
(ib/ i n 3 ) (0.065) (0.063) (0.064) (0.065)
Resin
Er, GPa 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4
(psi x IO6) (0.64) (0.64) (0.64) (0.64)
vr
0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36
G , GPa 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6
(psi x lo6) (0.24) (0.24) (0.24) (0.24)
Tensile strength, MPa
(psi x lo3)
Density, g/cm3 1.26 1.26 1.26 1.26
(lb/ in3) (0.046) (0.046) (0.046) (0.046)
 Tables 771

T300/5208 T40/1962 T50/1962 P55/1962 P75/1962

77 97 63
(11.2) (14.0) (9.2)

115 97 69
(16.7) (14.0) (10.0)

94 97 69
(13.6) (14.0) (10.0)

231 283 393 379 517

(33.5) (41.0) (57.0) (55.0) (75.0)
0.27 0.32 0.24 0.33 0.27
91 107 159 142 204
(13.2) (15.6) (23.0) (20.6) (29.5)
3241 5654 2413 1724 2069
(470) (820) (350) (250) (300)
1.77 1.80 1.80 1.99 1.99
(0.064) (0.065) (0.065) (0.072) (0.072)

3.9 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7

(0.56) (0.54) (0.54) (0.54) (0.54)
0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35
1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
(0.21) (0.20) (0.20) (0.20) (0.20)
50 66 66 66 66
(7.3) (79.6) (9.6) (9.6) (9.6)
1.27 1.27 1.27 1.27 1.27
(0.046) (0.046) (0.046) (0.046) (0.046)
772 Design allowables substantiation

LAMINA PROPERTY REFERENCES D Y~~was calculated based on the following equa-

A Weight density was calculated based on the fol- tion:
lowing relationship:

pf = fiber density
Vf = fiber volume fraction
p, = resin density
AAAS4 and IM6 fiber properties are based on DD Hercules data for IM7/3501-6 from the Graphite
Hexcel supplied data which was based on tow Fiber Products Handbook, based on mechanical
test data for the fiber modulus and strength. test data.
The fiber Poisson's ratio was 'back' calculated E Assumed:
based on the composite Poisson's ratio ( Y ~ , ) ,the o3= o2and *3 = +T~
matrix Poisson's ratio and the fiber volume
(see reference H). EE IM7 and IM8 fiber properties are based on
B L.L. Clements and R.L. Moore, Composite prop- Hercules supplied data (Graphite Fiber Products
erties for E-glass fibres in a room temperature Handbook) which was based on tow test data
curable epoxy matrix, Composites, 1978, 9(2), for the fiber modulus and strength. The fiber
93-99. Properties for tI3were set equal to val- Poisson's ratio was 'back' calculated based on
ues for S2-glass/DER 332 since no data was the composite Poisson's ratio (Y~,), the matrix
reported. Poisson's ratio and the fiber volume (see refer-
BB Hercules supplied data for IM6/3501-6 from the ence H).
Graphite Fiber Products Handbook based on F The following was assumed:
mechanical test data.
C Composite is assumed to be transversely '23 = 31'
isotropic. A transversely isotropic composite is FF Hercules data for IM8/3501-6 from the Graphite
a material which exhibits a special case of Fiber Products Handbook, based on mechanical
orthotropy, whereby the properties are identi- test data.,
cal in two orthotropic dimensions, but not the G Owens Corning fiber data and short beam
third. The properties are the same in both shear data.
transverse directions, but not in the longitudi- GG Properties based on test data listed in BASF
nal direction. The following equations apply Hexcel Technical Information handbook.
for transversely isotropic materials: H Equation for calculating the fiber Poisson's
E, = E, ratio (vf):
Y12- Y,(1 - VJ
Vf =
GI3 = GI2 Vf
HH Amoco data for T300 fibers. Actual test
1
'3 = '12 method for fiber modulus and strength was not
defined. The fiber Poisson's ratio was 'back
E3 calculated based on the composite Poisson's
G23 = 2(1 + Y2J ratio using the equation in reference H.
I Fiber and resin are assumed to be isotropic,
CC Properties were set equal to those for
therefore G, or GI is calculated as follows:
AS4 / 3501-6.
E*
Gf = 2(1+ VJ

I1 Properties based on test data supplied by
Amoco for the T40/1962 system. Amoco sup-
plied data for the 1962 resin system.
Resin properties from publication by Texaco,
J Swanson, G.R. Toombes, and S.W. Beckwith,
Huntsman Chemical Co. ’Jeffamine’, resin
properties are based on 100 parts of epoxy resin
and 45 parts of Jeffamine T-403. The DER 332
epoxy resin was cured with Jeffamine T-403.
JJ Properties were set equal to T300/5208 value.
KJK Amoco data for T40 and T50 from technical
information sheets. Test method for fiber mod-
ulus and strength was not specified. The fiber
Poisson’s ratio was ‘back‘ calculated based on
the composite Poisson’s ratio (vlJ , the resin
Poisson’s ratio and the fiber volume (see refer-
ence H).
L H. Hahn, D. Hwaug, H. Chang, S. Lo, Flywheel
Materials Technology: Design Data Manual for
Composite Materials, UCRL-15365 Volume 1,
P.O. 6641009, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory,
July, 1981.
LL Amoco test data for T50/1962
M Assumed
u3= u2and -u3 = +2
MMAmoco test data for P55/1962.
N Mil Handbook 17.
NN Amoco data for P55 from technical information
sheets. Test method for fiber modulus and
strength was not specified. The fiber Poisson’s
ratio was ‘back’ calculated based on the com-
posite Poisson’s ratio (vlJ , the resin Poisson’s
ratio and the fiber volume (see reference H).
0 Properties were set equal to S2-glass/DER332.
00 Amoco data for P75/1962.
P Properties for XP251S epoxy were set equal to
DER 332 since no data was available.
PP Amoco data for P75 which was based on tow
test data for fiber modulus and strength. The
fiber Poisson’s ratio was ’back’ calculated
based on the composite Poisson’s ratio (vI2),
the resin Poisson’s ratio and the fiber volume
(see equation D).
Q DuPont supplied data for Kevlar 29/934,
Kevlar 49/934, and Kevlar 149/934. Laminates
were fabricated and tested by Boeing
Lamina property references 773
Technology Services, Boeing Commercial
Airplane Co.
R No data was listed in DuPont literature for
G12, therefore values for Kevlar 29/934, Kevlar
49/934, and Kevlar 149/934 were set equal to
those for Kevlar 49. Hexcel rubber-toughened
epoxy system based on a paper by S.R.
In-Plane Shear Properties of Composites Using
Torsion Tests of Thin-Wall Tubes, 29th National
SAMPE Symposium, April 3-5,1984.
S DuPont supplied data for Kevlar 29, Kevlar 49,
and Kevlar 149 based on tow tests (ASTM
D2343).The fiber Poisson’s ratio was ’back‘ cal-
culated based on the composite Poisson‘s ratio
(vIz), the resin Poisson’s ratio and the fiber vol-
ume (see reference D).
T Fiberite data for 934 resin system from Fiberite
Material Handbook.
U Values for Kevlar 49/DER 332 set equal to
those for Kevlar 49/Epoxy XD7575.03-XD7114-
Tonox 60-40 from Reference 6 of this list.
V D.F. Adams, R.S. Zimmerman and H.W.
Chang, Properties of Polymer-Matrix
Composites Incorporating Allied A-900
Polyethylene Fiber, SAMPE J., September/
October, 1985, pp. 44-48. Note: The modulus of
Spectra composites is much lower than
expected from the rule-of-mixtures relation-
ship. A possible explanation is that the Spectra
fiber modulus is a function of strain rate. For
example a single fiber tested at 100%/min
strain rate exhibited a modulus of 17 msi ver-
sus 11msi for a 8’%/min strain rate.
W H.W. Chang, L.C. Lin, A. Bhatnagar, Properties
and applications of composites made of polyethylene
fibers, 31st Intern. SAMPE Symp., April 7-10,
1986.
X t I 3for Spectra 1000 set equal to the value for
Spectra 900.
Y Hercules supplied test data for AS4/3501-6
determined by independent firms; Delsen Labs
and McDonnell Aircraft Company. Hercules
supplied data for 3501-6 resin. All data is listed
in the Hercules Graphite Fiber Products
Handbook.
Z R.Y. Kim, E Abrams and M. Knight,
Mechanical characterization of a thick compos-
ite laminate, Proc. Amer. SOC.Composites, 3rd
Technical Conference, 1988, pp. 711-718.
774 Design allowables substantiation

Table 33.4 References for lamina properties of glass, aramid and polyethylene fibers in epoxy matrices

Properties E-glass S2-glass S2-glass Kevlar

DER 332 DER 332 XP251 S 29/934

Material system
Fiber type
Resin type
Fiber volume
Composite density A A A Q
Lamina elastic properties
L N
L N
C C
0
G23
C
G13 C
'12
0
'23
D
1' ? C
Lamina strength properties (psi)
ff1
Tension B L N Q
Compression B L N Q
02
Tension B L N Q
Compresson B L N Q
0 3
Tension E M M M
Compression E M M M
212 B L N Q
'13 B G N Q
'23 F F F F
Constituent properties
Fiber
E, G G G S
f' H H H H
Gf I I I I
Tensile strength G G G S
Density G G G S
Resin
Er J J P T
r' K K K K
GI I r I I
Tensile strength J J P T
Density K K K T
 Tables 775

Kevlar Kevlar Kevlar Spectra Spectra

49/934 DER332 149/934 900/€ PO N 82 6 1OOO/EPON
826

Q L Q A A

W
W
C
W
C
C
W
D
C

Q L Q V W
Q U Q V W

Q L Q V W
Q U Q K K

M M M M M
M M M M M
Q L Q V W
Q L Q V X
F F F F F

S S S V W
H H H H H
I I I I I
S S S V W
S S S V W

T J T K K
K K K K K
I I I I I
T J T K K
T K T K K
776 Design allowables substantiation

Table 33.5 References for lamina properties of graphite fibers in epoxy matrices

Properties ASA /3501- lM6/ lM7/3501- lM8/

6 3501-6 6 3501-6
Material system
Fiber type
Resin type
Fiber volume
Composite density A A A A
Lamina elastic properties

El BB DD FF
E2 BB cc cc
E3
C C C
G12 BB DD FF
G23 cc cc cc
G,, cc cc cc
v12 cc cc cc
v2.3 cc cc cc
31' C cc cc
Lamina strength properties (psi)

0,
Tension Y BB DD FF
Compression Y BB DD FF
02
Tension Y BB cc cc
Compression Z cc cc cc
03
Tension Z cc E E
Compression Z cc E E
21' Y BB DD FF
31' Y BB DD FF
32' Z cc cc cc
Constituent properties
Fiber
Ef AA AA EE EE
Yf H H H H
G* I I I I
Tensile strength AA AA EE EE
Density AA AA EE EE
Resin
Er Y Y Y Y
vr Y Y Y Y
Gr I I I I
Tensile strength Y Y Y Y
Density Y Y Y Y
 Tables 777

T300 T50/ P55/

5208 T40/ 1962 1962 P75/1962
1962

A A A A A

GG I1 LL MM 00
GG I1 LL MM 00
C C C C C
L I1 LL MM 00
cc C C C C
cc C C C C
L I1 LL h4M 00
cc D D D D
C C C C C

GG I1 LL Mh4 00
GG I1 LL MM 00

L I1 LL MM 00
L JJ JJ JJ JJ
E E E E
E E E E
GG LL MM 00
GG LL Mh4 00
cc F F F

HH KK KK NN PP
H H H H H
I I I I I
HH KK KK NN PP
HH KK KK NN PP

GG I1 11 I1 I1
K K K K K
I I I I I1
GG I1 I1 I1 I1
GG I1 I1 11 II