Strain measurements in composites subjected to compressive loading using moire interferometry

Experimental apparatus to apply a uniaxial compressive load to composite laminates and measure the resulting in-plane displacement fields using moireinterferometry were designed and built. Quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy and graphite/PEEK laminates were subjected to near-ultimate compressive creep loadings at room temperatures. Creep loads were applied for times up to 28 hrs. Strains were calculated from the measured displacements, and compared with theoretical results.