Out-of-plane deflections of metallic and composite pin-loaded coupons

The projection shadow moiré technique was employed to determine an out-of-plane contouring history of aluminum, [(+45/–45)]_3S, [(0/90₃,0]_S and [(0/90/+45/–45)]_2S fiberglass epoxy pin-loaded specimens experimentally. The contouring interval was limited to 0.0254 mm by experimental concerns. Qualification of the projection shadow moiré optical arrangement was initially accomplished by the out-of-plane contouring of a clamped, centrally loaded, circular aluminum plate. Experimental results indicate significant out-of-plane displacements in the bearing region of the coupon at load levels well below ultimate. Effects of material anisotropy could be seen in the fiber-oriented shape of the displacement contours. Comparisons with three-dimensional finite-element results indicate that experimental out-of-plane contours were significantly larger than their finite-element counterparts in the region above the pin for the [(+45/–45)]_3S, [(0/90)₃, 0]_S laminates. These deviations increased with increasing pin-load level. These variations could be attributed to linear-elastic through-thickness moduli assumptions as well as through-thickness finite-element mesh coarseness.