1.1 This test method covers the shear properties of composite materials reinforced by high-modulus fibers. The composite materials are limited to continuous-fiber or discontinuous-fiber-reinforced composites in the following material forms:

1.1.1 Laminates composed only of unidirectional fibrous laminae, with the fiber direction oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the loading axis.

1.1.2 Laminates composed only of woven fabric filamentary laminae with the warp direction oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the loading axis.

1.1.3 Laminates composed only of unidirectional fibrous laminae, containing equal numbers of plies oriented at 0 and 90 in a balanced and symmetric stacking sequence, with the 0 direction oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the loading axis.

1.1.4 Short-fiber-reinforced composites with a majority of the fibers being randomly distributed.

This shear test concept was originally developed without reference to fiber direction for use on isotropic materials such as metals or ceramics.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.