Patent ID: 9046450
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A test coupon assembly comprising: a test coupon comprising a multiplicity of plies made of fiber-reinforced plastic material laminated together to form a laminate of constant thickness, said test coupon having a geometry comprising first and second trapezoidal portions connected by a gauge area having a coupon minimum width, said first and second trapezoidal portions and said gauge area forming respective portions of a front face and respective portions of a rear face of the test coupon, each of said front and rear faces having a bow-tie-shaped profile and being parallel to said plies; first and second tabs adhered to said first trapezoidal portion on respective first portions of said front and rear faces; and third and fourth tabs adhered to said second trapezoidal portion on respective second portions of said front and rear faces, wherein each of said first through fourth tabs is made of fiber-reinforced plastic material, each of said first through fourth tabs has a trapezoidal profile, said test coupon has a minimum width in said gauge area and a constant thickness, said first trapezoidal portion comprises first and second straight tapered sides, said second trapezoidal portion comprises third and fourth straight tapered sides, said gauge area comprises first and second radiused sides, said first radiused side is connected to said first and third straight tapered sides, said second radiused side is connected to said second and fourth straight tapered sides, and a height of said first radiused portion is no greater than 3% of a height of the test coupon.