The aim of this work is to compare from an experimental point of view the determination of in-plane shear strength of unidirectional composite materials by means of two off-axis tests: three-point flexure and tensile. In the case of the off-axis three-point flexure test, the condition of small displacements and the condition of lift-off between the specimen and the fixture supports have been taken into account. Some considerations regarding stress and displacement fields are presented. The in-plane shear characterization has been performed on a carbon fiber reinforced unidirectional laminate with several fiber orientation angles: 10°, 20°, 30°, and 45°. Test conditions for both off-axis experimental methods, in order to ensure their applicability, are presented. Off-axis flexure test is considered more suitable than off-axis tensile test for the determination of in-plane shear strength.
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