Four different thickness-tapered compression specimen geometries were modeled using a three-dimensional finite element analysis. Shear-, end-, and combined-loading conditions were used to simulate specimen testing in the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute (IITRI) and the Wyoming End-Loaded, Side-Supported (ELSS) compression test fixtures. Both carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy unidirectional composite materials were simulated. From the results of twelve finite element analysis models, predictions were made concerning optimum thickness-tapered compression specimen geometry and the influence of loading conditions. These predictions were then correlated with experimental results for axial compressive strength, modulus, and failure modes in thickness-tapered Hercules AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy and CYTEC S2/5216 glass/epoxy unidirectional composite specimens
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