Rail Shear Test Fixture GZ RS-50 / GZ RS-50 H

The rail shear test fixture GZ RS-50 / GZ RS-50 H for testing V-noched specimens is suitable for the static characterization of the shear properties of composite materials. The test fixture is used for testing short, long and continuous fibre-reinforced plastics with thermoplastic or thermoset matrix systems. It is used for unidirectional layers and / or fabrics as well as multi-layer composites (sandwich laminates).

The rail shear test fixture GZ RS-50 / GZ RS-50 H is characterised by a much improved handling. Lateral guides prevent slipping out and tilting of the jaws during the test specimen replacement. Predefined markings allow precise settings for different test specimen thicknesses. By means of positioning the alignment of the two device halves to each other is facilitated. The exact positioning of the specimen in the test fixture is realised with a biaxial guide system.

In the hydraulic version of the rail shear test fixture GZ RS-50 H, the clamping of the specimen takes place via a hydraulic clamping system. During the test procedure, the hydraulic system regulates the clamping force. In this way it is ensured that the specimen remains reliably clamped even with decreasing thickness due to load transfer effects and shear distortion and also minimal slipping is prevented. In addition, the hydraulics ensure a uniformly distributed clamping force.

Features & Benefits

  • Maximum load up to 50 kN
  • Substantially simplified replacement of the test specimen compared to existing designs
  • Significantly improved accuracy of alignment of the specimens
  • No slipping of the jaws due to lateral guidance
  • Significantly increased reproducibility due to biaxial guidance system

Options

  • Interchangeable clamping wedges (cross milling and diamond coating)
  • Optional hydraulically adjustable setting force for the jaws
  • Automatic specimen alignment
  • Adapter for connection to all common electromechanical and servo-hydraulic universal testing machines

Standards

  • ASTM D 7078, “Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Composite Materials by V-Notched Rail Shear Method”, ASTM, 2012

Further Information