Shape optimization techniques are utilized to develop an optimal shear specimen for polymer matrix composites (PMCs) in which shear stresses result from simple uniaxial extension. An expanding array of composite applications means certification and damage tolerance are critical design factors. This methodology improves the ease of characterization for classically challenging material properties, such as shear failure. Numerical simulations were conducted using IM7/977-3 unidirectional prepreg mechanical properties. Large shear strain concentrations in the region of interest led to predicted failure in the region of interest under conditions consistent with shear. The geometry generated by the shape optimization should continue to be explored due to its capability generating a geometry which can measure the shear modulus and shear strength of a laminate. The shape optimization method’s ability to tailor a sample geometry for a desired strain state and failure mode leads the authors to recommend exploration of additional optimized test geometries for other failure modes and materials, in addition to the experimental investigation of the geometry generated for shear.

形状优化技术用于开发聚合物基复合材料 (PMC) 的最佳剪切试样，其中剪切应力由简单的单轴拉伸产生。复合材料应用的不断扩大意味着认证和损坏容限是关键的设计因素。这种方法提高了对经典具有挑战性的材料特性（例如剪切破坏）进行表征的难度。使用 IM7/977-3 单向预浸料机械性能进行数值模拟。感兴趣区域中的大剪切应变集中导致在与剪切一致的条件下感兴趣区域中的预测失效。由形状优化生成的几何形状应继续探索，因为它能够生成可以测量层压板剪切模量和剪切强度的几何形状。形状优化方法能够为所需的应变状态和失效模式定制样品几何形状，这使作者建议除了对剪切生成的几何形状进行实验研究外，还建议探索针对其他失效模式和材料的其他优化测试几何形状。