NASA SHORT BLOCK COMPRESSION TEST FIXTURE

Model No. CU-NC  (low carbon steel)
Model No. WTF-NC  (17-4PH stainless)

This fixture is similar to the Sandwich Panel Edgewise Compression test fixture described on the previous page.  However, it was developed for testing relatively thick solid composite laminates rather than sandwich panels and hence is a somewhat more rugged design, with provisions for developing and maintaining much higher end clamping forces.  It also incorporates hardened steel inserts in the regions where the specimen contacts the fixture.  It was developed at NASA-Langley Research Center in the late 1980’s.

The standard specimen is 1.75” long, 1.50” wide, and approximately ¼” thick, although the fixture will accommodate specimens up to 1.0” thick.  The clamping plates are each 3/8” thick.  Thus, the unsupported length of the standard specimen is 1.0”.  Note that the unsupported length-to-thickness ratio is much less than for the Sandwich Panel Edgewise Compression test fixture.  Of course, longer specimens can be used in the fixture, if desired.

NASA Short Block Compression Test Fixture

Other fixtures of similar design exist in the literature as well.  All tend to incorporate similar features.