The shear ramp: A new test method for the investigation of coated fabric shear behaviour – Part II: Experimental validation

The shear ramp is a new test method for the investigation of coated fabric shear behaviour. The implementation of the method with a biaxial test rig is given and compared to the off-axis biaxial extension of a specimen with 45° oriented fibres. Based on experimental observations and finite element analyses, it is shown that both test methods give similar results for a wide range of coated fabrics if the proper stress correction factors are used. An estimation of these factors is given for both test methods for PVC–polyester as well as PTFE–glass fabrics.