Abstract: A testing apparatus for characterizing a tension strength of a fillet bond of a test specimen may include a lower fixture and an upper fixture. The test specimen may include a skin component bonded to a stiffener component. The lower fixture may maintain the stiffener component in a fixed position. The upper fixture may engage the skin component at a pair of discrete engagement locations on opposite sides of the fillet bond. The upper fixture may be mechanically coupled to a gimbal joint and may substantially isolate the filet bond from asymmetric bending during application of a tension test load to the fillet bond.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for characterizing a tension strength of a fillet bond of a test specimen may include a lower fixture and an upper fixture. The test specimen may include a skin component bonded to a stiffener component. The lower fixture may maintain the stiffener component in a fixed position. The upper fixture may engage the skin component at a pair of discrete engagement locations on opposite sides of the fillet bond. The upper fixture may be mechanically coupled to a gimbal joint and may substantially isolate the filet bond from asymmetric bending during application of a tension test load to the fillet bond.