Abstract: A particular composite test specimen includes a first tab, a second tab, and a gage section between the first tab and the second tab. The first tab, the second tab, and the gage section are machined from a composite test blank. The composite test blank includes a plurality of plies arranged with first ply layers having fibers oriented in a first direction and second ply layers having fibers oriented in a second direction, where the first direction is different than the second direction.

Abstract: A particular composite test specimen includes a first tab, a second tab, and a gage section between the first tab and the second tab. The first tab, the second tab, and the gage section are machined from a composite test blank. The composite test blank includes a plurality of plies arranged with first ply layers having fibers oriented in a first direction and second ply layers having fibers oriented in a second direction, where the first direction is different than the second direction.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing system comprising a first member having a surface defining, at least in part, an operating area; a flexible cover, having a sealing surface, configured to envelop the operating area of the first member; means for applying negative pressure to the operating area; a sealing component located between the surface of the first member and the sealing surface of the cover; and a reusable mechanical fastener operable to mechanically couple the cover to the first member with sufficient force so as to compress the sealing component, and to seal the operating area to permit drawing of a negative pressure.