Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing composite laminate, including providing a first fibrous material having a plurality of fibers, providing a second fibrous material having a plurality of fibers, disposing the fibers of the first fibrous material in a first polymeric matrix, disposing the fibers of the second fibrous material in a second polymeric matrix, laying up a plurality of the first fibrous material on a rigid structure, laying up the second fibrous material on the rigid structure, wherein the first fibrous material is in contact with the second fibrous material, curing the first polymeric matrix, creating a plurality of baseline layers from the plurality of first fibrous material and the first polymeric matrix, and curing the second polymeric matrix, creating a compliant layer from the second fibrous material and the second polymeric matrix. The compliant layer is stronger than each individual baseline layers.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotor system for a rotorcraft includes a yoke, a blade, and a grip that is configured to couple the blade to the yoke. The grip has a plurality of baseline layers and a compliant layer. The baseline layers each have a plurality of fibers disposed in a first polymeric matrix. The compliant layer has a plurality of fibers disposed in a second polymeric matrix. The compliant layer is stronger than the baseline layer and the first polymeric matrix has a different chemical composition than the second polymeric matrix.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing composite laminate, including providing a first fibrous material having a plurality of fibers, providing a second fibrous material having a plurality of fibers, disposing the fibers of the first fibrous material in a first polymeric matrix, disposing the fibers of the second fibrous material in a second polymeric matrix, laying up a plurality of the first fibrous material on a rigid structure, laying up the second fibrous material on the rigid structure, wherein the first fibrous material is in contact with the second fibrous material, curing the first polymeric matrix, creating a plurality of baseline layers from the plurality of first fibrous material and the first polymeric matrix, and curing the second polymeric matrix, creating a compliant layer from the second fibrous material and the second polymeric matrix. The compliant layer is stronger than each individual baseline layers.

Abstract: A method for determining a shear property of a sample includes supporting a sample at three or more separate support locations about a periphery of a first surface of the sample in a testing fixture, the sample including a second surface separated from the first surface by a thickness, wherein the sample is axisymmetric about an axis that is orthogonal to the first surface. The method includes applying a load on the second surface of the sample with a load applicator in a direction substantially parallel with the axis, measuring, with a controller, shear testing data of the sample in response to applying the load, and determining, with the controller, a shear property of the sample from the measured shear testing data.

Abstract: A method for determining a shear property of a sample includes supporting a sample at three or more separate support locations about a periphery of a first surface of the sample in a testing fixture, the sample including a second surface separated from the first surface by a thickness, wherein the sample is axisymmetric about an axis that is orthogonal to the first surface. The method includes applying a load on the second surface of the sample with a load applicator in a direction substantially parallel with the axis, measuring, with a controller, shear testing data of the sample in response to applying the load, and determining, with the controller, a shear property of the sample from the measured shear testing data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotor system for a rotorcraft includes a yoke, a blade, and a grip that is configured to couple the blade to the yoke. The grip has a plurality of baseline layers and a compliant layer. The baseline layers each have a plurality of fibers disposed in a first polymeric matrix. The compliant layer has a plurality of fibers disposed in a second polymeric matrix. The compliant layer is stronger than the baseline layer and the first polymeric matrix has a different chemical composition than the second polymeric matrix.

Abstract: An edge member for use on a composite flexure having an exposed edge surface. The edge member includes an innermost composite ply attached to the edge surface, an outermost composite ply attached to the innermost composite ply, and at least one interior composite ply disposed between the innermost composite ply and the outermost composite ply.