Static and fatigue properties of a unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite were determined experimentally under compressive loading. A programable data acquisition system was used to record axial and bending strains and load. When the moduli are calculated from the average axial values, they are shown to be insensitive to the magnitude of bending. When under compressive load, a (±45)^s, angle-ply specimen is shown to be suitable for obtaining axial shear properties of a unidirectional lamina.

Axial, transverse, and shear moduli as well as major Poisson's ratio and the corresponding strength values are obtained for quasi-static conditions. Under fatigue conditions, life expectancy is the highest for axial loading, next for transverse loading, and least for axial shear loading.