ASTM D3846 describes a method for determining the in-plane shear strength of reinforced plastic composites. These specimens are typically thermoset plastics
with widely varying types and thicknesses of reinforcement, ranging from 2.54 mm to 6.60 mm.
The test method is similar to ASTM D695-15, Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Plastics, except that in the ASTM D3846 method, failure of the
specimen occurs in shear between two centrally located notches machined through half the thickness of the specimen and spaced a fixed distance apart on opposing faces.
