The objective of the research was to continue the experimental study of the effect of strain rate on mechanical response (deformation and failure) of epoxy resins and carbon fibers/epoxy matrix composites, and to initiate a study of the effects of temperature by developing an elevated temperature test. The experimental data provide the information needed for NASA scientists for the development of a nonlinear, rate dependent deformation and strength models for composites that can subsequently be used in design. This year effort was directed into testing the epoxy resin. Three types of epoxy resins were tested in tension and shear at various strain rates that ranges from 5 x 10(exp -5), to 1000 per second. Pilot shear experiments were done at high strain rate and an elevated temperature of 80 C. The results show that all, the strain rate, the mode of loading, and temperature significantly affect the response of epoxy.Gilat, AmosGlenn Research CenterSTRAIN RATE; EPOXY MATRIX COMPOSITES; EPOXY RESINS; MECHANICAL PROPERTIES; TORSIONAL STRESS; DEFORMATION; SHEAR STRAIN; NONLINEARITY; HIGH TEMPERATURE TESTS; STRESS-STRAIN DIAGRAMS; TENSILE TESTS; STRUCTURAL FAILURE...