I've been toying around with the idea of building some test panels of 3 & 4mm plywood with various fiberglass lay-ups, then subjecting them to destructive tests. I know that this has been done before, as referenced in Nick's book, but was thinking of testing out the multiple-thin-cloth-layer theory along with standard lay-ups. I have a few questions I'd like to throw out there:

1) Would I be gaining new knowledge, or would I be wasting my time by re-inventing the wheel? If there are any internet links to the test that was already done, I'd appreciate a post...

2) What would be the best test to perform? I was thinking of using 12" square panels, supported (but not clamped) on 2 edges, with an increasing load placed on a board running down the center. (a 3-point bending load)

3) What would constitute a panel's failure? Audible crack? Revealing of cloth weave due to stress? Wood broken through?

I'm busy building an Outer Island, so I don't have a lot of extra time at the moment, but would like to attempt some tests this winter...

Thanx, Dean