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For performing uni-axial fatigue tests on composite materials, the ASTM D3479/D3479M Standard Test Method for Tension-Tension Fatigue of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials is often considered. This standard prescribes a rectangular shaped specimen with end tabs. However, in part I of this study it became clear that for some materials, such as the carbon PPS under study, the proposed geometry is not ideal for fatigue tests. In this manuscript, a dogbone shape is assessed to see whether it performs better under fatigue loading conditions, primarily meaning that failure does not occur in the tabbed section. The shape is first optimised using finite element modelling, after which fatigue experiments are performed. It may be concluded that for the material under study, the dogbone shape is preferable over the rectangular, since failure never occurred under or near the tabbed section and that fatigue life is highly underestimated when using the rectangular specimen.

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