Design and Testing Column
Crashworthiness testing of composites: A building block approach, Part 1
Determining the crashworthiness of composite structures requires several levels of testing and analysis, starting with coupon-level crush testing.
Dan Adams
President, Wyoming Test Fixtures Inc.
Multi-scale 3D CT imaging enables digital twinning, high-fidelity simulation of composite structures
Computed tomography (CT) provides highly accurate 3D analysis of internal microstructure, performance simulation of carbon fiber/PEEK satellite strut.
Read MoreDamage tolerance testing of sandwich composites: The sandwich CAI test
A new ASTM-standardized test method established in 2022 assesses the compression-loaded damage tolerance of sandwich composites.
Read MoreNumerical tool with mean stress correction demonstrated for fatigue life estimation of thermoplastic composites
To aid design of fatigue-resistant structures, Econ Engineering has developed an algorithm to evaluate ply-based cyclic stiffness degradation combined with an FE failure check, validated for a CF/PAEK pressure vessel.
Read MoreInterlaminar tensile testing of composites: An update
New test method developments for measuring interlaminar tensile strength address difficulties associated with the ASTM D6415 curved beam flexure and ASTM D7291 flatwise tensile tests.
Read MoreComposite test methods (and specifications) for fiber-reinforced concrete structures
While initially focused on transitioning existing standards published by the American Concrete Institute, the relatively new ASTM Subcommittee D30.10 is developing new standardized test methods and material specifications for FRP composites.
Read MoreNotched testing of sandwich composites: The sandwich open-hole flexure test
A second new test method has been standardized by ASTM for determining notch sensitivity of sandwich composites.
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Testing to support composite bolted joint analysis
An overview of ASTM Standard Guide D8509, and its coupon-level mechanical testing of design properties for analyzing composite bolted joints.
Dan Adams
President, Wyoming Test Fixtures Inc.
Measuring ply-wise deformation during consolidation using embedded sensors
Strip-type shape sensor method claims real-time measurement of ply-wise deformation.
Read MoreNotched testing of sandwich composites: The sandwich open-hole compression test
A new ASTM-standardized open-hole compression test method seeks to determine the notch sensitivity of sandwich composites.
Read MoreMaterial equivalence testing in shared composites databases
In response to traditionally proprietary polymer matrix composites (PMC) qualifications, NCAMP continues its efforts to make material property databases publicly available.
Read MoreGlass-coated magnetic microwires for nondestructive composites monitoring
Glass-coated, amorphous microwires combine nanometer to micrometer diameters, enabling embedding into composites without degrading mechanical properties.
Read MoreComposite prepreg tack testing
A recently standardized prepreg tack test method has been developed for use in material selection, quality control and adjusting cure process parameters for automated layup processes.
Read MoreImproving analyses of composite pressure vessels
Accurate geometry modeling and equivalent material property approximations captured by WoundSim will play a role in improving COPV analyses.
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Photothermal tomography for locating, quantifying defects in composites
Years of infrared testing development result in thermography technology that is no longer just qualitative, but can define defect size and depth, making additional UT scans obsolete.
Determining the equivalency of composite test methods
While time consuming and somewhat subjective, the comparative assessment approach has been proven effective toward assessing composites test method equivalence.
Read MoreComposites testing as part of a building block approach, Part 2: Upper building block levels
Testing under the upper levels of the building block approach for composites design depends on the structure’s application and complexity.
Read MoreModel-driven design and analysis for sustainable lightweight design
Fraunhofer IGCV uses graph-based design language for fast creation of design variants and simultaneous evaluation of ecological and economic performance along the entire life cycle.
Read MoreUsing machine learning to accelerate composites processing simulation
A speed gain of 1,000 to 10,000 times greater than traditional FE models has been achieved using machine learning models, enabling near real-time simulation for large composite components.
Read MoreComposites testing as part of a building block approach, Part 1: Coupon-level testing
The building block materials testing approach is a step-by-step process that serves as a framework for designing composite structures while also reducing risk and cost.
Read MoreComposite testing challenges, Part 3: Testing systems
Several factors need to be considered for accurate and efficient composites testing, including testing systems that can accommodate required test environments, alignment and offer intuitive software.
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Damage tolerance testing of sandwich composites: The sandwich flexure-after-impact (FAI) test
A second new ASTM-standardized test method assesses the damage tolerance of sandwich composites under flexural loading.
Dan Adams
President, Wyoming Test Fixtures Inc.
Composite testing challenges, Part 2: Strain measurement for the mechanical testing of composites
Recent developments in contact and noncontact strain measurement methods offer similar performance with additional benefits for composite material testing.
Read MoreComposite testing challenges, Part 1: Introduction to mechanical testing of composites
A range of standardized mechanical tests for complex composites are available and still under development for materials development, design and quality control requirements.
Read MoreDurability testing of adhesively bonded composites
Current test method development shows potential for the composite wedge test, a standardized durability-based test for adhesively bonded composites.
Read MoreFatigue testing of composites
Fatigue testing may be performed at multiple points during the design of a composite structure. A focus on small-specimen level fatigue test methods, however, suggests a need for more testing method standardization.
Read MorePart 2: Applying CT scan data analysis and visualization to composites
Advanced CT-scan analyses can offer deep insight into challenges faced when examining novel composites and hybrid material behavior or performing quality and certification testing. Part two of a two-part series.
Read MoreApplying CT scan data analysis and visualization to composites
Imaging and analysis via computed tomography (CT) has potential for certifiable safety and business sustainability and could be key for interior inspections of composite parts. Part 1 of a two-part series.
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