DESIGN-AND-TESTING

Testing

Notched 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.

Daniel Adams

Testing

Glass-coated magnetic microwires for nondestructive composites monitoring

Glass-coated, amorphous microwires combine nanometer to micrometer diameters, enabling embedding into composites without degrading mechanical properties.

Testing

Composite 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.

Improving analyses of composite pressure vessels

Accurate geometry modeling and equivalent material property approximations captured by WoundSim will play a role in improving COPV analyses.

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.

Composites 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.

Design/Simulation

Model-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.

Epoxies

Measuring ply-wise deformation during consolidation using embedded sensors

Strip-type shape sensor method claims real-time measurement of ply-wise deformation.

Curing

Using 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.

Composites 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.

Testing

Composite 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.

Testing

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.

Testing

Composite 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.

Processes

Durability 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.

Notched 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.

Daniel Adams

Fatigue 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.

Part 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.

Applying 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.

Development of ASTM standards for composites: An insider’s perspective

According to Dan Adams’ inside perspective, two elements determine whether a proposed test method for composite materials becomes an ASTM standard.

Design/Simulation

FASTIGUE: Empowering digital twins of large-scale composite structures

A 3D finite element technique to resolve the fidelity-versus-speed dilemma of performing fatigue analysis for large composite structures.

Testing

Flexure testing of sandwich composites

Dan Adams assesses the facesheet or core failures for three-point and four-points flexural loading configurations.

Material 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.

Daniel Adams

Testing

The Single Cantilever Beam test for sandwich composites

After several years of research and development, the Single Cantilever Beam test method is in the process of standardization within ASTM's Committee D30 on Composites.

Testing

Estimating composite properties using data from similar materials

CW columnist Dan Adams explores methods for estimating composite mechanical properties using similar materials.

Carbon Fibers

The challenge of identifying test procedures for recycled carbon fiber composites

With growing use of recycled carbon fiber composites, the identification of mechanical testing procedures for rCF becomes increasingly important … and challenging.

Testing

Strain measurement in composites testing

Columnist Dan Adams explores the most important considerations and most common methods for strain measurement.

Testing

Mechanical testing of textile composites

Standardized mechanical testing methods abound, but they often focus on composites with unidirectional layers. Here are some modifications to common test methods for testing textile composites.

Defense

Measuring thermoplastic prepreg tape quality for part process control

Low-cost tests measuring dimensions, thermal behavior and consolidation predict CFRTP part quality.

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