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CHARACTERIZATION
& TESTING
Composites
Testing for Aerospace Applications
Fig. 4. Short-beam shear test
MATERIALS
CHARACTERIZATION
& TESTING
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gripping to avoid failures near the grip jaws. Also, high lateral
stiffness is paramount to prevent buckling in tests that include
compressive loading. It should be noted that some of the antibuckling guides used in static testing are problematic if used
in cyclic testing due to friction effects. When conducting fatigue
tests on polymer composites, the maximum test frequency is
restricted by the need to limit the temperature rise in the test
piece (e.g., the maximum temperature rise recommended by the
ISO 13003 fatigue standard is 10C).
Other Mechanical Tests
A variety of other standardized mechanical tests on composite
materials include: flexure testing; tension and compression tests
on specimens with open and closed holes; bearing-strength tests
(Fig. 2); and interlaminar fracture-toughness tests.
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MATERIALS
CHARACTERIZATION
& TESTING
Physical-Properties Testing
Physical properties testing of composites helps ensure that the
material complies with industry specifications and meets safety
standards. Common physical-properties tests include resin,
fiber and void content. The constituent content of a composite
material must be known in order to analytically model its
material properties, which are affected by the reinforcement or
matrix. Other physical-properties tests include hardness, water
absorption, density and specific gravity, and moisture content.
Test Environments
The most common test environment for composite materials is
temperature (generally in the range of -80 to 250C). Specimens
are often pre-conditioned in different environments prior to
testing. Pre-conditioning is often in hot/wet conditions, but
exposure to fluids (e.g., water, fuel and hydraulic fluids) is also
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References
1. McEnteggart, Ian, Mechanical Testing of Composites, Quality
Magazine, July 2014
2. Yancey, Robert, How Composites are Strengthening the Aviation
Industry, Industry Week, June 2012