Design and Testing
Can flexure testing provide estimates of composite strength properties?
Flexure tests are simple to perform, yet the state of stress and failure modes are among the most complex.
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Software has a critical role in certification of composite designs for aerospace
Despite the many advantages that come with using composites materials in aerospace applications, designing weight-bearing structures from these materials remains a significant challenge.
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Choosing composite material testing methods
An initial step in selecting suitable test methods involves consulting the available test literature.
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How ready are progressive damage analysis tools?
In the past 15 years, progressive damage analysis (PDA) for composites, implemented in finite element analysis software, has been under development.
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Best practices for V-notched shear testing of composites
In my October 2015 column, I wrote an overview of the widely used V-notched shear test methods for composite materials. In this column, we focus on some additional best practices when performing V-notched shear testing of fiber-reinforced composites.
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X-rays for NDT of composites
Nondestructive test (NDT) methods can be employed during the design, manufacture and in-field maintenance of composite components.
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Damage tolerance testing of composites
Not standardized until 2005, ASTM D 7137 is still commonly referred to as the Boeing CAI test.
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CompoSIDE and Trace: Game-changer for development of composite parts
Structural design challenges (delamination, coupling and shape distortions, resin-driven failures, local stress concentration and the like) are inherent in laminate architecture. The author's contention is that a solution can be found in design simplification afforded by the work of Dr. Stephen Tsai in Trace-based analysis.
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Fracture mechanics testing of composites
Dr. Daniel O. Adams, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Composite Mechanics Laboratory at the University of Utah, and vice president of Wyoming Test Fixtures Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT, US), addresses ways to acquire mechanical test data and then calculate the values for the composite material property of fracture toughness.
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The Picture Frame Shear Test method
Dr. Donald F. Adams (Wyoming Test Fixtures, Salt Lake City, Utah) reviews the history of the Picture Frame Shear Test method.
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