Composites Materials Testing
Within the context of composites testing, the standard “building block approach” is a step-by-step series of mechanical tests of increasing complexity, coupled with analyses performed at each step, that serves as a framework for designing composite structures. In the building block approach, the levels or “blocks” each serve specific purposes and are addressed sequentially, starting from the bottom: Level 1, Coupon-level testing Level 2, Element testing Level 3, Subcomponent testing Level 4, Component testing

Latest Materials Testing Articles
VIEW ALLPutting next-generation composite materials, processes to the test
Research at Faserinstitut Bremen’s ECOMAT site, alongside industry partners, aims to enable sustainable, aerospace-focused composites — including thermoplastic welding and cryogenic material testing.
Read MoreModular approach to material card development of composites
Forward Engineering GmbH walks through a modular testing and simulation approach for automotive/aviation composites enabling more accurate material selection earlier in the design phase.
Read MoreInstron introduces table model version of 100 kN testing system
Engineering advancement eliminates space and power constraints, common obstacles in the lab, while handling low- and high-force application testing for high-strength metals, alloys and composites.
Read MoreMechanical testing of ceramic matrix composites
Today’s CMC materials, robust and resistant to high temperatures, provide their own set of challenges when determining their performance through mechanical testing.
Read MoreInstron releases Bluehill Central 2 iteration with Lab Management module
The software platform, tied to multiple Instron material and structural testing systems, now offers Lab Management as a standalone to make access to Bluehill Central’s file repository more accessible.
Read MoreLab tools prioritize accuracy, speed and ease of use
CAMX 2025: Extec is building testing capabilities with a focused lineup of composite sample prep solutions and live demos.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers

CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
LEARN MORELatest Materials Testing News And Updates
Alpha Technologies grows capabilities, global reach with Metravib Material Testing acquisition
Enhanced material testing solutions portfolio expands global capabilities, improves customer support and drive product innovation for R&D labs worldwide.
Read MoreNoncontact optical strain gage delivers complete 3D surface measurement insight
CAMX 2025: The Aramis system by Trilion, based on DIC and photogrammetry technology, performs high-precision measurements in the sub-micrometer range, across a wide range of testing environments and material types.
Read MoreInstron launches AVE3 noncontact video extensometer
Leveraging CDAT airflow technology and dynamic lighting, the AVE3 delivers a virtually noise-free strain signal, guarding against typical air disturbances when measuring materials in the lab.
WatchCactuX in-situ BOX simulates real-life conditions of composite samples during CT analysis
The autonomous in-situ BOX combines the environment temperature control function and power supply function, enabling new possibilities for material and internal structure research.
Read MoreFACC optimizes inspection processes through augmented reality
Cooperation with students from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria leads to successful use of AR, increasing the efficiency of components testing.
Read MoreAIMM Center for advanced composites NDT opens in Ogden, Utah
Attendees from SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Hill AFB, 47G and others joined CICNDT and Omni NDE to demonstrate the latest in robotic CT, RT, shearography, thermography, laser UT and metrology.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Carbon fiber/flax landing gear achieves 54% weight reduction via tailored layup optimization
Fuko’s Biogear showcases how strategic composite material distribution and natural fiber damping properties can lightweight and enhance critical aerospace structure performance.
Read MoreSchrödinger advances materials informatics for faster development of next-gen composites
Cutting time to market by multiple orders of magnitude, machine learning and physics-based approaches are combined to open new possibilities for innovations in biomaterials, fire-resistant composites, space applications, hydrogen tanks and more.
Read MoreDetermining steel/composite failure load of bonded repair assemblies
Bureau Veritas and partners use a novel equivalent interface test specimen and simulation to predict failure load in bonded composite patch repairs to steel structures.
Read MoreThe evolution, transformation of DEA from lab measurements to industrial optimization
Over the years, dielectric analysis (DEA) has evolved from a lab measurement technique to a technology that improves efficiency and quality in composites production on the shop floor.
Read MoreProving thermoplastic composites match carbon fiber/epoxy performance in road bikes
CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.
Read MoreLaser-excited acoustics provide contact-free, nondestructive composites inspection
Xarion’s couplant-free NDT technology uses laser physics and a membrane-free optical microphone, eliminating the requirement for fluid coupling, widening the scope for NDT technology.
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