Search Results for fiber-reinforced composite testing

Measuring material properties is disproportionately more complex for fiber-reinforced composites than for materials such as metals and plastics. It is further complicated by more than 150 composite test standards in use around the globe. This article assesses the challenges involved in testing fiber-reinforced composites and presents a rational approach for specimen preparation, handling, and fixturing that can simplify testing and improve throughput without sacrificing measurement accuracy.

This article evaluates the sliding wear behavior of fiber-reinforced 7075 Al alloy composites. It explains how the composite samples were made and shows how different fiber materials, volume percentages, and orientations affect hardness and wear resistance. It also interprets wear test results and what they reveal about wear mechanisms in metal-matrix composites.

This article compares two nondestructive test methods that are widely used to assess impact damage in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Infrared line scanning thermography (LST) and immersion ultrasonic testing (UT) are shown to be equally capable of detecting delaminations and internal cracking caused by low-velocity impacts, although LST was easier to use and provided results more quickly that were easier to interpret.

The use of braided reinforcements enables the creation of composite parts with an efficient fiber architecture and provides manufacturers with a material that results in fewer processing steps and less waste than woven alternatives. The article provides an overview of braiding machinery, braid materials, and properties of braid structures.

This article discusses the capabilities of a compression test system developed to evaluate composite coil springs for automotive suspension systems.

Coating development using cold gas spray technology demonstrates the feasibility of bonding polymers to metal substrates and metals to polymer composite substrates with good adhesion. The examples addressed are polyetheretherketone (PEEK) coatings on steel and aluminum substrates and metallic coatings on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites.

A brief literature review and case study explore the effect of particulate reinforcements and processing parameters on the tribological behavior of polymer matrix composites made by 3D printing via fused filament fabrication.

Consumer demand for greater fuel efficiency and a changing regulatory environment have stimulated substantial interest in alternative materials for passenger vehicles. Automotive manufacturers now have a wide variety of choices available, ranging from various grades of steel and aluminum to the most advanced lightweight composite materials. This article describes testing innovations introduced to keep pace with the use of new materials in automobiles.

The July and September issues of the Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance (JMEP) were special issues focused on additive manufacturing. The issues were guest edited by William E. Frazier, FASM, Pilgrim Consulting LLC and editor of JMEP; Rick Russell, NASA; Yan Lu, NIST; Brandon D. Ribic, America Makes; and Caroline Vail, NSWC Carderock. The highlighted articles described in this article were selected by Dr. Frazier to showcase the varied topics covered in the special issues.

Custom multiaxial fabrics enable use of resin infusion to achieve challenging weight specifications. This article provides a case study of how one materials supplier worked with a yacht builder to achieve weight and cost savings by using both innovative materials and a unique manufacturing process.

The materials testing industry must follow market trends, keeping up with both increased use of nonmetallic materials in fields formerly dominated by metals, as well as new and challenging metal alloys. This article reviews some of the testing challenges involved with advanced materials.

Metal-matrix composite (MMC) materials are being developed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for a diverse range of automotive applications from pistons and cylinder liners to exhaust manifolds and chassis sections. The ability to tailor not only the properties but also the functionality of MMCs gives automotive engineers a powerful new tool in dealing with increasingly strict fuel economy standards.

Increasing use of nonmetallic materials in wind turbine blades is driving the development of nondestructive microwave test methods.

Melt-injection of organic precursors may result in revolutionary technologies for producing ceramic reinforced metal-matrix composite castings.

While today's composites encompass a broad and well-established family of materials, the commercial market for high-performance, structural composites has actually existed for well over 30 years. Adoption in the aerospace industry has resulted in a wide range of static test methods offering reliable results. This article reviews some recent innovations in composites testing, including developments related to fatigue testing, high strain rate testing, thermography, and high capacity test systems.

A look at how the high energy breaks, conductive debris, and ergonomic issues unique to composites testing can be resolved with proper equipment set up.

The evolution of carbon nanotube composites, as inspired by the Materials Genome Initiative, unlocks new potential for materials sustainability in challenging deep space applications. This article describes research and development work at the Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP), a NASA Space Technology Research Institute consortium. US-COMP has developed a novel composite material with mechanical properties per unit mass that exceed state-of-the-art structural composites.

Throughout its 100-year history, the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate has conducted groundbreaking critical research programs responsible for a multitude of technological advances. This article summarizes just a few of the significant achievements of the directorate during its history.

From graphene to next-generation composites to 3D printing, advanced materials and processes are helping sportswear manufacturers, sporting goods companies, and sports medicine practitioners take their game to the next level. This special report reviews some of the most innovative technologies making an impact on today’s sports and recreation industry. Technologies addressed include graphene used in sportswear, new production methods for carbon fiber composites, and 3D printed implants to address knee injuries.

Architected materials are a class of engineered materials carefully designed with an intricate arrangement of their internal structures. These materials leverage specific geometric patterns and configurations to impart tailored mechanical, thermal, or electromagnetic properties, giving rise to emerging functions and characteristics. This article reviews the characteristics and potential benefits of architected materials and describes a case study in which 3d printing was used to create lightweight aircraft runway mats with architected structures.