Combining Reliability and Flexibility – Testing Composites Up to 600 kN with ZwickRoell
Composites are fiber-reinforced materials made up of two components: fibers and the bonding agent that holds the fibers together. Tests performed on the materials are as diverse and extensive as the applications in which composites can be found.
Composites are often used in aircraft and vehicle construction to reduce their weight. Since the material must withstand extreme temperatures,tensile tests and compression tests are performed at temperatures of -60°C to +350°C. The testing technology for meeting international test standards is provided by ZwickRoell.
South Korea has national testing institutes that are responsible for testing a wide range of materials. Our customer Gyeongnam Technopark is a testing institute, specializing in tests on composites. Previously, the testing institute was able to primarily perform tests in lower force ranges.
With help from a government subsidy, Gyeongnam Technopark strengthened their testing competency and is now in a position to offer solutions for larger test loads up to 600 kN.
The Z600E and Z100 materials testing machines from ZwickRoell enable the testing institute to perform tests on composite materials according to established international standards. Using the proper test tools provides diverse and flexible application possibilities.
Testing composites
Tensile tests on composites are performed to various standards, for example to ASTM D3039-17, ISO 527-4, ASTM D3552-17, ASTM D5766 -11 or ASTM D6742-17.Here, the strength of the material or the specimen shape, among other characteristics, must be taken into consideration. Some specimens are pre-damaged (open hole), otherwise perforated specimens with screws are used (filled hole).
Compression tests are performed to standards such as ISO 14126, AITM 1.008, ASTM D6641, ASTM D6641 (HCCF), ASTM D6484 or ASTM D7137 (CAI).The shape of the specimen also varies with compression tests.
Special test tools can be positioned quickly and easily in the hydraulic, parallel-closing specimen grips. An alignment fixture guarantees precise insertion of the specimen. The temperature chamber ensures a homogeneous and stable test temperature of -60°C to +350°C. To determine the extension, the makroXtens sensor-arm extensometer or the videoXtens optical extensometer is used.
