Determination of mechanical properties by using universal testing facilities
Structural components are exposed to mechanical stress, which requires a comprehensive characterization of the mechanical properties. Thus components can be tailored for their intended use. We can determine the following important key figures for the designer.
- stiffness, strength, toughness
- damage tolerance against cracks, notches and material defects
- mechanical behaviour at different temperatures
- relaxation, creep, hysteresis
All tests are performed on a calibrated universal testing device in accordance with accepted standards (DIN, ASTM, EN and ISO). The force-displacement diagrams are recorded using a PC and analyzed with software specially developed for this purpose.
Temperature ranges | |
for tensile tests | -150 °C to +1000 °C, at -196 °C (LN2) and at -269°C (LHe) |
for compression tests | -150 °C to +800 °C, at -196 °C (LN2) and at -269°C (LHe) |
for bending tests | -150 °C to +1100 °C, at -196 °C (LN2) and at -269°C (LHe) |
fracture mechanics | -150 °C to +1100 °C, at -196 °C (LN2) and at -269°C (LHe) |
Tensile and compression tests
- Determination of mechanical parameters
- Investigation of temperature behavior
- Force sensors for different force ranges available
- High-resolution, non-contact extensometer in use
Bending tests
- three-point bending tests on injection molded parts and fibre-reinforced composites
- Interlaminar shear strength of long fiber-reinforced plastics
- Four-point bending test of compact materials and sandwich structures
Varying moment curve at 3-point- and 4-point-bending test
(M=bending moment, IA=span lenght, Lv=effective span)
Determination of the critical stress intensity factor
Force-crack opening curve
Crack growth starts at fors FQ
- characterization of damage tolerance to defects
- determination of the E-modulus
- by normalization to the sample geometry, material-specific parameters are provided
Interlaminar fracture toughness
- probability of defects in fibre-reinforced plastics is higher than in homogeneous plastics
- the criteria of linear elastic fracture mechanics are not valid for fibre-reinforced plastics
- energy release rate characterizes the strength of the material