Composites consist of two or more constituents, such as metals or fibers, and create a single material that has its own particular mechanical properties. Composites are everywhere in modern society due to their superior characteristics. With these types of properties, composites have found their way into a multitude of industries. The mobile phone or personal computer displaying this webpage will likely have composite components.
Knowing the parts that make up a composite is integral to supplying an industry and meeting their required specifications. Although computer simulations are becoming a more prominent, cheaper alternative to experimental testing, the values that are inputted into material testing simulations are found from real world experimental material characterization.
With our upper echelon facility and personnel, Sunstrand is able to meet demand and aid customers in designing materials for their applications, giving complete mechanical analyses, and recommendations with our material systems in order to fulfill customer requirements.
Using the ASTM testing standards Sunstrand measures individual fiber properties using tensile testing. The fibers contain the strength and stiffness, while the matrix binds the fibers into one cohesive unit and protects the fibers. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the strength characteristics of individual fibers that are to be embedded into the matrix system.
In order to understand the matrix-fiber interaction composite coupon testing, in accordance with ASTM standards, is conducted. Between the matrix and the fiber in a composite lies the interface, which is the area where the fiber and matrix exchange stresses from one another. Sunstrand characterizes this property using testing standards investigating interfacial shear stresses, in order to understand the interface of different matrix-fiber combinations. With this knowledge Sunstrand is able to treat fibers increasing any material property required of specifications. Beside tension testing, other composite testing includes impact, compression and UV degradation.