Composites Testing

From protecting spacecraft from launch heat to stopping bullets in lightweight body armor - today’s advanced composites combine the desirable properties of ceramics, polymers, metals, glass, cellulose, and other materials to deliver strength, durability, and performance beyond the capabilities of any single material alone.   

What makes composite testing unique is that the strength and performance of these materials can change depending on the direction of the fibers, how the layers are arranged, and how the material breaks under stress. Testing requires specialized knowledge, experience, and equipment. Understanding of life cycle, fatigue and damage tolerance is critical to optimized designs for maximum performance and longevity.  At Element, our experts help you understand the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of each component before combining them, ensuring your materials will perform as required under real-world stresses, throughout their lifecycle. 

Element's composite testing services cover everything from raw material evaluation to finished product performance testing to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. We help you achieve enhanced product reliability, improved safety standards, and cost savings.  Our global network of state-of-the-art composite testing laboratories are equipped with multiple load frames and aligned hydraulic grips for even the most sophisticated projects. As active members of ASTM D30, ASTM C28, and CMH-17 committees, we stay at the forefront of composites testing methodologies. Our participation in these international standards organizations ensures your testing meets current industry requirements and helps minimize risk in your product development. 

Composite testing methods we support 

We can support your composite materials testing requirements, no matter how complex, using a wide range of methods, which include: 

• Composite curing autoclave 

• Composite damage tolerance 

• Composite fatigue testing (tension-tension, tension-compression, compression-compression, bending fatigue, fatigue crack growth) 

• Fracture toughness testing 

• Composite material testing 

• Composite sandwich panel testing 

• Fiber reinforced composite materials 

• Mechanical testing of composites 

• Open hole compression testing 

• Shear testing of composites 

• Tensile testing of composites 

• Raw materials testing (density, resin/fiber/void content, volatile content, flow rate, fiber areal weight, pre-preg areal/adhesive film weight) 

• Out time and shelf life evaluation 

• Qualification and Allowables Testing