June 2008

Conference Paper

Observation of Composite Materials Using Coupled Mechanical Testing and Computed Tomography

By:
Kunc, Vlastimil ; Erdman III, Donald L; Frame, Barbara J; Norris Jr, Robert E; Case, Scott
Page Number:
422
Book Title:
SEM XI International Congress & Exposition on Experimental & Applied Mechanics Proceedings
Publication Date:
June 2008
Publisher Location:
SEM, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Conference Name:
SEM XI International Congress & Exposition on Experimental & Applied Mechanics
Conference Location:
Orlando, Florida, United States of America

Abstract

A coupled load frame and x-ray micro-tomography unit was used to observe damage processes occurring within model composite specimens subjected to mechanical loading. These specimens consisted of two tows of glass fiber in the form of bound loops within an epoxy matrix of cylindrical form with 3-mm diameter cross-section. Computed tomography reconstruction was used to investigate internal structure of the specimens under load. This reconstruction revealed internal cracking and progressive failure in several experiments.