A succesful project begins with a robust understanding of the components structural, functional and environmental requirements. In addition to this, composite materials exhibit a range of diverse failure modes and “pyramid of tests” approach is necessary in order to break down the complexity of highly integrated systems into its elementary building blocks. This methodology is very widely implemented and understood in the aerospace industry but relatively new to others. DES COMPOSITES can help you with deploying the method into any specific application starting from material coupons level testing up to full system level. Defining the “Pyramid of tests” is crucial in order to achieve a predictive FE model and therefore a fully validated design. Working in collaboration with a network of qualified testing laboratories, DES COMPOSITES typically delivers the full test plan package.
This document contains all detailed information that is necessary to achieve a successful component design. Although in many cases this document is supplied by the client, DES COMPOSITES can support the definition of the functional, structural and environmental critical envelop particularly when the dealing with highly innovative applications.
The start of the process is the definition of the full Pyramid of Tests beginning with Material coupon level tests used to determine materials properties and design allowables for the specific application. At this stage, design criteria are also established that will be used throughout the engineering process. Depending on the complexity of the application, the pyramid of tests will also define the necessary features-level and system-level testing requirements. A clear set of objectives for each test and a test plan is also generated.
When dealing with complex applications, one of the major challenges is how to test features and sub-system prototypes. The problem of how to restrain and feed loads into these purpose-build structural prototype elements is key. For example, restraint-induced failures are often in danger of collapsing the test element in non-representative fashions. Being aware of the difficult nature of these tests and planning the necessary simulation work, prototype design and test jigs design are the key activities that are implemented to achieve a succesfull prototype test.
- 3D laser scan with texture
- 3D displacements/deformations live mapping and post processing check with GOM ARAMIS
- Prototypes 3D printing
