TWA 5
Polymer Composites
This TWA was formed as a recognition of the need to characterise and predict the mechanical behaviour of polymer composites under representative loading conditions. The original work program employed round robin testing studies in three project areas:
- Delaminational crack growth in both static and dynamic loading
- Creep
- Fatigue test methods
Completed projects:
- Measurement of Mode II fracture toughness
- Mechanical properties for fibre-matrix interface
- Multi-axial Properties of Polymer Composites
- Measurement of the glass transition, for providing information on the degree of cure
Current projects
- International through-thickness permeability and preform compressibility benchmark exercises
Projects to be considered for future work include: Through-thickness properties, damage tolerance, structural element tests, long-term durability, design database data, ultrasonics for NDE and elastic property measurements and processing properties.
More information
Michael Gower, NPL, UK (Chair)