Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), commonly known as carbon, are characterized by their high strength combined with low weight. These properties make them ideal for applications in aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries. However, due to their anisotropic structure—meaning they exhibit greater strength and stiffness in the direction of the fibers compared to transverse loads—it is essential to test the mechanical properties of CFRP materials under different loading directions.

Testing Under Different Load Directions

To comprehensively assess the mechanical properties, the inspekt 250kN universal testing machine from Hegewald & Peschke can perform various testing methods, including tensile, bending, and compression tests. These tests are particularly important as bending tests often provide more accurate results when the material's stiffness is high, and a tensile test alone is not sufficient to determine relevant material properties.

Temperature-Dependent Testing

CFRP materials are often exposed to extreme temperature conditions in their fields of application, such as in aerospace or automotive industries. Therefore, it is crucial to perform tests under varying temperatures to evaluate the material's performance in real-world scenarios. By integrating a temperature chamber into the testing machine, stress tests can be conducted at temperatures ranging from -70°C to +350°C. This allows for a reliable assessment of the material's properties under diverse thermal conditions.

Precise Strain Measurement with Video Extensometer

To accurately measure strain both inside and outside the temperature chamber, a video extensometer is used. The optical measurement principle of this system enables non-contact and thus non-destructive strain measurement, even in the case of brittle material behavior.

Flexible Handling with Hydraulic Clamping Fixtures

The use of hydraulic clamping fixtures ensures optimal sample clamping, preventing distortions in test results. All testing tools are designed for a maximum test force of 250 kN, providing a wide range of testing methods and making the machine highly versatile.

Conclusion

With the inspekt 250kN universal testing machine, complemented by temperature chambers and video extensometers, comprehensive and precise mechanical testing on CFRP samples can be conducted. This provides an ideal solution for evaluating material properties in demanding application areas.