New Zwick compression fixture and extended software improves composite testing

摘要

Zwick Roell, a leading supplier of test equipment to the fibre composite industry, has introduced the hydraulic composites compression fixture (HCCF), which improves specimen handling, enables different specimen geometries to be tested and guarantees reproducible results due to exact alignment. Found to deliver good results following tests carried out by a major European aircraft manufacturer in 2010, the HCCF was developed and patented by IMA MaterialforschungundAnwendungstechnik GmbH in Dresden, Germany. It is produced and marketed by Zwick. The compression test is one of the most important tests performed on carbon-fibre composite materials. However, it can be a challenging test to perform accurately because introducing the load to the specimen is problematic and flexure and stress peaks can easily lead to erroneous test results. The new HCCF from Zwick eliminates these problems and gives better control during tests. It enables shorter testing times, avoids errors and is very flexible, allowing different shapes of specimens to be tested. Compliant with the important Airbus AITM 1-0008 industry standard, the HCCF can also be used for notch compression tests (OHC, FHC) to AITM 1-0008.