Method and apparatus for preparing specimens for destructive testing of graphite epoxy composite material

摘要

A method of preparing specimens of composite material for destructive testing is disclosed. A panel from which the specimens are to be cut is cut from a sheet of composite material. The panel is cut from the sheet by first cutting the sheet along a line to form an alignment edge. The alignment edge is placed against a fence and the panel is cut with a first saw blade to a predetermined width and length. A first set of pads is placed on a fitting, the pads being spaced apart by a predetermined distance by a plurality of pins extending from the fitting. The panel is placed on top of the pads. A second set of pads is placed on top of the panel. The fitting is clamped to a table. The table moves into the path of a second saw blade which cuts the panel in a first direction. The fitting is rotated and the table is moved into the path of the second saw blade again to cut the specimens. The smoothness of the surface cut by the second saw blade is significantly smoother than the smoothness of the first saw blade. Providing smooth surfaces on the specimen aids in ensuring that destructive testing of the specimen provides an accurate measure of the quality of the material.