Compression after impactCAI

A composite damage-tolerance test in which a laminate panel is first subjected to a controlled impact and then loaded in compression to failure to measure its retained strength. It matters because barely visible impact damage can markedly reduce compressive strength; ASTM D7137 is a widely used method.

Related terms

Delamination

Separation of the plies within a laminate, caused by impact, manufacturing defects, fatigue or moisture ingress. Because it can spread unseen beneath an undamaged surface and sharply reduces compressive strength, delamination is a primary target of non-destructive inspection.

Composites & laminatesAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Ultrasonic testing

A non-destructive method that sends high-frequency sound pulses into a material and analyses the reflected or transmitted signals to detect internal flaws and measure thickness. In composites it is the principal technique for finding delaminations, voids and disbonds, applied by pulse-echo or through-transmission scanning.

Testing & standardsAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Charpy impact test

A pendulum impact test in which a notched or unnotched bar specimen, supported at both ends, is struck by a swinging hammer and the energy absorbed in fracture is measured. It is used to compare the toughness of plastics, composites and metals; the plastics version is standardised in ISO 179.

Testing & standardsMaterials science (general)AerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

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