Method for Determining Temperature Dependence of Material Properties and Failures on the Meso-Scale

Abstract

Composite layup delamination and damage is caused by a number of phenomena, including manufacturing quality, environmental conditions, and loading history. Simulating the mechanical properties of these materials requires both advanced modeling and validation procedures; meso-scale materials testing equipment is fundamental to both qualitative and quantitative model generation and confirmation. Studying the small-scale effects with DIC and environmental control has thus far been quite difficult. Psylotech has recently developed an under-microscope compatible temperature chamber and bath module specifically for its μTS platform, a micro-scale universal load frame. The turnkey system enables efficient testing of composites (including separating the constituent polymer matrix material and reinforcement fibers) biological samples, shape-memory alloys, and other small-scale specimens exhibiting time-temperature dependence. Extreme dynamic sensor resolution enables studying wide changes in modulus and an advanced controller allows for complex waveforms with tight time-syncing to the image capture system. An example application including optical DIC analysis of composite layup failure will be presented.