Mechanical and non-destructive testing of composites

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SED Research is a Canadian small business which develops large satellite communication antennas comprised**of composite materials. During formation, the applied pressure and time have been recognized as critical**components in the formation of undesired pores in the satellite, which degrade mechanical properties such as**stiffness and strength. As composite materials are becoming lighter in weight and smaller (thinner) in size, the**importance of identifying the location, amount and effect of these porosities on mechanical performance is**critical for ensuring a reliable product. In addition to considering composite integrity, composites also need to**be bonded together, which can be a site of failure.**The overall goal of this NSERC Engage Grant is to aid SED Research with assessing the mechanical**properties of their composites and adhesive joints under different preparation approaches. The secondary goal**is to determine whether non-invasive testing can be used to predict said mechanical properties. To accomplish**these goals, we will perform mechanical tests using industry-standard testing protocols to measure mechanical**properties. Prior to mechanical testing, we will use non-destructive testing on the samples (high resolution**computed tomography and ultrasonic testing). Acquired outcomes from non-destructive testing will then be**related with mechanical properties, with the aim of developing non-invasive predictions of composite**mechanical properties.**Composites are gaining interest in almost every engineering structure used in Canada, ranging from aircraft**and spacecraft to automobiles and chemical processing equipment. The in-service performance of these**composites are linked to settings used in the manufacturing process. We anticipate that this study will shed**light on the links between manufacturing parameters and mechanical performance of composites, and result in**optimized manufacturing settings which will reduce imperfections and enhance performance. These results will**be beneficial in reducing the economic burden attributed to early failure of composites.