CompositesWorld
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12 CompositesWorld DESIGN & TESTING FEBRUARY 2016 testing and characterization programs. Traditional testing pyramids can be replaced with much simpler test programs, greatly reducing the cost and time associated with materials testing, thus reducing development costs (see Fig. 1, p. 10). A practical example would be the testing of a simple composite structural panel. Te testing procedures would generally require a full characterization of materials considered for the design, using multiple tests and laminate confgurations. Tis can lead to approximately 35 coupons per material, making the testing proce- dures costly and time-consuming. Using the Trace-based approach, we can signifcantly increase the number of tested material and laminate confgurations while reducing the total number of test speci- mens. Only uniaxial testing is required to characterize material. If we know axial properties, trace and other properties can be derived from the universal master material defnition. In conclusion, Trace-based scaling is a very powerful and efcient tool. It accelerates design and testing procedures for composite materials and parts almost exponentially. Trace theory, combined with CompoSIDE's modeling software, can facilitate the development of new composite applications while reducing the development times and costs (see Fig. 2, p. 11). Working with the Trace dimensionless laminate parameters and material has proved to be incredibly fast and intuitive, combining qualitative and quantitative data that open new doors to under- standing composite designs, making comparison of material or laminate performance almost immediate. Te selection of alterna- tive materials and laminates is visual and very efcient, and alter- native solutions can easily be tested at reduced cost. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Radek Michalik is one of the founders and the director of product development at CompoSIDE (Cowes, UK). Michalik has a principal role in CompoSIDE product development and the STRUCTeam engineering consultancy. He has experience both in composites design engineering and engineering software development and has held senior engineering and technical leadership positions within aerospace and composite material manufacturing OEMs. He was involved in projects involving high-performance composites, including America's Cup and architectural projects. He holds an MSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Warsaw University of Technology (Warsaw, Poland). Read this article and view an example of a Universal Laminate Factor Chart and additional graphics online | short.compositesworld.com/CompoTrace Read more about Dr. Tsai's Trace theory in "Overnight design allowables? An invariant-based method for accelerating aerospace certification testing" | short.compositesworld.com/TsaiCerTst Read more about Chomarat's C-Ply reinforcement in "Bi-angle fabrics find first commercial application" | short.compositesworld.com/8937KYrm A Strong Grip on Performance COR-Grip ® Adhesives and Compounds Whether your composite needs are for structural bonding, general fairing, gap filling or surface finishing, the COR-Grip line of products provide exceptional adhesion for a firm bond. COR-Grip also provides the flexural, tensile and compression properties you need – all at an economical cost. Our line of adhesives and compounds feature the superior strength, excellent bonding, low shrinkage and corrosion resistance that your applications require. They are designed for various markets including marine, transportation, corrosion and wind energy. The full line of products includes vinyl ester, isophthalic, fire retardant, and specialty putties and adhesives. For more information, call 1.800.736.5497 or visit www.interplastic.com .