Testing of composite materials in vehicle construction

Non-metallic materials, such as fiber composites, are becoming increasingly important in lightweight automotive construction and in alternative energy generation. Modern structural components of electric vehicles are made entirely of this material. The materials consist of a plastic matrix into which carbon or glass fibers are inserted to reinforce the material.

Continuous carbon fibers are mainly used for components subject to high mechanical stress. In addition to their low weight, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) also have very good mechanical properties, such as high stiffness and strength and low material fatigue.

However, the design optimized for the load situation in use and the subsequent production of the components must be carried out to a high technical standard to ensure that no failures occur in use. Production-related defects in the laminate, such as delaminations, undulations or voids, are difficult to detect from the outside and can lead to spontaneous failure of the component under load.

For this reason, extensive testing of composite materials is required in automotive engineering. SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS has many years of expertise in release testing and failure analysis of CFRP components.