Tension Load Fixture With 3D CT Imaging for Composite Crack Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test equipment is incapable of imaging microcracks and macrocracks within internal layers of composite materials, which are not visible on the surface, during fracture behavior evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A tension load fixture with a pair of tension arms and an imaging device that applies tension or loading forces to a specimen, allowing for in-situ computed tomography to measure crack length on a layer-by-layer basis and generate a three-dimensional image of the specimen, capturing damage modes and crack dimensions accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional test equipment is used to apply tension forces to the specimen, then the fracture behavior evaluation can be performed, but the equipment is incapable of imaging microcracks and macrocracks within internal layers of composite materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tension loading system with the computed tomography imaging system into an integrated testing apparatus. The specimen is positioned within the CT scanner's field of view while being subjected to tensile loads, allowing simultaneous mechanical testing and internal crack imaging without requiring separate equipment setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computed tomography as an intermediary imaging technique that penetrates the composite material to visualize internal cracks. The CT scanner acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between external loading and internal damage detection, enabling non-contact, non-destructive imaging of microcracks and macrocracks within the specimen's internal layers.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging device captures images from multiple angles to generate three-dimensional images, then the crack length measurement accuracy is improved, but the time required for evaluation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs computed tomography scanning at multiple predetermined load intervals during the tensile testing process, capturing three-dimensional images of the specimen at various stages of loading. This preliminary capture of data at standardized intervals allows for efficient post-processing and crack length measurement without requiring continuous scanning throughout the entire test duration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise measurement of crack lengths and damage modes within composite materials, improving crack length measurement accuracy and providing detailed data for improved sample population statistics.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging device is configured to rotate about a central axis of the tension load fixture that is proximate to the middle region of the specimen to facilitate the generation of a three-dimensional image of the middle region of the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A tension load fixture for applying tension or loading forces to a specimen comprises a pair of tension arms and an imaging device. The pair of tension arms are configured to releasably couple to opposite end regions of a specimen and to apply tension or loading forces to the specimen. The specimen is configured to be positioned between the pair of tension arms and defines a notch between the opposite end regions. The notch extends from a side of the specimen to a middle region of the specimen. The imaging device is configured to capture one or more images of the middle region and is configured to rotate about a central axis of the tension load fixture that is proximate to the middle region to facilitate generation of a three-dimensional image of the middle region as the specimen is subjected to tension or loading forces.