MATERIALS I TESTING
there are a number of overarching issues concerning the testing of the characteristics and properties of composite structures. “We’re increasingly being called upon to help the aerospace industry with composite material properties and characteristics as we have a wealth of experience in this area that we’ve gained from other industries,” continues Abbs. “We’re helping our customers make informed material selection decisions for specific application areas throughout the aircraft. “For example, composite structure repair is not so straightforward. With metals, you simply cut one piece of metal out and weld another piece in, whereas you can’t do this with composite materials. Composite repair work requires something much more in-depth and complicated and can have a profound influence on the rest of the structure. There needs to be an understanding that a piece of composite material can’t be used in the same way as a piece of aluminium for example.”
A ring of confidence Abbs underlines the fact that while Exova can provide an interpretation of the test data and the advice, ultimately the final decision rests with the customer. It’s all about confidence, and the test data Exova offers its aerospace customers can help them formulate their own ideas and opinions. Most of Exova’s testing involves coupons or actual
components. If it’s an R&D project, then Exova will discuss the test results with the client, whereas a production release will usually require a conformance statement to say whether it does or does not meet the specification requirements. “One of our company values is integrity: we give our
customers the confidence that the data is reliable and that the advice we provide is borne out from years of experience and an understanding of composite structures,” Abbs clarifies. “Whilst we undertake a variety of mechanical, physical and non – destructive testing, the manufacture and test preparation of a composite test piece isn’t as straightforward as metallics.”
Location, location As well as a name change, the company has also undergone a geographical restructuring process. Exova’s sites in Bridgwater and Toulouse have become the main composites testing centres, complemented by European composites consultants. Following the approval by Nadcap for composites testing at
its Bridgwater laboratory, Exova has recently made significant investment in its composites testing capability at the site, with the purchase of new equipment, environmental control of all test laboratories for temperature and humidity. This investment along with relocation of current equipment has created a centralised composites testing resource, with increased capacity and fast turnaround. Feedback from customers in the aerospace division showed
that they would be happy for a range of composite testing to be located in one Exova laboratory to save time and cost
Wear and tear: Fatigue testing at Exova’s test laboratory
associated with transporting samples between laboratories. Investment in a Maxiem waterjet cutting centre, plus three
100kN fatigue frames and a dynamic mechanical analyser means Exova can now offer a one-stop shop for static, dynamic and physical composite testing. Further investment in Bridgwater during 2011 will see the introduction of higher load static testing capabilities. “We’ve positioned our test laboratories fairly close to the
major aerospace hubs,” explains Abbs. “Since the rebranding, we’ve strived to promote Exova and the fact that our aerospace division employs some of the world’s leading experts in composite structures. The locations are deliberate and the chief aim is to be close to these types of businesses in the aerospace sector.
“Therefore, we’re investing in both equipment and people
for the Toulouse and Bridgewater locations to support Exova’s prime clients, as well as their incumbent supply chains. Our overriding strategy has to be in maintaining a visibility of what will be happening in the future. The industry is already talking about the next generation of single aisle airliners, and we are expecting the major aircraft OEMs to announce that they will start developing new aircraft. Clearly, Exova will need to be well-positioned to take advantage of the potential in this
lucrative market as and when it happens.” ❙
www.exova.com
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