Method Development of Compression Static Test Through Finite Element Modelling Optimisation

Due to incorrect failure during experimental characterisation of high-performance composites, full potential is not measured or correctly obtained using standardised test methods. Structural effects, stress concentrations, experimental uncertainties, and several other parameters influence and interact with the material’s performance. Investigations of the geometry, size, and test conditions are needed to obtain a representative and repeatable method. An entire experimental approach is not appropriate due to the complexity of the involved phenomena. For this matter, models are efficient tools to support the development of new methods and designs to tackle encountered experimental issues. This study exposes a dialogue approach between experimental observations and model feedback information to assist in developing a new testing specimen geometry. The steps presented for a 5 mm thick unidirectional pultruded carbon fibre profile led to a new specimen shape with a resulting improved measured compressive strength of 3 %.