Metrology Lab Report

Metrology Lab Report: Mechanical Properties of Fiber Composite Material
Page 1
1. Introduction
This report details the experimental determination of mechanical properties of a fiber
composite material. The objective was to measure key mechanical characteristics using three
standard testing methods: compression, tensile, and bending tests. While the compression and
tensile tests yielded quantifiable results, the bending test was inconclusive due to sample
preparation issues. The results obtained provide insights into the material's strength and
behavior under different loading conditions.
2. Experimental Procedure
The experiments were conducted using a universal testing machine. Three different specimens
were prepared from the same fiber composite material batch for each test.
2.1 Compression Test:
 Specimen Dimensions: 25 mm x 25 mm x 10 mm
 Procedure: A specimen was placed between the compression platens of the universal
testing machine. The load was applied at a controlled rate until failure. The load at
failure and the corresponding strain were recorded.
 Result: The specimen failed at a load of 17.5 kN. (Note: The strain at failure needs to be
included here if it was measured. Also, the type of failure needs to be described – e.g.,
brittle fracture, shear failure, etc.)
2.2 Tensile Test:
 Specimen Dimensions: 165 mm x 9 mm x 4 mm
 Procedure: The specimen was gripped securely in the tensile grips of the universal
testing machine. The load was applied at a controlled rate until failure. The load at
failure and the corresponding strain were recorded.
 Result: The specimen failed at a load of 11 kN. (Note: Again, the strain at failure and the
type of failure are crucial data points to include. A description of the failure location
(e.g., in the middle, near a grip) is also helpful.)
2.3 Bending Test:
 Specimen Dimensions: (Dimensions should be specified here. Since the test was
unsuccessful, it's important to note the intended dimensions.)
 Procedure: A three-point bending test was intended. However, due to imperfections in
sample preparation (specify the imperfections, e.g., cracks, uneven thickness), the test
could not be completed. The test was abandoned to avoid obtaining unreliable or
misleading data.
3. Data Analysis and Results
The following calculations are crucial for a complete analysis. These values are missing from
your initial description and are essential for a comprehensive report. You will need to calculate
these values based on your recorded data and the machine's calibration:
 Compression Test:
o Compressive Strength: Load at failure / Cross-sectional area (17.5 kN / (25mm *
25mm) = X MPa)
o Compressive Strain: (Change in length / Original length) – Needs to be calculated
from the machine's data.
o Compressive Modulus: (Stress / Strain) – Requires both stress and strain values.
 Tensile Test:
o Tensile Strength: Load at failure / Cross-sectional area (11 kN / (165mm * 4mm)
= Y MPa)
o Tensile Strain: (Change in length / Original length) – Needs to be calculated from
the machine's data.
o Tensile Modulus: (Stress / Strain) – Requires both stress and strain values.
Page 2
4. Discussion
The compression test revealed a compressive strength of X MPa (calculated above). The tensile
test yielded a tensile strength of Y MPa (calculated above). The significant difference between
the compressive and tensile strengths highlights the anisotropic nature of the fiber composite
material, meaning its properties vary depending on the direction of the applied load. This is
expected in fiber-reinforced composites due to the alignment of the fibers.
The failure of the tensile specimen at 11kN and the compression specimen at 17.5 kN indicates
a higher resistance to compressive loads compared to tensile loads. The type of failure observed
in each test (brittle, ductile, etc.) would provide further insights into the material's fracture
mechanisms. A detailed description of the failure modes is crucial here. Microscopic
examination of the fracture surfaces could provide additional information.
The unsuccessful bending test underscores the importance of proper sample preparation in
material testing. Imperfections in the specimen can significantly affect the test results, leading
to inaccurate or unreliable data. The specific imperfections encountered should be described to
highlight the importance of meticulous sample preparation techniques.
5. Conclusion
This experiment successfully determined the compressive and tensile strengths of the fiber
composite material. The results show a clear difference in strength under compression and
tension, indicative of the material's anisotropic nature. The failure to conduct the bending test
highlights the critical role of proper specimen preparation in obtaining meaningful and reliable
results. Further investigation, including microscopic analysis of the fracture surfaces, could
provide a more complete understanding of the material's mechanical behavior.
6. Recommendations for Future Work
 Repeat the bending test with meticulously prepared specimens to obtain reliable
bending strength data.
 Conduct further tests to investigate the material's behavior under different loading
conditions and at various temperatures.
 Perform microscopic analysis of the fracture surfaces to understand the failure
mechanisms.
 Investigate the influence of fiber orientation on the mechanical properties.
7. References
(List any relevant references used, such as material datasheets or textbooks)
8. Appendix
(Include any relevant raw data, calculations, or images here. This should include tables of the
raw data from the testing machine for both the compression and tensile tests.)
Remember to replace the placeholders (X MPa, Y MPa) with the actual calculated values.
Include all relevant data and observations from your experiment. The more detail you provide,
the better your report will be. Pay close attention to the units used throughout the report and
maintain consistency.
Share

Metrology Lab Report

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Metrology Lab Report

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Metrology Lab Report

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Metrology Lab Report: Mechanical Properties of Fiber Composite Material

You might also like