Airbus Industries Test Method

This chapter will first discuss fracture mechanics applications to polymer composites in aerospace, and then compile the different test methods by type of load. The industiy-specific fracture mechanics test procedures for FRP composites, such as the Airbus Industries Test Method (AITM) or Boeing Support Specification (BSS), are essentially based on test procedures developed by national or international standardization agencies. This will be followed by a section with literature data to highlight selected effects of processing and material layup and type. Further sections will discuss non-unidirectional reinforcement and testing under environmental conditions that are relevant to aerospace applications, and the chapter concludes with an outlook on materials and test development trends. 

It has been reported that the results obtained are dependent on the number of layers, or shearing interfaces, in the specimen. This may have technical and harmoni/ation implications for the Airbus Industries prEN 6031 version of this test method, which is the only one using 1mm thick specimens as opposed to 2mm in all others. It is recommended that the number of. shearing faces (c.g., interfaces) should be kept constant when indixidual ply thicknc.ss varies from the normal 0.125 mm plies. The test is not suitable for a wide range of PMCs. which prompted the recent development of the plate-twist test described below. 

Test Method, where available, shows the initials of the test-standards organisations, i.e. National -NF French DIN German BS UK ASTM USA, etc. International (ISO, EN, etc.) industry standards, e.g. Airbus, General Motors. Specification numbers for particular properties, if given, are stated in the Notes of each data sheet. 

Let us finish this long list by indicating that some very important industry leaders have also established specific test methods and their own specifications, for instance, BOEING and AIRBUS in aircraft construction or all the major automotive manufacturers. 

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