Failure analysis of a toughened epoxy and unidirectional fiber reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC)

A Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) test part was mechanically loaded to validate the part stresses and failure location based on stress models. During testing, a crack formed in an area of the part where failure was not expected. Failure analysis investigation was performed to determine the crack origin, failure mode, and propagation direction. This presentation shows the failure analysis steps taken and the fracture morphology analysis used to provide data for root cause.