Product dependability testing of polymer composite materials

Abstract

This research paper deals with a proposal of the most appropriate methodology for dependability testing of products used in transport industry. Dependability is a global concept that includes terms of availability, reliability, durability, maintainability, supportability, etc. An important part of dependability is to find limit states of studied object, which are for PCM characterized by fiber cracking and delamination. Based on these specific failures, Building-Block Approach (BBA), which allows a systematic approach is often used for evaluation of composite constructions. Dependability evaluation consists of analysis and tests. Tests are always very time-consuming and expensive, because dependability is a property of objects with the strong stochastic character and therefore it is necessary to perform numerous measurements. Conversely, the analysis itself without verification may not achieve the desired results. For every test, it is necessary to develop the test plan and determine whether it is possible to use shortened or accelerated test. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London.