Material Science and Characterization


We bring in-depth experience in designing and executing material testing protocols ranging from fundamental property evaluation to advanced failure characterization across metals and composites. Our work informs both design validation and component lifing strategies.

Testing Capabilities:

  • Static Tensile Tests, both notched and smooth specimens, to establish base ductility and strength properties

  • Uniaxial and Sub-Component Fatigue Testing for life prediction of full-scale structures

  • Biaxial Blade-Root Fatigue Tests to assess initiation under combined loading—suitable for rotating machinery applications

  • Fracture Toughness and Crack Growth Testing, using compact tension (CT) specimens in accordance with ASTM E399 “Standard Test Method for Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials”

  • Buckling Resistance Tests following ASTM E8510, “Standard Test Method for Measuring Buckling Strength of Sheet Metal Components”.

  • Compression After Impact (CAI) Testing in line with ASTM D7137, “Standard Test Method for Compressive Residual Strength Properties of Damaged Polymer Matrix Composite Plates”.

  • Low-Velocity Impact (LVI) Testing per ASTM D7136, “Standard Test Method for Measuring the Damage Resistance of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite to a Drop-Weight Impact Event”.

  • Ballistic Testing using recognized ASTM protocols—such as ASTM F2958, “Standard Test Method for Evaluating Penetration and Perforation Resistance of Materials”.

  • Open-Hole Tension and Compression Testing to gauge strength degradation in composite laminates under stress concentration

  • Full Material Characterization of composites, including Continuous Fiber Reinforced (CFRP), Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC), and Metal Matrix Composites (MMC), using both standard and tailored methodologies

Advanced Data Processing:

We proficiently handle strain gauge measurements, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) outputs, and other sensor-based datasets—providing robust post-test analysis to feed into simulation and lifing models.

Diagram showing the crystal structures of austenite, ferrite, and cementite alongside a phase diagram of iron-carbon alloys with temperature in Celsius and atomic percentage or weight percentage of carbon.
Close-up of three textured, metal matrix composite components
A phase diagram showing the relationship between temperature, composition, and phases of titanium alloy Ti-6Al, with lines indicating temperature thresholds at 1050°C, 850°C, 800°C, and 650°C, including phase regions labeled alpha (α), beta (β), and
Four black and white scanning electron microscope images showing cross-sections of layered material structures at different magnifications, with red boxes highlighting specific areas and arrowheads pointing to features.
Close-up view of a ceramic matrix composite component.
Scanning electron microscope images of a cylindrical sample showing surface defects, unmelted powder, porous structure, and lack of fusion in the material.
Close-up image of a part showing a fast fracture and a fatigue crack propagation with initiation point, with 15mm scale for size reference.
Close-up of a circular structure showing a fast fracture, a fatigue crack propagation, and initiation points, with a 20mm scale for size reference.