Specifications

Currently used in our test center

Equipment and expertise

Backed by several thousand test campaigns in support of development activities (validations, qualifications, certifications) within Sonaca's design office, the test center has developed recognized expertise in mechanical testing of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes. Our equipment and over a hundred tools enable us to carry out most of the international test standards ASTM, ISO, EN, NASM, etc., as well as standards specific to aerospace manufacturers such as AITM (Airbus), BATS (Bombardier), etc..

Contains tested on specimens

Our activities range from analyzing the test plan to drafting a suitable test specification, manufacturing and preparing test specimens or sub-components, instrumenting them (strain gauges, extensometers, temperature, pressure, etc.), carrying out the tests and writing a final engineering report. Our experience covers metallic materials, composites, hybrids, polymers, adhesives, sanwich panels, fasteners and inserts, coatings and surface treatments.

Testing capabilities on all types of materials

The development of composite materials for advanced next-generation structures has led us to expand our testing capabilities on CFRP materials: tension, compression (shear loading, end loading, combined loading), plane shear (±45°, V-Notch, Rail Shear), ILSS, bending, toughness, impact resistance (BVID), CAI, etc. We are equipped with testing machines enabling us to carry out static, fatigue, endurance and damage tolerance tests.

Solicitations and ranges

Our controllers can be programmed for any type of loading, enabling testing of sub-components subjected to stresses representative of their use in service (loading spectrum). We have ovens and climatic chambers (exposure of specimens to thermal aging, pre-conditioning in humidity, salt spray, etc.), as well as specific packaging equipment (RTCA-DO160, etc.). Our test temperature range extends from -150°C to +350°C.