Test methods for composites mechanical characterisation

The goal of every mechanical engineerig activity is to design and produce components that principally must operate in safe conditions. Hence the knowledge of the material behaviour and strength is an essential key. The latter aspect become more complex in dealing with metal matrix compostes materials than traditional ones, owing to the wider variety of the failure modes and the consequent difficulty in modelling their overall mechanical behaviour. In the present paper the Authors review the most important test methodology employed to characterize mechanical behaviour of composite materials: particular regard is given to the specimen preparation and to the related theoretical aspects that are essential to have cutious use of the results.