Gigacycle 3-Point Bending Fatigue Test of CFRP Using Ultrasonic Fatigue Testing System

User Benefits

- Use of the ultrasonic fatigue testing system enables fatigue testing at 20kHz, making it possible to complete a fatigue test of 10⁹ cycles in about 14 hours. - A simple 3-point bending test of CFRP is possible using the ultrasonic fatigue testing system. - The condition of test pieces vibrating at 20 kHz can be observed with a high-speed video camera.

Introduction

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is known as a material with high specific strength/specific stiffness and is used in various industries, such as the transportation sector. In order to use CFRP as a structural material, from the viewpoint of long-term reliability and durability, it is necessary to evaluate fatigue, as fatigue is the main cause of structural failure. Although a 10⁹ cycle fatigue test requires several months with conventional fatigue testing machines, Shimadzu USF-2000A ultrasonic fatigue testing system allows fatigue testing at a frequency of 20kHz, making it possible to complete a 10⁹ cycle fatigue test in about 14 hours. Thus, use of the USF-2000A is an effective means of assessing long-term reliability and durability. This article introduces an example of a 3-point bending ultrasonic fatigue test of CFRP using the USF-2000A.

December 9, 2025 GMT