Gower, M R L; Sims, G D (2003) Fibre-reinforced plastic composites - qualification of composite materials. Measurement Good Practice Guide. 64

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Abstract

Both composite suppliers and end-users are affected by the high cost of composite materials qualification. Qualifying a product against different user specifications, introducing new materials and finding data for materials selection and preliminary design can all be prohibitively costly due to repetition of testing.
This Measurement Good Practice Guide presents a Standard Qualification Plan (SQP) aimed at reducing the substantial costs involved in qualifying fibre-reinforced plastic composite materials. The SQP satisfies the minimum common requirements necessary to allow initial materials selection, quality control and preliminary design to be undertaken. Specifically, it provides guidance on test method selection, panel and specimen preparation and machining, specimen sampling, conditioning and test environments, and statistical analysis of measured data. The results of an associated round-robin validation exercise are briefly presented demonstrating the suitability and robustness of test methods included in the SQP.
Collaboration with and support from national regulatory authorities such as the CAA is required, to encourage widespread use of the SQP. In addition, international collaboration (i.e. with the FAA) is key for harmonisation of qualification procedures.

Item Type:	Report/Guide (Measurement Good Practice Guide)
Notes:	NPL made every effort to ensure all information contained in this Good Practice Guide was correct at time of publication. NPL is not responsible for any errors, omissions or obsolescence, and does not accept any liability arising from the use of these Good Practice Guides.
Subjects:	Advanced Materials Advanced Materials > Composites
Last Modified:	23 Feb 2026 09:51
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/2661