Mechanical characterization of plastics, rubber, and composites - as input data for simulations

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Obtain test-based material models for your polymers, plastics, rubber, and composites - from static and dynamic testing to finalized model parameters and fatigue life assessments.

Material characterization is the foundation for reliable FEA simulations. Without accurate material data, you risk simulations that fail to reflect reality. This can lead to improper dimensioning, unnecessary prototypes, and delays in the development process.

Danish Technological Institute performs static, dynamic, and cyclic testing of polymers, plastics, rubber, and composites under controlled conditions. We convert the results into material models and fatigue life assessments that you can use directly in your FEA software - from validated raw data to ready-to-use model parameters and S-N curves.

How can Danish Technological Institute assist you?

We offer material characterization that covers the entire process from test planning to simulation-ready data:

Tensile testing and compression testing at various temperatures and strain rates
Creep testing and stress relaxation for time-dependent material behavior
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) to determine viscoelastic properties
Cyclic testing and fatigue testing to assess material behavior under repeated loading
Generation of S-N curves (Wöhler curves) for fatigue life assessment
Characterization under varying temperatures, rates, frequencies, and loading conditions
Material model fitting for your specific FEA software and simulation setup
Data delivery - either raw data, processed datasets, or finalized model parameters
Consultancy on the selection of material models, test strategies, and fatigue life assessment

All testing is conducted in our DANAK-accredited laboratory using fully traceable and calibrated systems - whether for standardized testing or a customized test program.

You can read more about our standardized work via the link below – for example, it can be based on ISO 527 and ISO 604, which describe the principles for tensile testing and compression testing, respectively.
Accredited testing of plastic materials

Why is accurate material characterization crucial?

An FEA simulation is only as good as the material data on which it is built. Standard data sheets from material suppliers typically specify only basic mechanical properties at a single temperature and strain rate. This is rarely sufficient when you need to simulate realistic material behavior under the actual conditions your product will experience.

trækprøve animation Polymers, plastics, rubber, and composites exhibit complex material behavior – including non-linear elasticity, viscoelasticity, creep, and temperature dependency. Correct characterization of these properties provides you with a simulation basis that reduces the need for physical prototypes and increases confidence in your design decisions.

From test data to simulation model

Danish Technological Institute delivers more than just test results - we help you convert data into usable material models. You can choose the exact delivery tier that fits your needs:

Raw data: Test results that your own simulation team can work with directly.
Processed data: Cleaned and processed datasets ready for model fitting.
Finalized model parameters: Material cards with fitted parameters ready to be imported directly into your FEA software.

This flexibility makes it possible to tailor the delivery to your internal competencies and workflow - whether you have a dedicated simulation team or need a turnkey material model.

Dynamic testing and fatigue testing

Many products are subjected not only to static loads, but to repeated, cyclic stresses over time. Under dynamic loading, polymers and composites can exhibit significantly different behavior compared to static loading - including self-heating, changes in stiffness, and progressive damage accumulation.

Danish Technological Institute performs cyclic testing and fatigue testing that map how your material behaves under repeated loading at relevant temperatures, frequencies, and stress levels. The results provide you with a realistic baseline for evaluating product durability and service life - and for modeling fatigue behavior in your FEA simulations.

Fatigue life assessment and S-N curves

An S-N curve - also known as a Wöhler curve - describes the relationship between cyclic stress amplitude and the number of cycles to failure. The S-N curve is a key tool for fatigue life assessment and the dimensioning of components exposed to cyclic loading.

Danish Technological Institute generates S-N curves based on systematic fatigue testing of your specific material. The curves can be used to:

Assess expected fatigue life under known operating loads
Dimension components against fatigue failure
Define safety margins in product development
Benchmark candidate materials on an objective basis

For polymers and composites, fatigue life assessment is particularly relevant because fatigue properties often depend heavily on temperature, frequency, and loading mode – factors rarely covered by standard data sheets.

Materials and test conditions

Danish Technological Institute has experience with the characterization of a wide range of polymer-based materials, including:

Thermoplastics (e.g., PA, PP, PE, POM, PEEK)
Thermosets and epoxy
Elastomers and rubber
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, TPU)
Fiber-reinforced composites

Testing can be performed at varying temperatures, strain rates, frequencies, and loading modes, ensuring that the material model accurately reflects the actual operating conditions of your product. The test program is designed in dialogue with you to target the specific conditions critical to your application.

Contact us regarding material characterization

Do you need accurate material data for your FEA simulations? Contact Danish Technological Institute, and let us discuss your material, loading conditions, and delivery requirements - and design a test program that provides you with the right foundation for simulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is material characterization for FEA simulation?

Material characterization for FEA simulation is the systematic mechanical testing of a material under controlled conditions. The purpose is to generate data that can be converted into a mathematical material model describing the material's behavior in an FEA calculation. The model is essential for the reliability and accuracy of the simulation.

Why are standard data sheets insufficient for FEA simulation?

Standard data sheets typically provide only a few mechanical properties at a single temperature and strain rate. Polymers, rubber, and composites exhibit complex behavior – including non-linear elasticity, viscoelasticity, and temperature dependency – which requires dedicated testing to be accurately represented in a material model.

Which materials can Danish Technological Institute characterize?

Danish Technological Institute characterizes polymers, plastics, rubber, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, and fiber-reinforced composites. Testing is tailored to the specific material and relevant loading conditions.

Which test methods are used for material characterization?

Typical test methods include tensile testing, compression testing, creep testing, stress relaxation, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and cyclic fatigue testing. The tests can be conducted across varying temperatures, strain rates, and frequencies to cover the material's actual operational envelope.

Can Danish Technological Institute deliver ready-to-use model parameters for my FEA software?

Ja. Teknologisk Institut kan levere alt fra rå testdata til færdige, fittede modelparametre, der kan importeres direkte i jeres FEM-software. Leveranceniveauet tilpasses jeres behov og interne kompetencer.Yes. Danish Technological Institute can deliver everything from raw test data to finalized, fitted model parameters that can be imported directly into your FEA software. The level of delivery is tailored to your requirements and internal expertise.

What is an S-N curve, and what is it used for?

An S-N curve - also known as a Wöhler curve - shows the relationship between stress amplitude and the number of cycles to failure. The curve is used for fatigue life assessment and the dimensioning of components exposed to repeated loading. For polymers and composites, the S-N curve is particularly important because fatigue properties depend heavily on temperature and loading conditions.

When is fatigue testing relevant for polymers and composites?

Fatigue testing is relevant whenever a product is subjected to repeated or cyclic loading in service – such as vibrations, pressure fluctuations, or cyclic mechanical stress. Polymers and composites can degrade significantly over time under cyclic loading, even at stress levels well below their static ultimate strength.

How long does a material characterization take?

This depends on the material type, the number of test conditions, and the required delivery level. Static tests can typically be completed relatively quickly, whereas fatigue testing and the generation of S-N curves require longer test runtimes. Contact Danish Technological Institute for a specific estimate of the timeframe for your project.