Design and realization of a three/four-point fatigue device for composite materials

Abstract

This project presents the design and realization of a low-cost fatigue testing machine for composite materials, capable of performing three-point and four-point bending tests. The device was developed to address the high cost and limited accessibility of commercial machines, especially in academic settings. A stepper motor with a rack-and-pinion system was used to apply cyclic loading, and finite element simulations verified the structural integrity. The machine components were manufactured using standard processes and include a modular design with customizable test parameters. It offers a practical solution for experimental study of flexural fatigue in composites.