Combination of methods

Abstract

The intent of this chapter is to demonstrate the synergetic effects that arise by suitable combinations of the in situ methods reviewed intensively in chaps. 3–6 as well as some additional methods not extensively discussed in the previous chapters. Still the main focus is on the application to in situ detection of failure mechanisms occurring in fiber reinforced composites under mechanical load. In this context, some method combinations are well established and are presented with reference to relevant literature. For other combinations, recent experimental developments have been made, which require a more detailed presentation. This chapter starts with a comparison of the established methods. Focus is given to the possibilities to distinguish between different failure types as well as to the sensitivity of the individual methods with respect to the size of the damage zone. The important aspect of portability from laboratory environments to field applications is discussed and practical technological scaling aspects as well as physical limitations of some of the methods are elucidated to provide an overview of possible field applications. Subsequently several method combinations and exemplary applications are presented to demonstrate the strength of some combinations. Finally, this chapter closes by providing an outlook on currently ongoing developments of the experimental methods that are likely having an impact on further applicability of the methods within the next decades.