LFI undertakes the forensic investigation of incidents involving the failure, damage or degradation of ceramic, metal and polymer matrix composite components and structures.

Composite materials, either with a ceramic, metal or polymer ‘matrix’, are used in diverse applications such as storage vessels (e.g. made from Glass Reinforced Plastic, GRP), aerospace components, sporting goods (e.g. carbon fibre bicycle frames and components) and automotive components.

LFI applies its expertise in the examination, testing and characterisation of composite materials in order to determine the cause(s) of damage, failure or degradation.

Typical causes or factors in such incidents may include:

A materials or manufacturing-related defect, such as contamination, inclusions, voids or moulding defects
Mechanical failure, e.g. excessive or unintended loading
Oxidative, environmental or chemical attack and degradation
Improper design or materials selection

Some examples of the types of incidents we investigate are:

The collapse of a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) storage tank due to environmental embrittlement
The fracture of a carbon fibre bicycle fork component
The fatigue failure of an aluminium metal matrix composite (MMC) cylinder liner

Get in touch

If you feel you have a case that involves a composite material, or if you want to understand more about what we do in this area then please contact LFI to discuss your enquiry and how we may be able to assist you.

Alernatively, you can find our details on our contact us page.