Cantilever Test Research Articles

Fluid-Structure Interaction Analyses for Hydro-Elastic Tailoring of a Windsurfer Fin

A fully iterative ‘two-way’ fluid-structure interaction (FSI) tool of a commercially available composite windsurfer fin was developed, which was then used to investigate the normally hidden fin behaviour for a range of typical sailing conditions. The ‘two-way’ FSI analysis gave significantly better insights into the fin behaviour than the simpler ‘one-way’ non-iterative analysis. The tool also indicated that hydro-elastic tailoring, via simple reinforcement ply rotations, can produce large changes in tip twist. This gives an opportunity for both improved passive control and higher speeds, without deviating from a hydrodynamically optimal plan form. Inexpensive cantilever tests appear to be sufficient to make qualitative comparisons between the sailing responses of fins with different layups.

Polymer Foam Concrete FC500 Material Behavior and Its Interaction in a Composite Structure with Standard Cement Concrete Using Small Scale Tests.

This paper focuses on the investigation of the material properties of FC500 foam concrete. Innovation is very important for the solution of cast-in-place concrete forms in practice today. Part of its innovative construction application is the possibility of using foam concrete in a composite structure and the use of its mechanical properties in the load-bearing parts of civil engineering structures. The method of detecting the mechanical properties of foam concrete by using non-standard cantilever test is also innovative. Here, an advanced approach of modelling specimens using powerful computational systems based on the finite element method is used. This modern material is researched especially for its use in transportation structures. For its application, it is necessary to define its resistance to mechanical loads. The main content of the research consists of correlations between experimental measurements and analytical and numerical results. This is the principle of quasi-linear identification of the non-linear behavior of polymeric cementitious porous material during tests on specimens. The focus of the research is an extensive experiment: measurements of the deformation of the specimens until failure. The following methods were chosen to investigate the material properties: small cantilever test, standard tensile test and compression test. The cantilever test was performed for the individual components of the FC500 composite and cement concrete, but also as a compact composite. Numerical simulation models were developed to correlate the individual results in order to validate the uniaxial test results. The conclusions of the research led to the definition of standardized stress–strain diagrams of the FC500 material for compression and especially tension. This is a definition of the behavior of this polymer composite, usable for the development of numerical models of full-scale structures. The results of the research will be applied in the development of national standards for the use of advanced materials in transportation structures (cycle paths, parking lots, traffic playgrounds, lightly trafficked forest roads and trails, etc.).

Flexural behavior of clad rack beam-to-column bolted connections at high temperatures

The fire resistance of beam-to-column connections affects the safety of clad racks under fire conditions. However, existing research lacks studies on the behavior of these special connections at high temperatures. This study investigates the fire resistance of clad rack beam-to-column bolted connections (CRBCs). Firstly, single cantilever tests of CRBCs at temperatures of 20 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C are carried out. The failure modes of the CRBCs at 600 °C and below are identical to that at ambient temperature, while the failure mode at 700 °C is different. The stiffness and strength of the CRBCs decrease with the increasing temperature. Subsequently, an FE model considering the high-temperature metal fracture is established, which can accurately simulate the typical failure mechanisms and satisfactorily predict the full range moment-rotation behavior of CRBCs. Furthermore, parametric analyses are conducted to investigate the influences of related parameters on the failure mechanism, initial rotational stiffness, and flexural capacity of CRBCs. Finally, theoretical models based on the component method are established for calculating the initial rotational stiffness and flexural capacity of CRBCs at high temperatures, respectively. The comparison of the theoretical model, experimental results, and numerical results indicates that the theoretical model can accurately calculate the mechanical properties of CRBCs at high temperatures. The findings of this study can provide a reference for the analysis and design of the fire resistance of clad rack structures.

Comprehending the Bending: A Comparison of Different Test Setups for Measuring the Out-of-Plane Flexural Rigidity of a UD Fabric

To simulate the forming process of a unidirectional (UD) glass fiber non-crimp fabric (NCF) for wind turbine blades, the fabric material needs to be characterized. In this way, input to the material model of the simulation can be generated. One important deformation to characterize is the out-of-plane bending. A number of test setups have been described in the literature but it is not clear which setup is more appropriate for the UD NCF under consideration. Therefore, five different out-of-plane bending test setups are compared and discussed, namely Peirce's cantilever test (with an inclined plane), the free-hanging cantilever test, a vertical cantilever test, a rotary rheometer bending test and a buckling test. For the latter an inverse modeling approach is developed. The test results shows that similar flexural rigidities can be computed from the different test setups but that some values are sensitive to the parameters used in the data processing techniques.

Mechanisms of ballistic performance enhancement in silica nanoparticle-treated kevlar fabric

Treating Kevlar fabric with silica nanoparticles is known to augment its mechanical properties, especially under shear deformation. Silica nanoparticle-treated Kevlar (SNK) fabric could therefore display improved ballistic performance. In this study, the ballistic performance of SNK with various percentages by weight of nanoparticle addition and number of layers is evaluated using compressed air gun experiments. A colloid-based treatment procedure is used to impregnate dry silica nanoparticles into the fabric. Addition of nanoparticles provided about 17.3% mass advantage (due to three fewer layers) for the 40 wt.% SNK vis-à-vis neat Kevlar for the non-penetrative case. SEM imaging reveals that at higher treatment levels the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate in the interstitial spaces of yarn crossover points, which helps better engage secondary yarns away from the impact location of the projectile. A semi-empirical model is developed to capture the influence of treatment level and number of layers on the kinetic energy absorbed by SNK. The flexibility of SNK is tested using a fixed cantilever test that avoids the sliding of the sample between flat plates used in standardized tests, which tends to dislodge the nanoparticles. The measured tip deflection angle decreases from 33o for the neat fabric to 19o for the 40 wt.% SNK. The flexural rigidities educed using digital image analysis range from 48.9 μNm2 for the neat fabric to 113.7 μNm2 for the 40 wt.% case. SNK could potentially enable multifunctional structural solutions in applications related to personal protective gear, military vehicle hulls and impact shielding of space structures.

Characterizing the macroscopic response and local deformation mechanisms of a unidirectional non-crimp fabric

The macroscopic response and local deformation mechanisms of a warp stitched heavy-tow unidirectional non-crimp fabric (UD-NCF) was characterized. Quasi-static uniaxial tests captured the fabric in-plane longitudinal, transverse, and shear deformation response where digital image correlation was employed. The fabric bending response was captured through modified cantilever tests. Off-axis extension tests conducted along 30°, 45° and 60° bias directions revealed that extension and contraction of the polyester stitching web and resulting transverse compression of the carbon fiber tows and inter-tow sliding were the dominant local deformation mechanisms. At a bias angle of 30°, the extent of inter-tow sliding increased when compared to a bias angle of 45° leading to earlier onset of fabric shear locking, while at a bias angle of 60° shear locking also occurred sooner. Shear angle maps and strain profiles at different bias angles further revealed the notable inter-dependency between the fabric shear, longitudinal and transverse deformations, which was governed by the interactions between the stitching and carbon fiber tows. The distinct out-of-plane bending behavior of the fabric reinforcement along longitudinal and transverse directions was also captured and quantified. The study provided a comprehensive characterization of the UD-NCF, which is critical for the development of constitutive models.

Comparison of Cantilever, Heart Loop and Circular Bending Test Methods in Determining the Bending Behaviours of Sewn Woven Polyester Fabrics

Fabrics are cut and sewn to form 3-dimensional end-products. Bending rigidity is one of the properties that should be interpreted for sewn fabrics as it can affect drape, appearance and sensorial comfort of a garment. In the literature, there are several methods to measure the bending behaviours of fabrics. Parallelly, a variety of tests were employed for bending rigidity of sewn samples but their comparability for sewn samples are not known. In this study, 3 simple and standard test methods were used to compare the bending behaviours of fabrics with plied edge seams. Statistical analysis showed that, circular bend method had no or low correlation with cantilever and heart loop methods. Also any difference between the different types of sewn samples could not be detected by this method. In contrast, results of cantilever and heart loop methods showed low to moderate positive correlations for the bending lentghs and bending rigidities of samples.

Effect of PVDF Concentration and Number of Fiber Lines on Piezoelectric Properties of Polymeric PVDF Biosensors

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fiber biosensors are prepared by a near-field electrospinning (NFES) to evaluate the effect of PVDF concentration (16–20 wt%) and number of fiber lines (10-90) on the sensitivity of PVDF sensors. Among various PVDF fiber arrays consisting of 50 lines, the highest peak voltage of 132.0±8.3 mV is observed for the 18 wt% PVDF sensor due to the formation of straight-line-shape fibers. A beads-on-string fibers are observed for the PVDF fibers containing more than 18 wt%. The voltage increases linearly with increasing the number of PVDF fiber lines from 10 to 90. The spectral results of the sensors exhibit the same signal generated by natural frequency of Al cantilever. An equivalent RC circuit model, consisting of two resistors and one capacitance, is incorporated to describe the piezoelectric behavior of PVDF sensors. Simulation results are consistent with the cantilever test results and no cytotoxicity is observed, implying that the sensitivity of PVDF biosensor is mainly governed by PVDF concentration and number of PVDF fiber lines.

Assessing the Elastic Moduli of Pavement Marking Tapes using the Tape Drape Test

Temporary pavement marking (TPM) tape adhesion with roadway surfaces is critical for tape performance. The two main TPM performance issues both stem from the adhesive strength. Weak adhesion results in premature detachment and excessive adhesion requires extensive removal processes that often leave ghost markings, both of which can cause dangerous confusion in road construction zones. Tape adhesion is directly related to the elastic modulus [Formula: see text] of TPM tapes. Thus, accurate characterization of [Formula: see text] before tape installation is essential to fully understand and predict the adhesion performance and ultimately the durability of TPMs. To determine the most appropriate [Formula: see text] characterization technique for three different commercial TPM tape brands, two commonly used techniques—tensile and three-point bend testing—were compared with a less common technique, the Peirce cantilever testing or “Tape Drape Test” (ASTM D1388-18). The Tape Drape Test was the only method that accurately characterized [Formula: see text] of tapes with raised surface features. Measured [Formula: see text] values from tensile and three-point bend testing showed significant variation caused by the structural features of the tapes. The Tape Drape Test, which can be implemented quickly in the field before tape installation with little equipment, effectively characterized [Formula: see text] for all the tapes to inform tape adhesion performances and installation procedures.

Hydrogen-enhanced intergranular failure of sulfur-doped nickel grain boundary: In situ electrochemical micro-cantilever bending vs. DFT

Intergranular failure of nickel (Ni) single grain boundaries (GBs) owing to the segregation of sulfur (S), hydrogen (H), and their co-segregation has been investigated by employing micro-cantilever bending tests and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A pure Ni GB shows completely plastic behavior with no fracture observed in the experiments. Electrochemical H-charging of the sample with no S present in the GB leads to a crack formed at the notch tip, which propagates by means of the mixed plastic–brittle fracture mode. Cantilever testing of the H-charged GB with S results in a clear brittle fracture of the GB. The co-segregation of S and H shifts the sudden drop in the load–displacement curves to smaller values of displacement. This is explained by the combined effect of these elements on the work of separation of the selected GB leading to severely decreased GB cohesion.

Effect of Ply Drop in Aerospace Composite Structures

In most of the aerospace laminated composite structures, thickness variation is achieved by introducing the ply drops at the appropriate locations. Ply drop means the resin rich regions created due to abrupt ending of individual plies within the set of plies. This research is focused on understanding and quantifying the effect of these ply drop regions on the mechanical performance of the aerospace composite structures. This is achieved here by designing the appropriate coupons (with and without ply drops) and analyzing them using finite element analysis. Some typical designs of coupons were manufactured using aerospace grade carbon composite materials, and then tested under four-point bend, cantilever and short beam shear tests to check and validate the effect that was seen in the analysis. It is concluded here that allowable failure strains are different for with and without ply drop cases by a significant amount.

Effects of strain rate and strain hardening on a cantilever under impact

An investigation is carried out to assess the response of elastic–plastic and ductile circular section cantilevers subjected to blast wave loading. A mathematical equation is formulated for the effects of strain rate and strain hardening for ductile (rigid–plastic) cantilever subjected to impact. It is assumed that the cantilever deforms when the moment produced by drag force about the clamped end exceeds the maximum resisting moment of the material, resulting in an equation for deformation. For the transient and modal phase, a correction factor is proposed, which improves the accuracy of response prediction. Full-scale explosion tests are carried out at Woomera (Australia) to investigate the response of cantilevers subjected to air-blast loading, where sixty cantilever test specimens were tested. The test specimens used were designed on the basis of different approaches such as elastic, elasto-plastic, quasi-static, impulse technique and plastic approach. Correction factor ‘K’ for the effects of strain rate and strain hardening were developed and used during the design of cantilever specimens. The prediction of a mathematical model for the response of cantilevers was in line with the response of test specimens during field explosion tests due to the modification factor for the effects of strain rate and strain hardening.

BTEX Detection Using Piezoelectric Cantilever with Mesocellular Foam Silica Functionalized with Hexamethyldisilazane Sensitive Coating

Introduction Gas detection with gravimetric sensors such as SAW, MEMS, FBAR or QCM is based on a frequency shift when the target specie is (ad)sorbed on a sensitive layer covering the sensor [1]. Sensor’s sensitivity and reliability depend on transducer type and sensitive coating, while selectivity and reversibility are correlated with the sensitive coating’s nature. Research studies are still active on the development of transducers to reduce their cost and power consumption but sensitive coating optimization remains a hot topic for sensitive and selective sensor achievements. Among attractive sensitive coating for gravimetric sensors, high specific area coatings such as CNTs, graphene oxide, microporous/mesoporous materials or MOFs are nowadays majorly studied one [2-3]. Their performances in gas detection can be modified by tuning of pores or surface functionalization. In this work we are interested in applying mesoporous foam silica (MCF), a type of mesoporous silica, as a base for hydrophobic hexamethy-disilazane (HDMS) functionalization, and tested for BTEX detection. Also, low cost printed piezoelectric MEMS cantilevers are used as gravimetric transducers. Piezoelectric cantilever sensor fabrication and tests One type of inorganic mesoporous silica (MPS), mesocellular foam (MCF), is synthesized by using P123 as a template and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) as a pore expander as described in [4]. After the template removal by ethanol extraction, the template removed MCFs are then functionalized by hexamethyldisilazane (HDMS) following protocol described in [5]. For the piezoelectric PZT based transducer fabrication, the process consists of screen-printing of all the layers before a co-sintering at 900°C allowing releasing of the PZT cantilever with Au electrodes. Details on the process can be found in [6]. Photographs of the fired cantilever (~ 3x2x0.08 mm3) are shown Fig. 1. The HDMS functionalized MCF (F_MCF) powder is dispersed in deionized water with the ratio of 100 mg/1 mL before depositing by drop-coating with 1µl of this suspension, followed by a drying . The cantilever is self-actuated and self-readout thanks to piezoelectric effect. Admittance circle B(G) (Fig.3a and Fig. 3b)) shows the piezoelectric effect for the 31 in-plane longitudinal mode. Conductance (G(f)) curve before and after F_MCF deposit (weight ~0.05mg) shows the damping effect due to the additional mass (Fig.3c). Based on the measured dimensions of the cantilever, its density and its resonance, frequency f0 , a theoretical sensitivity S=-f0/2m of ~23Hz/µg is calculated. Finally, the cantilever is tested under gas. A PULL110 vapor generator controls N2 flow (100ml/min) and toluene concentration sent in a home-made PTFE cell. Temperature is controlled during the measurements, and acquisition data (f0 as a function of time) are extracted from G measurement using a polynomial fit described in [6]. Results and Conclusions After washing and drying of the MCF, interconnected spherical pore structure are observed by TEM analysis even after functionalized by HMDS (Fig.2). The analysis results of the N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms of the MCFs are shown in Table 1. Pore and window sizes are not affected by functionalization whereas BET surface areas and BJH pore volumes decrease with the increasing HMDS ratio. Also, after functionalization, as expected, reduction of water adsorbed on the surface of the MCF has been observed by TGA and FTIR analysis, and the optimum HDMS:SiO2 for VOCs detection has been shown to be 0.15 (for benzene detection in fact) [5]. This composition is selected for further experiment under gas. Tests under toluene with F_MCF show a sensitivity of 241 mHz/ppm at f0 ~ 256kHz (Figs. 4a and 3b). The blank cantilever also demonstrates slight sensitivity to toluene (~6 mHz/ppm) (Fig. 4b), attributed to density/viscosity changes of the surrounding fluid and cantilevers’s stiffness. In previous work using polymer PEUT coating, silicon cantilever (0.15x0.15x0.095mm3 ) showed sensitivity of 125mHz/ppm at 350 kHz (out of plane mode), whereas similar printed PZT cantilever of size 8x2x0.08mm3 gave sensitivity of 15mHz/ppm at 70kHz (in plane vibration mode) [7]. Size reduction leading to higher sensitivity because of the increased f0 and lower m, combined with the F_MCF coating clearly improves the sensor performances. Good reversibility is also observed. The noisy curve is mainly due to temperature fluctuation which is not precisely controlled in the cell (±0.2°C). The sensor is indeed sensitive to temperature as shown Fig. 3c. Tests under humidity and benzene are ongoing and temperature compensation with another dummy cantilever fabricated in the same conditions could be implemented.

A method for automated digital image‐based tracking of delamination fronts in translucent glass fibre‐laminated composite materials

AbstractA new automated digital image‐based method for tracking both the position and shape of the crack front of delaminations in translucent glass fibre‐laminated test specimens is proposed. The method is applicable to both fracture toughness tests and fatigue tests. The digital image‐based algorithm identifies the newly formed crack area by the change in reflected light and then extracts both the crack front shape and the position. The method is used in a standard double cantilevered beam specimen test setup with the addition of light sources and a camera. The method does not rely on subjective test operator interpretations or calibrations. A reference pattern on the specimen is used to correctly map between the camera coordinate system and the specimen coordinate system, which makes the method insensitive to the camera position and camera or specimen movement during the test. Experimental test examples are provided, which shows that the whole crack front can be tracked with significantly higher accuracy than possible with existing methods.

A macroscale finite element approach for simulating the bending behaviour of biaxial fabrics

A macroscale finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate the forming behaviour of biaxial fabrics, incorporating the effects of bending stiffness to predict fabric wrinkling. The dependency of the bending stiffness on the fibre orientation was addressed by extending a non-orthogonal constitutive framework previously developed for biaxial fabric materials. The nonlinear bending behaviour of a biaxial non-crimp fabric (NCF) with pillar stitches was characterised by a revised cantilever test using structured light scanning to measure specimen curvature, providing input data for the material model. Simulations were performed to replicate the bias-extension behaviour of the NCF material, showing good agreement with experimental data. Wrinkles were observed within the central area of the specimen at low extension, which consequently affect the uniformity of the shear angle distribution in the region where pure shear is expected.

The flexural property and its synergistic mechanism of multibody molded beetle elytron plates

To improve the applications of beetle elytron plates (BEPs, which are biomimetic sandwich plates inspired by beetle elytra), the flexural performance and its synergistic mechanism of multibody molded BEPs were investigated via cantilever testing and finite element method (FEM). The results are summarized as follows. (1) Although debonding damage causes failure of the multibody molded BEPs and honeycomb plate and the reasonable range of trabecular size for BEPs is narrow, both the optimal loading capacity per mass and failure deformation of the BEPs are over two times those of the honeycomb plate. (2) A flexural synergistic mechanism is revealed in the trabecular-honeycomb core structure of BEPs; this mechanism causes the maximum deformation of core structure to gradually transfer from the honeycomb wall to the trabeculae with the increase in η (the ratio of the trabecular radius to the distance between the center points of two trabeculae), which means the different stretching behaviors in these core structures. (3) Unlike the compressive mechanism of BEPs, by controlling and balancing the deformation degrees of the trabeculae and honeycomb walls, the flexural mechanism achieves a minimum core deformation and an optimal flexural performance. These results suggest a qualitative relationship between the deformation behavior of trabecular-honeycomb core structure and bending performance of the whole BEP, and provide a solid foundation for subsequent research and the considerable application potential of this biomimetic sandwich structure in many fields.

Influence of Shea (Butyrospermum parkii) butter, TiO2 and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate on physical parameters and in vitro photoprotective efficacy.

The development of photoprotective lipsticks containing natural bioactive compounds is a relevant current strategy to increase sun protection factor (SPF) value and lower the concentration of chemical UV filters, known for promoting sensitivity reactions. Twelve photoprotective lipsticks were developed by Design of Experiment (DOE) and characterized to verify the influence of Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii), titanium dioxide (TiO2 ), and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHM) on physical parameters and in vitro photoprotective efficacy. The influence of Shea butter, TiO2, and EHM was evaluated by several parameters, such as melting point, colorimetry, thermal analysis by DSC, texture analysis, and sunscreen activity estimated in vitro. The construction of prediction models was possible for the following responses: maximum force by the cantilever test at 25 and 45°C; maximum distance by hardness test at 25°C; slope value at 25 and 45°C by the cantilever test; and UVA/UVB ratio and in vitro SPF. TiO2 and EHM contributed to changes on the in vitro SPF value; however, unexpectedly, Shea butter had no influence on this efficacy parameter. The assay allowed us to observe the influence of the variables in the analysis and to develop a response prediction model for some of the parameters assessed.

Assessment of ductile character in superhard Ta-C-N thin films

Using a combination of density functional theory calculations and nanomechanical testing of sputter-deposited, 110-oriented Ta0.47C0.34N0.19 thin films, we show that non-metal alloying – substituting C with N atoms – in TaC results in a super-hard material with enhanced ductility. Based on the calculated elastic constants, with Pugh and Pettifor criteria for ductile character, we predict that stoichiometric and sub-stoichiometric Ta-C-N alloys are more ductile than Ta-C compounds. From nanoindentation of the as-deposited coating, we measure hardness of 43 ± 1.4 GPa. In situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based micro-compression of cylindrical pillars, prepared via focused ion beam milling of the coating, revealed that Ta-C-N alloys are ductile and undergo plastic deformation with a yield strength of 17 ± 1.4 GPa. The post-compression SEM images of the pillars show {111} <011¯> as the active slip system operating during compression. Additional in situ SEM based cantilever tests suggest that the Ta-C-N films exhibit superior fracture toughness compared to Ta-C coatings. Our results provide a new perspective on the role of alloying on the mechanical behavior of ultra-high temperature compounds such as transition-metal carbides.

Mechanical modeling and characterization of suspended cooled silicon bolometers for sub-millimeter and millimeter waves polarization detection

Silicon bolometers for space and astronomy applications, fabricated in standard CMOS-SOI technology are now successfully used as cryogenic detectors working at very low temperature, typically in the range of 0.05–0.1 K. They feature a remarkably high electromagnetic absorption, high temperature sensitivity and low noise. However, the mechanical behavior of suspended silicon bolometers results from the fabrication process parameters and a good understanding of these mechanisms is necessary to better control their deformation. In this work, silicon bolometer pixels with a pitch of 1200 μm and 500 μm for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) polarization detection have been fabricated and their mechanical behavior is investigated at room temperature and cryogenic temperature. First, a mechanical model was developed based on simulated and experimental deformations at room temperature of multi-layer cantilever test structures with different Young’s modulus and thickness (Ei, hi). The actual multi-layer suspended structures are modeled as an equivalent composite layer with an effective Young’s modulus (Eeff), an effective thickness (heff) and residual stresses (σ0, σ1). The residual stress values are positive, corresponding to a tensile stress in the fabricated multilayer stack. The impact of the a-Si passivation thickness on the total stress is discussed. The equivalent model is used in the simulation of the full pixel structure and results in excellent agreement with optical measurements of the deflection at room temperature. At cryogenic temperatures, mechanical deformations can hardly be measured, so the mechanical behavior of a 500-μm pixel was simulated at 0.1 K assuming that tensile residual stresses coming from defects are independent on temperature, and a good mechanical stability of the pixel was obtained. The optical performance simulation of this 500-μm pixel is discussed and showed that the mechanical deformations result in a degradation of the Noise Equivalent Power (NEP) from 1.59 × 10−18 to 1.05 × 10-17 W/Hz1/2 for an optical load of 6 × 10−15 W at 0.1 K.

Mechanical and numerical characterization of ceramic femoral components for hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty may have distinct advantages for young and active patients, but large metal-on-metal bearings can be associated with increased wear, adverse tissue reactions and higher rate of implant loosening. Ceramic wear couples are a commonly used alternative to metals and therefore might be an alternative for hip resurfacing arthroplastys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical strength of femoral components made of an alumina-toughened zirconia composite by means of experimental testing and finite element analysis. For the mechanical characterization, ceramic femoral components (Ø: 48 mm) were tested under compression loading experimentally until fracture occurred or a maximum load of 85 kN was obtained. The femoral components were either loaded against a ceramic cup or a copper ring (outer diameter Ø: 7.0 mm). In addition, the complex geometry of the ceramic femoral component was simplified, and only the stem was loaded in a cantilever test until fracture. In addition, the fracture tests were numerically simulated to investigate the influence of additional loading conditions and geometric parameters, which were not experimentally tested. The experimental data were used for validation of the finite element analysis. None of the tested ceramic femoral components fractured at a compression load of 85 kN when they were loaded against a ceramic cup at an inclination angle of 45°. When the femoral components were loaded against a copper ring, the femoral components fractured at 29.9 kN at a testing angle of 45°. The fracture load was reduced when an angle of 30° and increased when an angle of 60° was simulated. Using an experimental cantilever test, the stem of the femoral component fractured at 1124.0 N. When the stem length was increased or the diameter was reduced by 10% in the finite element analysis, the fracture load was reduced. Decreasing the length or increasing the diameter led to an increase of the fracture load. The strongest influence was found for the reduction of the transition radius of the stem, with a decrease of the fracture load up to 27.2%. The analyzed femoral components made of alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) showed sufficient mechanical capability to withstand high loadings during unfavorable loading conditions. However, further biomechanical and tribological investigations are required before clinical application.