Mechanical Testing of Metals, Composites, and Structural Components
L to R: Preparing a fracture test; performing a composite tensile test.
We perform mechanical testing on standard and non-standard test specimens, as well as actual components and simulated structural elements, to characterize their mechanical behavior. Such testing can be performed under a variety of conditions that include temperature (-450°F thru 2500°F), humidity (0-100% RH), and pressure (ambient through 10-6 torr). Several members of the Structures and Materials Evaluation Group are located at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Systems Support Division, which enables us to utilize unique government resources at AFRL for government sponsored research.
An extensive array of test equipment and instrumentation is available in our world-class facility to support testing efforts involving tension, compression, fatigue, bearing, shear, creep, fracture, and fatigue crack growth rate investigations, just to name a few.
Types of materials that we routinely evaluate include metallic alloys (aluminum, titanium, steel), polymeric and metallic matrix composites, and ceramics (monolithic and composite). In addition, we have extensive experience in evaluating processes such as hard chrome alternative coatings, new and innovative thermal-mechanical processes, and adhesively bonded technologies.
Test programs are generally conducted following governmental or industrial standard practices (e.g. ASTM, AMS, Mil-Specs), but we can, and often do, develop unique or specialized tests to meet your specific requirements.
Facilities are available to support both DoD and industrial customers. Government customers can utilize our lab's capabilities through a variety of interagency fund transfers (e.g., MIPR, FCA) with many of our existing contracts with AFRL and other DoD agencies. Commercial customers can also access these AFRL laboratory resources via a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between UDRI and AFRL.
To discuss additional laboratory capabilities and how we can support your requirements, please contact John Ruschau. Mr. Ruschau is a registered Professional Engineer (Ohio) with over 30 years of experience in programs involving the mechanical characterization of materials and structures, particularly in regards to fatigue and fracture-related testing.
L to R: Setting up a compression test of a polymeric composite sample; performing a flex test; testing a tibia fixator medical device.