Structural Test Methods Development

Test machine designed to evaluate endurance of horse racing sulky.

The Structures and Materials Evaluation group evaluates the durability of materials and manufactured components. Our experience includes working closely with customers to develop test methods, procedures, or standards where none had previously existed.

To do this, we can draw on our experience in the design and fabrication of unique test equipment  and control software to simulate service-induced stress and environmental effects on components or materials.

For example, the SME group heads up an initiative to standardize high strain rate characterization of interior materials for the automotive industry. This initiative is sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineering, automakers, and material suppliers.

We developed and fabricated a special test machine for the United States Trotters Association to qualify the structural integrity of horse racing sulkies. We are the sole source in the country for this capability and are regularly called upon to qualify the endurance of a new sulky design for horse racing. All sulky designs raced in the US must pass this certification test.

See a sulky being tested at UDRI: Sulky video (WMV file; 3 MB).

Most of this work is carried out in the Structural Test Laboratory, and is supported by other facilities in the Research Institute such as the Metallography Lab, the Surface Analysis Lab, the Composites Lab, Machine Shop, and the Electronics Lab.