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Mechanics & Structures | Thermophysical Properties | Analytical Chemistry
Non Destructive Testing & Evaluation | Metallography & Morphology
Oxidation Resistance

Mechanics & Structures

This laboratory has two operating areas: a static test area and a dynamic test area.   The former concentrates on the more conventional modes of materials evaluation under static (low velocity) conditions.  The latter is devoted to evaluations under conditions simulating those to which the material will be subjected to in their ultimate applications.  The tests performed in both areas include those usually associated with mechanical properties, with emphasis on interpretations and translation to design applications.  The capabilities of the Mechanics and Structures Laboratory are as follows: 

Static and Dynamic Testing Modes

Diverse Property Measurements

• Tensile (rectilinear and hoop)
• Compression (rectilinear and hoop)
• Shear (interlaminar, direct, core, Iosipescu, plate, thread, pin, etc.)
• Flexure
• Torsion
• Bearing
• Impact
• High- and low-cycle fatigue, fatigue toughness
• Work-of-fracture
• Elevated temperature short term creep and creep rupture
• Restrained thermal growth
• Precision elastic limit

Broad Temperature Range

• minus 195°C (-320°F) to 2760°C (5000°F) in vacuum and inert atmospheres
• minus 195°C (-320°F) to 1650°C (3000°F) in air

Varied Temperature Measurement Techniques

• Automatic recording thermometers
• Pyrometers
• Infrared radiation thermometers
• Standard (J, K, C) and high temperature (S, B) (4200°F) thermocouples

Assorted Materials

• Universal test machines ranging from 0.002 lb to 55 Kips with programmable control of strain rate, stress rate, displacement, velocity, cyclic frequency and amplitude.  Computerized data recording and processing systems interfacing.

Extensive Strain Measurement Technique

• Automatic recording of bonded strain gages, foil and free filament
• Directly contacting mechanical extensometers (to 4500°F)
• Optical laser extensometers (to 5000°F)

Variable Heating Methods and Rates

• Methods include resistive furnaces (convective, radiant), resistance (direct, capacitive), quartz heaters, and induction furnaces or coils providing heat rates up to 1100°C (2000°F) per second (conductive materials) and 120°C (250°F) per second (non-conductive materials)

EMTL's Mechanics and Structures Laboratory has the experience and expertise needed to modify standard testing systems, to design special test fixtures, to develop new testing procedures, design and fabricate unique test equipment, and perform associated analyses.