Material testing

Together with our partner organisation, the Astronomy

Technology Centre in Edinburgh, the Advanced
Materials Group can offer a comprehensive materials
testing facility down to low temperatures.

Property Temperature Range

Thermal conductivity 4-300K

Specific Heat 4-300K

UTS and Young’s modulus 4K, 77K and 300K

CTE and contraction integrals 4-300K

Current equipment includes:
Servohydraulic test machines operating at liquid
nitrogen and helium temperatures for Young’s modulus
and strength measurements. Loads up to 10kN.
Dynamic mechanical analyzer operating down to -80 C.
CTE measurement system operating at liquid helium
and nitrogen measurements, a variable temperature
test cryostat for thermal conductivity and specific heat
measurements.
The following slides show some of the capabilities …..
Dynamic Mechanical
Analyser – 3 point
bending test of GRP
sample
Compression testing of
graphite bonding
ESH Test machine
Compression testing of
GRP for OPTIMAT
programme
Compression testing of
GRP for OPTIMAT
programme
Short beam shear testing
at 77K
Stainless steel testing at
low temperatures
Stainless steel testing
using extensometer
Video extensometer