Materials Testing

We offer a range of non-destructive and destructive materials tests.

Test machines

Three electro-mechanical test machines for quasi-static loading with capacity up to 50 kN. Nine servo- hydraulic test machines for static and dynamic loading with capacity up to 630 kN. An electro-dynamic test machine with capacity up to 1 kN with frequencies up to 100 Hz. Wide range of load cells, fixtures, grips and loading jigs for bending, shear, fracture, tensile and compression tests. Experience in designing multi-axial loading scenarios. All machines have the capacity to record data directly from the machine/extensometers as well as outputs for synchronisation with imaging equipment and other sensors.


Electro mechanical test machine

High Speed Test Facilities

High speed test machine with 60 kN capacity and strain rates up to ~ 100 s-1.

Split-Hopkinson Bar rig for small coupon specimens and strain rates from 10-2 s-1 up to 10-3 s-1.

Facilities for Strain Measurement

Large range of extensometers for static and dynamic strain measurement

Facilities for strain gauge application and Vishay StrainSmart 6200 system for simultaneous recording at rates from 10 Hz to 10 kHz

Video-Extensometer: Imetrum software with SONY XCD-SX910 camera. Real-time strain and displacement information of multiple points at a recording rate of 15 Hz.


Carbon sample compressive failure

Ultrasound System (C-Scan)

This ultrasonic technique can be used as a non-destructive means for detecting damage and defects within a material. The suite includes a range of transducers for use with different materials, thicknesses and probing depths.

Ultrasonic Sciences Ltd (USL) custom built system including:

  • USL C scan and data acquisition software
  • 500MHz analogue - digital converter
  • Range of Transducers including: 2.25, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 50 MHz some focussed and unfocussed.
  • Composite Manufacturing Facilities 
  • Facilities for lay-up using prepreg, wet lay-up and resin infusions. Flexible heated curing space for large scale manufacturing.
  • Computer controlled autoclave, up to 5 bar (with additional 1 bar from vacuum pump) and temperature cure up to 180 ºC
  • Computer controlled oven, up to 1 bar with vacuum pump and temperature cure up to 250 ºC

Burnoff tests

Determination of GRP sample composition, layup and resin ratio


Post burnoff layup of a composite sample