Equipment and facilities

• Alicona Microscope
  The Alicona Infinite Focus Microscope uses advanced focus algorithms to map and model the 3D surface features of specimens allowing surface profiling and roughness determination.
• High Speed Cameras
  We have several cameras capable of filming instantaneous crack propagation, impact events, or almost any other failure mode during testing. The two Photron FASTCAMS SA-Z are capable of megapixel resolution up to 21,000 frames per second, and a potential maximum frame rate of one million fps.
• Autoclave
  The LBBC autoclave based in the Composites laboratories, is 2m x 1m, can go to 7 bar and 200°C and has a cooling system. The ASC Econoclave based at the NCC, is 2m x 3m, up to 10 bar and 250°C. This is highly instrumented with the ability to monitor several sensors such as cure using DC and dielectric techniques, strain monitoring and thermal imaging.
• Tensile Testing Machine and Environmental Chamber
  We have a range of static and fatigue test machines with a load capability from 10 N up to 6 MN. This allows us to test a huge variety of structures in tensile, compressive, or flexural loading. We also have the ability to perform tests at elevated temperature.
• Ultrasound Scanner
  A multi-format coherent receiver is developed for advanced modulation format signals, including PM-QPSK, PM-16QAM, etc. Self-developed digital signal processing algorithms provide offline processing feature with an intuitive interface. The receiver with a 4-channel 80Gs/s real-time oscilloscope can receive optical signals up to 400Gbit/s (50Gbaud PM-16QAM). In addition, receiver-side monitoring technologies are under-developing to provide monitoring functions without extra hardware investments. Automatic OSNR vs. BER characterization platform enables fast transmitter test.
• Impact Tower
  The Instron Dynatup 9250HV impact tower is an important piece of equipment for simulating controlled and specific impacts that composite materials may be subjected to in service, and is capable of energies up to 800J. Subsequent testing allows for compression after impact strength to be determined.
• Digital Image Correlation (DIC)
  Digital Image Correlation allows full strain mapping of specimens under load and full 3D measurement of deformation or deflection. Our systems, LaVision StrainMaster 3D DIC and Dantec Q-400 can be integrated with our High Speed cameras to allow determination of strain or deflection over very short time scales.
• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
  Our scanning electron microscope (Hitachi TM3030Plus tabletop Microscope) is optimised for quick and easy imaging up to x30,000 magnification. This allows fibre surfaces and fracture planes to be analysed in great detail.
• Video Gauge System
  We make extensive use of our three Imetrum optical based extensometer systems to allow remote point tracking of specimens for strain determination or deflection measurements.
• Ultra High Speed Video
  Our Kirana-05M Ultra High Speed Video camera capable of capturing 180 frames of images at speeds up to 5,000,000 fps.