Structural Engineering

The Composites Manufacturing and Characterization Laboratories are state-of-the-art laboratories aimed for processing and characterization of composites. The laboratories contain physical, chemical and mechanical characterization equipment capable of resolution at the nanometer to the full component level, and include instrumentation for Dynamic Thermal Mechanical Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Dielectric Monitoring and Analysis, Dynamic Contact Angle Analysis, Rheology, Strain Rate and Temperature Controlled Fragmentation Testing, Optical Microscopy, Instrumented pull-testing NOL Ring Burst Testing and a Universal Testing Machine. Processing capabilities include resin infusion and resin transfer molding, radiation cure, bench-top and large-scale filament winding, and pressure forming equipment. Extensive tailored test chambers and fixtures for characterization of long- and short-term durability of composites and polymers have also been established including computer controlled freeze-thaw, humidity, UV and environmental chambers, various baths and accelerated test facilities.