The equipment, a 2.5MN four column Schenck frame and a 1.5MN four column Los test frame, is suitable for static and dynamic, tension and compression testing. The test frames can handle test disciplines including high and low cycle fatigue, crack propagation and fracture mechanics, all of which are new capabilities for the lab. The frames are ideally suited to structural composite testing as increased load capacity is often called upon. The nature of the new frames means they are well suited to such large testing projects. Exova Bridgwater's capabilities, including waterjet cutting, enables the manufacture of bespoke fixtures for coupling complicated structural components to the test frames. The lab offers complete analysis thanks to its other services including instrumentation of multiple strain, thermocouple and LVDT channels which can be fully synchronised with load. Chris Martin, technical manager at Exova Bridgwater, said: “The size of the test frames and the capability this brings with it places Exova firmly at the forefront of the testing industry. The new capabilities together with our existing services means we can offer complete programmes of testing for clients with very specialist requirements.” www.exova.com
