FEA image of biaxial test specimen		Multiaxial test facility
Biaxial testing of cruciform specimen

NPL has significant experience in the mechanical characterisation of polymeric materials and composites and are well set up for both standardised and non-standard testing using, but not limited to, the following equipment:

• Static (±500 kN, -150 °C to 350 °C)
  
  
• Cyclic fatigue (±100 kN, 0.002 to 50 Hz)
  
  
• Multiaxial testing (static and cyclic, ±50 kN, 0 to 25 Hz)
  
  
• Biaxial testing of polymers
  
  
• High rate (1 to 2 m/s, -150 °C to 350 °C)
  
  
• Drop weight impact (0 to 4 metres, 0 to 900 J, -55 °C to 200 °C)
  
  
• Creep of composites (±500 kN, 23 °C to 350 °C)
  
  
• Tensile creep of polymers (0 to 750 N, 0 to 100 °C)
  
  
• Slow rate strain testing (liquids and gas exposure, 4.5 x 10-7 m/s)
  
  
• Environmental stress cracking (tension and flexure, all liquids, 0 to 1 kN)
  
  
• Creep rupture (tension and flexure, 0 to 50 kN)
  
  
• Tension, compression, shear, flexure and fracture toughness
  
  
• Through-thickness tension, compression and shear
  
  
• Open hole tension (OHT), open hole compression (OHC) and pin-bearing tests
  
  
• Bonded and bolted joints, and sandwich structure testing

For more information, please contact Mike Gower