Structures and Materials Laboratory (SML)

---

 The SML is a versatile facility that can accommodate current research and is easily adaptable to future needs. The heart of the SML is the strong floor. By using the floor as part of a large test fixture, efficient, reconfigurable set-ups are created, allowing cost efficient research into full-scale aircraft structure testing. The SML has two load frames to perform material strength and fatigue tests as well as test of small components. Planned expansion includes a general purpose hydraulic pump and controller and the addition of two to four more load-frames. There is a scanning electron microscope for fractographic studies and other surface examinations, and a hardness tester. Diakon Solutions supports Non-Destructive Test and Inspection (NDI) as a key tool in much of the research performed in the SML. Diakon Solutions supports additional lab capabilities; including ultrasound, eddy-current, flash infrared thermography, and electron microscopy including elemental surface analysis.