Mechanical test rigs put composites on trial

Brookhouse is now better equipped to carry out comprehensive testing of both incoming raw material and manufactured composite components.

With the installation of two further mechanical test rigs at its Darwen composites laboratory, Brookhouse is now better equipped to carry out comprehensive testing of both incoming raw material and manufactured composite components.

The two new Instron rigs complement the company's existing mechanical testing facilities and follow on from the recent installation of sophisticated thermal analysis instrumentation.

As a result, Brookhouse's "captive laboratory" can now offer the aerospace sector total thermal and mechanical testing, as well as providing paint finish analysis, physical chemistry testing and microscopy.

Each of the two new rigs uses Bluehill v1.4 software and has the fixtures and jigs for measuring parameters such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength and flat-wise tensile strength and for carrying out proof-loading of small assemblies and beam loading.

The rigs also feature extensometry for establishing strain and modulus characteristics, while the Instron 3367 rig has an environmental chamber for performing tests at elevated temperatures, up to 300C.

The installation of the new rigs is further indication of Brookhouse's commitment to quality and to continuous investment to reinforce its position as the UK's largest independent composites manufacturer for the aerospace sector.

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