Materials facilities

Advanced Ceramics Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

The Advanced Ceramics Laboratory is a comprehensive ceramics synthesis, processing, and characterization laboratory. Ceramics processing capabilities include traditional powder preparation and shape-forming equipment, as well as isopressing, injection molding, hot pressing, and slip casting. Advanced techniques include hot-isostatic pressing and a chemical vapor deposition. Heat treatment and oxidation equipment includes 1,700 degrees C air furnaces and graphite or carbon-element 3,000 degrees C inert-atmosphere/vacuum furnaces.

Advanced Materials Characterization Laboratory

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Advanced Materials Characterization Laboratory performs materials failure analyses and corrosion analyses on ammunition and weapons in support of ARDEC, PEO Ammo Production Base, PM-Mortars, PM-MAS, PM-CAS, PM-OCSW, PM-LtWt, the Army Judge Advocate General (JAG), FBI, LANL, LLNL, and various defense contactors. Work requires quick turn-around time and technical responsiveness. A partial list of equipment used as follows:

Aeroheat Test Facility

China Lake, CA

Engine testing. Connected pipe and semi-freejet tests of ramjet combustors and engines are performed at flight conditions. Liquid- and solid-fueled ramjet engines to 20-inch diameter can be tested. Pulse detonation engines in single or multiple configurations can be tested at flight conditions.

Asphalt Laboratory

Hanover, NH

Atomic Force Microscope

Washington, DC

Center of Excellence for Inflatable Composite Structures

Natick, MA

The Center of Excellence for Inflatable Composite Structures (CE-ICS) manages a textile technology process that are three dimensional, lightweight, load bearing members created when high strength fibers are formed into tubular structures that take predetermined shapes when filled with high pressure air or fluids. These replace metal structures and yield products that weigh 66% less then conventional items, take up less then 25% the volume when stored or shipped and cut deployment time by 60%. The Flexible Composite Structures are extremely lightweight and require minimal storage space during transit. The technology was transferred from the Army to Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and NASA. It was developed through both Government and Industry interaction.

Ceramic Composite Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Coatings Technology Integration Office (CTIO)

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

CTIO offers a unique combination of broad technical capability, staff experience, and a current database of coating system supplies, equipment, and methodologies in Air Force use. CTIO provides immediate assistance, including field support for aircraft outer mold line coating issues as well as troubleshooting and solving problems with existing materials, equipment, or facilities.

Cold Rooms

Hanover, NH

Composites Characterization Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose of the Composites Characterization Laboratory is to investigate new and/or modified matrix materials and fibers for advanced composite applications both experimentally and analytically.

Composites Processing Laboratory

Albuquerque, NM

The primary capabilities include all types of reinforcements and product forms with optimization of fabrication techniques such as autoclave/vacuum bag curing methodologies using intelligent process control, resin transfer molding, and compression molding, phenolic carbonization, oven press consolidation processing. Equipment and instrumentation consists of Goldsworthy hot melt prepreg machine, two Thermal Equip Corp autoclaves (200 psig, up to 800°F), intelligent processing software and hardware, carbonization furnace, oven press and vacuum ovens.

Compound Semiconductor Processing Facility

Washington, DC

Computer-Controlled Universal Material Test System

Washington, DC

Concrete and Microstructures Laboratory

Hanover, NH

Concrete Research Facility

Kirtland AFB, NM

This is a 20,000-sq ft laboratory that supports research on all aspects of concrete and materials technology. The staff of this facility offer wide-ranging expertise in materials characterization, design, construction practices, and forensic investigations. Applications involve the selection of materials for special purposes, development of construction procedures, and specification of methods and materials for repair. Equipment that is available for chemical and physical research on cements and pozzolans includes a high-resolution color video image analyzer, a variable-pressure scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence equipment, and a cyclic corrosion exposure system. Engineering mechanics investigations are also conducted using a high-capacity structural floor and several dynamic programmable closed-loop universal-loading devices; sonic, ultrasonic, electric, and magnetic devices for nondestructive materials testing; and a state-of-the-art creep facility.

Controlled Suspension Test Flume

Port Hueneme, CA

The CSTF is a 170,000 gallon, 23868 square foot, facility designed to create a uniform 0.5 knot, three foot deep current. Two large electric motor driven pumps circulate water through an assortment of pipes, cones, diverter and perforation plates. Three access ladders and two crosswalks that span the width of the tank provide over-the-water working space to assist in testing and observation. The CSTF has provisions for testing a maximum of 32 cables with actual testing lengths of 41, 36, 31, or 26 feet dependent upon cable configuration in the tank.

Corrosion Engineering and Coatings Characterization Facilities

Washington, DC

Corrosion Testing Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Corrosion Testing Facility is part of the Army Corrosion Office (ACO). It is a fully functional atmospheric exposure site, called the Corrosion Instrumented Test Yard (CITY), provides the ACO the capability to conduct long-term corrosion studies on Army related material in accordance with ASTM G50 "Standard Practice for Conducting Atmospheric Corrosion Tests on Metals" at Picatinny. In addition to the atmospheric exposure site, the ACO has electrochemical testing equipment that is capable of running numerous electrochemical tests in the laboratory as well as in the field. Further specialized equipment includes a cyclic corrosion chamber (for running ASTM B117 and GM 9540P tests), xenon arc chamber, gravel meter, contact angle meter, scratch tester, etc. Metallurgical facilities are also on-site to provide extensive corrosion failure analysis.

Drop Tower

Natick, MA

The Drop Tower has two parts: an overhead crane with a weighted hook that holds and releases the test load; and below it cement pad. We fully instrument the test load to measure the impact shock and other variables, like temperature and pressure.

Elastomers Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Primary capabilities include: elastomer compounding in various sizes (micro, 3x5, 8x12, 8x15 rubber mills); elastomer curing and post curing (two 50-ton presses, one 10-ton press; four ovens with 600°F capability; fluid aging of elastomers (low temperature and explosion proof ovens; dynamic testing of O-ring and special designed seals (8,000 psi, 350°F capability); testing of candidate seals for chlorotrifluoroethylene hydraulic fluid at 350°F; measurement of drag force and correlation with seal designs; wide frequency range of dynamic seal testing.

Electron Optics Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to characterize advanced research materials utilizing electron microscopy and develop innovative microstructural characterization techniques.

Electronic Failure Analysis Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Energetic and Engineering Materials Lab

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Energetic and Engineering Materials Laboratory (EEML) acts as the principal materials consultant and liaison with RDECOM-ARDEC armaments development and engineering organizations in the materials technology areas of composite/energetic materials, thermoplastics/thermosets, adhesives/sealants, and lubricants. The laboratory seeks transition opportunities within the armaments community and other OGA's for basic research conducted by DOD, academia and industry.

Energetic Material Demonstration Module Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

This facility is unique to DoD. New energetic materials which are synthesized in the laboratory on the scale of grams can be scaled up to 50-100 lb. quantities in order to optimize the process, provide material for further characterization in the laboratory and to provide experimental formulation of these new materials in explosives, propellants or pyrotechnics.

Energetic Material Reclamation/Processing R&D; Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

These R&D; facilities are unique in their construction and equipment enabling the execution of numerous energetic material reclamation/processing programs. These programs include the reclamation of explosives for recycle/reuse; pink water treatment; high explosive loaded munition wash out; advanced explosive de-mil operations; explosive screening; and melt pour of castable explosives.

Experimental Materials Processing Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Primary capabilities are computer controlled extrusion, computer controlled forging, rolling, swaging and heat treatment.

Fabrication Facilities

Fort Huachuca, AZ

The Fabrication Facilities are a direct result of years of testing support. Through years of experience, the three fabrication facilities (Fort Hood, Fort Lewis, and Fort Huachuca) have developed a capability to not only design and fabricate prototypes but can take concepts through design, fabrication and fielding. The specialty areas are the Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs), related C4I systems, and shelter hardware integration to include Standard Integrated Command Post Systems (SICPS) and Large Scale SICPS (LSS). This capability has been extended to various PMs for the production of "one of a kind" and prototype shelters, as well as providing field maintenance support to various platforms not readily supported by the normal Integrated Logistical Support System (ILS). Through the support provided to PMs EPG has an extensive knowledge of TOC requirements from the battalion to the corps level.

Failure Analysis Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Fire Research Test Bed

Washington, DC

Fire Safety Test Enclosure (FIREBOX)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Fire Survivability Facilities (Poverty Island Range Complex)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Fire Tolerant Materials Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Fire Tolerant Materials Laboratories have the capability to assess shipboard fire safety performance with small-scale tests for candidate shipboard materials for such properties as flame spread, smoke generation, heat release, and products of combustion; includes NIST and Factory Mutual calorimeters and analytic equipment.

Fluid and Lubricant Development and Characterization Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to provide fluid and lubricant materials technology for advanced systems. Primary capabilities are synthesis and characterization of advanced lubricants and additives; computational chemistry and tribological modeling; prototype fluid formulation and assessment; validation of candidate fluids and lubricants over anticipated temperature ranges in mechanical components.

Global Material Logistics

Crane, IN

High Performance Materials Laboratory

Hanover, NH

High Temperature Materials Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to understand and develop new high temperature metallic and intermetallic materials for aerospace systems. Primary capabilities are materials synthesis, high temperature heat treating, high temperature mechanical characterization, and high temperature structural characterization.

High-Frequency Microwave Processing of Materials Laboratory

Washington, DC

Holographic Two-Photon Induced Photopolymerization

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Holographic two-photon-induced photopolymerization (HTPIP) offers distinct advantages over conventional one-photon-induced photopolymerization and current techniques in two-photon-induced photopolymerization (TPIP). Conventional one-photon polymerization has been used extensively in high precision processes such as photolithography, microelectronics fabrication and MEMS processing and is, by and large, a two dimensional process. Current two-photon techniques, while offering the capability for three-dimensional processing and high complexity microfabrication, still require sequenitial rastering to induce polymerization. Using a two-photon holographic configuration, HTPIP offers the advantage of three-dimensional processing like conventional TPIP yet polymerization is achieved by parallel holographic exposure as opposed to beam rastering. As a technique, HTPIP shows tremendous potential for 3D patterning of microstructures such as optical data storage devices, multi-layer microfabrication and photonic bandgap structures.

Hydraulics Laboratory

Port Hueneme, CA

The Seawater/Water Hydraulic Test Table represents a capability to test and evaluate hydraulic components up to 50 hp. The test table, modular in construction, is designed as a sturdy platform on which testing of seawater and water hydraulic components (pumps, motors, cylinders, and valves) can be conducted. The system can be operated using either freshwater or seawater as the test fluid. A subsystem of the test table is the Seawater Hydraulic Blue Power Source which is designed to supply a regulated flow of high pressure water or seawater.

Ice Adhesion Testing Facility

Hanover, NH

Evaluate and compare the relative performance of materials and surface coatings based on their ability to aid in ice removal.

Icing Research Tunnel (IRT)

Cleveland, OH

The IRT has played a substantial role in developing, testing, and certifying methods to prevent ice buildup on aircraft. The facility can produce continuous airspeeds from 50 to 395 mph and temperatures as low as -30°F year-round, controllable to within one degree Fahrenheit. Supercooled water droplets between 14 and 40 mm and controllable water content can be produced to form an icing cloud.

Intermediate Fire and Environmental Laboratory (IFEL)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Linear Cable Engine

Port Hueneme, CA

The onboard hydraulic power unit (HPU) consisting of a 100-hp electric motor coupled to main and auxiliary variable displacement type hydraulic pumps drives the LCE. The remote master control panel is housed in a fiberglass cabin that may be positioned so as to provide the operator with the best and safest working view. The cabin is shipped along with the ISO-compatible LCE. The LCE’s electrical and hydraulic components are protected by removable columns and side panels. The LCE requires inputs of 4440 V, 3-phase, 60-Hz electrical power with 100-amp service and uses fresh or salt water as coolant.

Lubricants Laboratory

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

This facility is capable of providing the following services: lubricity determination of oils, greases, and solid film lubricants; corrosion prevention; firing residue removal determinations; compatibility determinations, and, determination of physical properties of hydrocarbon products. Available equipment includes fales pin and vee block lubricant testers, four-ball wear lubricant tester, salt-spray chamber, humidity chambers, grease worker, penetrometer, flash point testers, high and low viscosity baths, cloud and pour point chambers, and an LFW-1 friction and wear tester.

Marine Coatings and Corrosion Engineering

West Bethesda, MD

Marine Organic Composites Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Marine Organic Composites Laboratories are dedicated to all aspects of composites from basic research into the components of their manufacture, their physical and mechanical properties, and prototype construction and evaluation. This includes: a large prototype production and test area; filament winder (control system capability with six-degrees of freedom to wind complex parts); autoclave (capable of processing parts up to 3 feet by 6 feet at temperatures up to 950 degrees F and pressures of 200 psi); and polymer synthesis labs.

Materials and Evaluation Testing (Chemistry)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Materials Behavior Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to evaluate mechanical properties of materials including metals, intermetallics, metal-matrix composites, and ceramic-matrix composites under typical loading and temperature conditions for advanced aerospace applications.

Materials Characterization and Analysis Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

The Materials Characterization and Analysis Laboratory consists of advanced instrumental analysis techniques including metallography and optical microscopy, image analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and energy dispersive x-ray analysis.

Materials Characterization Facility

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to perform optical microscopic characterization of materials and develop new specimen preparation and examination techniques.

Materials Compatibility & Coatings Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Corrosion testing, materials compatibility, surface pretreatment, surface finishing, process chemicals, and aerospace maintenance chemicals.

Materials Degradation Test Facility

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to provide extensive experience in problem solving, testing & evaluating the performance and survivability of a wide range of materials in an erosion environment.

Materials Engineering Laboratory

Panama City, FL

The Materials Engineering Laboratory is equipped with a variety of instruments. Some of these are: a scanning electon microscope, x-ray microanalysis system, alloy identification systems, a carbon determinator, several stereomicroscopes, hardness testers, hardness and thickness gauges, a permeability indicator, a passivation tester, and a coating thickness gauge. Many of the above instruments are readily portable to support unique project requirements.

Materials Engineering Laboratory

China Lake, CA

Engineers address technology deficiencies. Facilities include a state-of-the-art engineering laboratory and current material databases. Engineers support the composites fabrication facility and they also determine the adequacy of materials for flight clearances and aircraft modifications, provide consulting services representation on technical committees, and contract monitoring services in areas of expertise. Special emphasis is placed on providing materials adequacy support for weapons, subscale targets and stores.

Materials Evaluation Facility

Hanover, NH

Materials Processing Facility

Washington, DC

Materials Processing Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to research and develop materials processing methods and technologies to make significnat improvements in materials research responsiveness and materials fabrication affordability. Primary capabilities include adaptive methods and advanced sensors for real-time control of material processes ranging from deformation of bulk materials (extrusions and forgings) to deposition of thin films (tribological materials, fiber coatings, superconducting materials, advanced semiconductors involving chemical vapor deposition, laser ablation and molecular beam epitaxy).

Materials Test and Evaluation Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Materials Testing Center

Vicksburg, MS

The Engineer Research and Development Center's Materials Testing Center (MTC) is committed to quality testing and inspection services that are delivered on time and meet the requirements of its customers. The work includes planning and executing testing programs, investigations, and studies that involve civil and military applications of geotechnical, concrete and materials, and structural engineering; soil and rock mechanics; geology; and airfields and pavements. The MTC provides commercial laboratory inspection services to U.S. Army Engineer Districts, to ensure compliance with Engineer Regulations 1110-1-8100 (Laboratory Investigations and Testing) and 1110-1-261 (Quality Assurance of Laboratory Testing Procedures).

Materials Testing School

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Mechanical and Thermal Experimental Facilities

Washington, DC

Mechanics of Composites Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Primary capabilities are static and dynamic testing of composite material coupons; environmental testing of coupons (temperature, moisture); generation of strength and modulus data; -452°F low temperature chamber; +2000°F elevated temperature; combined tension-torsion testing; load or displacement controlled testing.

Metal Spray Forming Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

NSWCCD is the only government activity with the Osprey process capability. It has a 200-pound melt capacity, a deposition rate of ferrous and non-ferrous metal alloys on the order of 100 to 400 lbs. per minute, sensors to provide real-time information on critical properties for intelligent processing, and manipulators for multi-axial motion to make nonsymmetric components and geometries.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Molecular Modeling Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Full range of molecular modeling techniques including Hartree-Fock, post-Hartree-Fock, and Density Functional ab inition methods, semi-empirical methods, molecular mechanics, and molecular dynamics for gas, solution and solid state materials. Wide range of property calculations possible including electrochemical oxidation and reduction potentials; photophysical properties including linear absorption coefficients and energies, fluorescence and phosphorescence energies and intensities, IR and Raman activities; first and second hyperpolarizabilities, two-photon absorption cross sections and energies; frequency dependent second harmonic generation, electro-optic Pockels effect, optical rectification, third harmonic generation, electric-field induced second harmonic generation, intensity dependent refractive indices (degenerate four-wave mixing), and optical Kerr effect coefficients; solvation energies, reactive intermediates, transition structures and energy barriers; intermolecular effects; conformational energies,; quasi-particle properties; non-Born-Oppenheimer surfaces; adiabatic and non-adiabatic ionization energies and electron affinities; thermochemical properties; crystal and molecular structures; polymer morphologies and chain packing; polymer dynamics; molecular shear; nanoparticle semiconductive and lattice properties; charge and energy transport; diffraction behavior.

Molten Salt Deposition Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The purpose of the refractory metals electrodeposition pilot plant is to coat large caliber gun tube liners and metals having a higher erosion and corrosion resistance than chromium. It has the ability to electrodeposite metals such as tantalum, niobium, molybdenum and tungsten. All of these metals have very high melting points compared to chromium. The facility is composed of a vacuum chamber, two very large electric furnaces, gas handling equipment, salts purification equipment, rectifiers, and computer monitoring and control apparatus.

Morphology Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Primary capabilities are: X-ray diffraction characterization of single and polycrystalline materials at ambient, cooled or elevated temperatures; optical microscopic characterization at room and elevated temperatures; X-ray scattering of polymer fibers and film (with or without applied tension); electron microscopic characterization of surfaces.

Naval Packaging, Handling, Storage & Transportation

Indian Head, MD

Provides system engineering and coordination of requirements/allowance determination, acquisition integration, standardization and use of Test, Measure & Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) for all shipboard and shore prime equipment/systems throughout their life cycle.

NCST Composite Materials Laboratory

Washington, DC

NDE Acoustic Microscopy Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to develop advanced, more effective high-resolution micro-NDE materials characterization methods using scanning acoustic microscopy. The laboratory's High Precision Scanning Acoustic Microscope (HIPSAM) utilizes high frequency ultrasonic waves (200 MHz) and high positional scanning resolution on 3 axes to provide precision capabilities for exacting inspection and evaluation tasks.

NDE Experimental Ultrasonics Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Characterize metallic, composite and non-metallic materials that are in processing development by the Materials & Manufacturing Directorate

NDE Laser Methodology Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to develop laser-based nondestructive evaluation methods and techniques for highly accurate characterization of a broad range of material properties.

NDE X-ray Computed Tomography Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to establish the applicability of X-ray computed tomography (CT) to meet critical nondestructive evaluation (NDE) requirements and develop new techniques for highly effective material and structural characterization.

Nitramine Drying & Fine Grinding Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Nitramine Drying and Fine Grinding Facility provides TACOM-ARDEC with a state-of-the-art facility capable of drying and grinding high explosives (e.g., RDX and HMX) to support twin-screw extrusion studies, low vulnerability (LOVA) propellant, and, potential use in tank ammunition, and nitroguanidine (NQ) for use in the XM232 propelling charge loaded into the Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS). It is also available to support a broad spectrum of mission Research and Development including new propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnic formulation development, and insensitive munitions. It is capable of drying and grinding energetic materials and related raw materials up to 100 lbs per hour. The facility is currently undergoing inert operational testing

Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

The Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Laboratories are used to conduct NDE of Navy materials with the following capabilities: radiography lab (400-kV x-ray machine) and dark room; ultrasonics and electromagnetics lab; laser optics lab; and penetrant testing and magnetic particle test lab.

Opto-Electronic Polymer Physics Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to investigate and develop the physical mechanisms of polymers for applications in photovoltaics, conductivity, optics, electronics, and other Air Force technological needs.

Paint Technology Center

Vicksburg, MS

The PTC has conducted research on surface preparation for wood, concrete, and metallic substrates and has studied various types of application equipment. The center has identified the necessary equipment and procedures to follow for a thorough inspection. Research projects aimed at improving 1) high solids coatings, 2) abrasion resistant coatings, 3) coatings for use on aluminum, 4) coatings which meet air pollution regulations, and 5) coatings for high temperature applications have been conducted.

Paint Testing

Vicksburg, MS

In the past the majority of our work has consisted of testing individual batches of paint proposed for use on specific projects. The objective of this type of testing was rapid response and low cost. Testing consisted of performing a range of both formulation and performance tests as required by the specification. In order to reduce costs and provide a response in a minimum amount of time, not all specification tests were performed. Most paints were tested for a flat rate which was paid by the government installation where the painting was to take place. Results were provided in 1-2 weeks depending on the length of the tests performed.

Pavement Materials Lab

Kirtland AFB, NM

This 25,000-sq state-of-the-art facility contains the Department of Defense-unique Joint Sealant Laboratory and an Automated Data Acquisition System for acquiring rheological data on creep, strength, resilient moduli, and fatigue of a variety of paving materials. This is a highly adaptable facility that supports physical, chemical, and mechanical characterizations of pavement and construction materials using state-of-the-art equipment for physicochemical analysis of bituminous materials and mixtures, multiaxial testing equipment, environmentally controlled testing chambers, and rapid and cyclic loading dynamic testing systems.

Pipe Fatigue Test Facility

Philadelphia, PA

Capable of testing specimens from 2 NPS to 16 NPS with up to 5 specimens tested simultaneously. Capable of delivering forces up to 100,000 lbs and pressures up to 2000 psi. Capable of cycling displacements and internal pressures simultaneously. Facility is capable of providing required test data in advance of major changes to SUBSAFE piping systems. There is no other known facility in the country, which can handle large piping component sizes up to 16” diameter. A fenced-in assembly and storage area allows for inspection and assembly of components and systems; installed equipment include work benches, 110 VAC power, LP Air connections, phone and LAN drops, a parts cleaner, HAZMAT locker, shelves and lockable cabinets for equipment and supplies. A raised mezzanine supports the control room and another work space with an installed work bench. A variety of ship and submarine hardware and instrumentation is available on-site or in storage to duplicate field conditions and support evaluation of new components, fluids and systems.

Polymer Processing and Characterization Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to process and evaluate polymers for use in nonlinear optical, conductive and structural Air Force applications. Primary capabilities are extrusion of polymeric films; fiber spinning; fiber heat treatment rheological and mechanical properties characterization of films, bars and fibers; spin casting and self assembly of thin films; dynamic and thermal analysis; sample fabrication for mechanical testing.

Polymer Synthesis Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

synthesis of organic intermediates, monomers, and polymers in multi-gram quantities; gram scale parallel synthesis of organic materials; synthesis scale-up of polymers to 100 gram quantities; verification of compound structure and purity through spectroscopic and chromatographic methods.

Powder Gymnasticator

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The powder gymnasticator provides for the evaluation of large caliber experimental gun mounts and recoil mechanisms by subjecting the recoil mechanisms to the same impulse as the full-scale firing of the weapon. This is achieved by modifying the muzzle area of the gun tube to accept a 75mm breech assembly and chamber. The chamber is loaded with propellant and fired, simulating the recoil forces associated with a full-up live firing. This method is extremely cost effective; projectiles, and full-scale propellant charges are not needed. Additional environmental savings are realized through reduced noise levels. The powder gymnasticator can accept forces up to 2.5 million pounds. Instrumentation includes pressure vs. time, rod-pull gages, hydraulic pressure, stress/strain, and metal parts integrity.

Powder Metallurgy Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The facility is uniquely equipped as the only laboratory within DA to conduct PM processing of refractory metals and alloys as well as the processing of a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. The capability includes a broad range of furnaces/temperatures. Its consolidation equipment includes uniaxial compaction presses (up to 500 tons) and isostatic presses for cold and hot operation. The facility also possesses mechanical alloying equipment, as well as a plasma powder processing and material characterization capability. Extensive processing is conducted at this facility on advanced tungsten alloys for kinetic energy penetrator applications.

Product Evaluation Laboratory

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

This laboratory offers the services of highly trained and experienced specialists that have a full complement of measuring equipment. It is equipped with two optical Comparators and a Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM). The lab specializes in various types of physical evaluations, including engineering evaluations, first article tests, product configuration audits and malfunction investigations. The CMM is a computer aided three axis machine that uses touch probes to perform measurements to 0.0001 inch. Reports can be computer generated and sent anywhere via e-mail.

Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E;)

Indian Head, MD

The Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Department provides RDT&E; of energetic materials and of technologies to evaluate energetic materials and ordnance. In addition, the department also provides the scientific foundation needed to determine the behavior and suitability of energetic materials for ordnance applications

Rough Handling Testing

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Safety

Indian Head, MD

managing and implementing the Navy's occupational safety and health program for asbestos, gas free environment, site conservation, radiation, mercury, lead, deficiency abatements, and hazardous materials containment. Activities include conducting surveys and periodic compliance evaluations and training.

Ship Materials Technology Center

West Bethesda, MD

The Carderock Ship Materials Technology Center (SMTC) is a world-class complex having a pivotal role in advancing the use of advanced materials and processes in the Navy fleet of the 21st century. The SMTC encompasses capabilities for developing advanced materials, engineering mechanics, chemical formulation, testing and characterization of metallic and non-metallic materials, and the prototype production and testing of materials and ship systems and components. The laboratory functional capabilities include:

Signature Materials Laboratories

West Bethesda, MD

Signature Materials Laboratories provide the prototype production capability for experimental shipsets of target-strength reduction materials; measurement of both reflected and radiated signatures in the acoustic, infrared, ultraviolet, visible, and microwave regions. The materials evaluation capability includes: large acoustic pulse tubes capable of submarine depth simulation; a unique bi-directional infrared spectral emittance measurement system; and a lab containing a laser coordinate-axis, ultra-precision dimensional metrology machine.

Strong Wall Structural Load Floor Testing Facility

Vicksburg, MS

The structural load floor is a 120 ft. by 40 ft. strong floor with the capability to provide complex static and dynamic loading patterns to large-scale structural models of buildings, building components, and other structural elements. The facility includes a high bay testing area with a 20 ton capacity overhead crane, that has a maximum clearance of 34 ft. A reaction wall is also located on the load floor.

Structural Dynamics Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

This facility consists of four uniaxial servo-hydraulic cyclic test machines, a small free form fatigue test fixture, and a lightweight shock machine. The four cyclic test machines have maximum ranges of 110,000; 220,000; 550,000 and 1,000,000 pounds. Each machine has hydraulic grips, allowing for fully reversed cyclic loads. Maximum specimen size is roughly 2 foot wide by 8 foot tall. Each test machine is individually computer controlled and can perform static, constant amplitude cyclic tests as well as random variable spectrum loadings.

Structural Dynamics Laboratory (SDL)

Cleveland, OH

Structural dynamic testing is performed to verify the survivability of a component or assembly when exposed to vibration stress screening, or a controlled simulation of the actual flight or service vibration environment. Environmental stress screening, or workmanship vibration, is used to identify latent manufacturing defects of components prior to being incorporated into larger assemblies. Vibration testing is also used to verify design margins of assemblies and characterize the internal dynamic responses of a test article.

Structural Evaluation Laboratory

West Bethesda, MD

The facility includes a strong floor 40 feet by 100 feet by 7 feet thick of heavily reinforced concrete, with tie downs located on five foot centers. Each tie down is rated at 250,000 pounds. Loads are applied to the test structure through hydraulic actuators using up to eight 50-gpm pumps as part of two independent 3500 psi hydraulic pumping systems.

Structural Static Laboratory

Cleveland, OH

Structural testing is performed to verify the structural integrity of space flight and ground test hardware. Testing is also performed to verify the finite element analysis by measuring stiffness and induced stress at points in a test article. A structural test can be used to verify the modes of failure of a design when exposed to simulated service loads.

System Support Nondestructive Inspection Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Tensile Strength Test Facility

Edwards AFB, CA

Textiles Performance Testing Facilities

Natick, MA

The Textiles Performance Testing Facilities has the capabilities to perform all physical wet and dry performance testing, and visual and instrumental color analysis on textile materials. Other unique capabilities include the Raincourt Facility, the Pilot Plant, the Shade Room and the Microscopy Laboratory.

Thermal Barrier Test Apparatus

Natick, MA

The Natick Soldier Center has the capability to evaluate flame retardant materials based on their flame/thermal protective performance at a heat flux simulating battlefield flame/thermal hazards. The performance is measured using a skin sensor that can predict temperature changes on the human skin surface resulting from heat penetrating the fabric sample. Compared to other conventional tests, this simple bench-scale apparatus is a quick and inexpensive method to get valuable information such as skin temperature profiles and burn injury times.

Thin Film Deposition Tribology Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

The purpose is to research and develop thin-film coatings for use on surfaces that are susceptible to friction and wear. Primary capabilities are pulsed laser deposition, filtered Cathodic Arc deposition; magnetron spuytter deposition of thin-film coatings with accurately controlled chemical, mechanical, friction and wear properties and behavior during wear testing.

Virtual Reality for Materials Design Laboratory

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Extensive theoretical and computational materials science and engineering capabilities that include utilization of scalable Defense Department High Performance Computing machines.

Waterfront Materials Development and Engineering

Port Hueneme, CA

Specialized materials selection, specification, inspection, condition assessment, identification, failure analysis, and testing

Waterfront Structures Development and Engineering

Port Hueneme, CA