Materials facilities in CA
8 facilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tensile Strength Test Facility
Edwards AFB, CA
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