Materials facilities in NM
3 facilities
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.
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.
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.