Distinctive Capabilities – M.C. Gill Composites Center

In situ Observation
In situ Observable Autoclave Mini-Autoclave tool which allows in-situ observation of autoclave processing of honeycomb sandwich structures. It has four pressure sensors which allow for accurate permeability measurements. In situ observations of bond-line evolution and void growth during autoclave co-cure of a honeycomb core sandwich structure.	Curing Oven with In Situ Observation Curing Oven with window which allows for in situ observation of cure processes. It facilitates the observation of void formation. Void evolution in UD prepregs during Vacuum Bag-only (VBO) cure
RTM Molding Tool with In Situ Observation A custom-built lab-scale resin transfer molding (RTM) tool with embedded heaters, thermocouples, a pressure sensor, and in situ visualization capabilities. In situ observations of volatile-induced surface porosity formation during resin transfer molding (RTM) with benzoxazine resin	Scarf Repair Tool Plate with In Situ Observation Custom-built lab-scale scarfed repair tool plate which allows in situ observation of repair processing conditions.
Mechanical Testing
Vacuum Furnace Load Frame Vacuum Furnace Load Frame with capability of 1650 C in air at atmospheric pressure, 1650 C in process gas (Argon or Nitrogen) at 2 PSIG, and 1200 C in vacuum. Vacuum level is 10^-6 Torr which allows this instrument to be used to test parts in extreme space conditions.	Non-Contact Optical 3D Deformation Measuring System Non-Contact Optical 3D Deformation Measuring System for Mechanical Tests which allows for strain measurements in multiple directions without interfering with the part itself during the test.
Microtensile Testing Microtensile Testing for measuring mechanical properties of small samples.
Other Capabilities
Digital Stereo Microscope with 3D Surface Profilometry Digital Stereo Microscope with 3D Surface Profilometry which can make micro-scale plots to characterize samples. It allows for accurate void assessment in polished sections.	Reaction Cell with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Reaction Cell with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy which allows for volatile analysis on resins under temperature controlled conditions. Can be attached to our Thermogravimetric Analysis equipment to analyze the vapors released from samples.
Heated Tool with Independent Temperature Zones Heated tool with independently controlled temperature zones. This allows tests exploring the effect of heat gradients on part processing.	Ion Polisher Ion Polisher which produces cross sections of hard and soft materials without any polishing damage. It allows for scanning electron microscopy sample preparation to analyze micro-scale defects.
3D Printer The FUNMAT HT is capable of 3D printing high-performance functional materials like PEEK, ULTEM and PPSU, in addition to a broad range of engineering thermoplastics. Users can achieve 50-micron high-resolution industrial quality.

In situ Observation

In situ Observable Autoclave

Mini-Autoclave tool which allows in-situ observation of autoclave processing of honeycomb sandwich structures. It has four pressure sensors which allow for accurate permeability measurements.

In situ observations of bond-line evolution and void growth during autoclave co-cure of a honeycomb core sandwich structure.

Curing Oven with In Situ Observation

Curing oven with window

Curing Oven with window which allows for in situ observation of cure processes. It facilitates the observation of void formation.

Void evolution in UD prepregs during Vacuum Bag-only (VBO) cure

RTM Molding Tool with In Situ Observation

A custom-built lab-scale resin transfer molding (RTM) tool with embedded heaters, thermocouples, a pressure sensor, and in situ visualization capabilities.

In situ observations of volatile-induced surface porosity formation during resin transfer molding (RTM) with benzoxazine resin

Scarf Repair Tool Plate with In Situ Observation

Custom-built lab-scale scarfed repair tool plate which allows in situ observation of repair processing conditions.

Mechanical Testing

Vacuum Furnace Load Frame

Vacuum Furnace Load Frame with capability of 1650 C in air at atmospheric pressure, 1650 C in process gas (Argon or Nitrogen) at 2 PSIG, and 1200 C in vacuum. Vacuum level is 10^-6 Torr which allows this instrument to be used to test parts in extreme space conditions.

Non-Contact Optical 3D Deformation Measuring System

Non-Contact Optical 3D Deformation Measuring System for Mechanical Tests which allows for strain measurements in multiple directions without interfering with the part itself during the test.

Microtensile Testing

Microtensile Testing for measuring mechanical properties of small samples.

Other Capabilities

Digital Stereo Microscope with 3D Surface Profilometry

Digital Stereo Microscope with 3D Surface Profilometry which can make micro-scale plots to characterize samples. It allows for accurate void assessment in polished sections.

Reaction Cell with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Reaction Cell with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy which allows for volatile analysis on resins under temperature controlled conditions. Can be attached to our Thermogravimetric Analysis equipment to analyze the vapors released from samples.

Heated Tool with Independent Temperature Zones

Heated tool with independently controlled temperature zones. This allows tests exploring the effect of heat gradients on part processing.

Ion Polisher

Ion Polisher which produces cross sections of hard and soft materials without any polishing damage. It allows for scanning electron microscopy sample preparation to analyze micro-scale defects.

3D Printer

The FUNMAT HT is capable of 3D printing high-performance functional materials like PEEK, ULTEM and PPSU, in addition to a broad range of engineering thermoplastics. Users can achieve 50-micron high-resolution industrial quality.