Vibration and high-cycle fatigue testing/analysis of advanced materials and structures.
The Advanced Research Laboratory for Multifunctional Lightweight Structures (ARL-MLS) specializes in testing, simulation, and optimization of new materials and structural designs in automotive, aerospace, nuclear, and biomedical applications. The ARL-MLS facility offers high-level testing and computational resources that focus on vibration and high-cycle fatigue. Our equipment includes a range of electrodynamic shakers for low-load to high-load applications, a large piezoelectric shaker that can provide high loading at frequencies in the kilohertz range, fibre-optic strain measurement capabilities, and a variety of transducers and non-contact laser sensors. Our facility has successfully carried out testing with industry partners on a wide range of components, including advanced lightweight alloys and composite structures. With our current facilities, the ARL-MLS is giving rise to exciting new developments in multifunctional and lightweight design solutions.
Testing, modelling, analysis, optimization
- Aerospace and satellites
- Automotive
- Construction (including building, civil engineering, specialty trades)
- Manufacturing and processing
Specialized labs and equipment
Specialized lab |
Equipment |
Function |
---|---|---|
ARL-MLS |
660lbf electrodynamic shaker |
Shaker for high-cycle fatigue testing of medium to large parts |
|
110lbf electrodynamic shaker |
Shaker for modal excitation and high- cycle fatigue testing of small parts |
|
Piezoelectric shaker |
Large load shaker for high- cycle fatigue testing in kilohertz range |
|
2D Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer |
Extraction of natural frequencies and 2D mode shapes using non-contact laser that scans the surface of the part |
|
Laser displacement probe |
Non-contact measurement of displacement at a single point |
|
Fibre-optic strain gauge interrogator |
Processes response from fibre-optic strain gauges |
|
Transducers |
Large range of accelerometers and impact hammers for a variety of applications |
Private and public sector research partners
- Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
- Bombardier Aerospace (Bombardier Inc.)
- Honeywell Canada
- SPP Canada Aircraft Inc.
- UTC Aerospace Systems
- Van-Rob Inc.