Description

Mechanical Materials and Structures Testing
MERL has testing laboratories providing a unique mechanical testing service individually designed to meet your needs, covering both materials and structure testing. It will add value to your test programme via our advice, fixture design, test specification, test method development, observation, data analysis and interpretation.


Finite Element Analysis Services
At MERL our service includes, high quality, professional finite element analysis services, and we use ABAQUS? commercial package. Our specialisation includes non-linear modelling, defect and damage modelling, and complex component modelling as part of our service.
MERL are able to generate material models for client materials. Our component testing facility can validate the analysis with test data or the other way around.
To predict failure in rubber components, structures (bonded joints) and composite structures we have fracture mechanics methods that we can apply.


Chemical Testing and Analysis
MERL chemical testing and analysis can undertake a range of chemical exposure tests on polymers to fulfil your requirements. Chemical ageing of polymer samples can be to fluids relevant to our sectors, Any mechanical or physical testing can then be carried out.
Results can be used to determine compatibility, follow material behaviour and predict lifespan. Testing can be carried out up to 250?C and pressures to 15,000 psi (1000 bar). These are in line with International Standard Procedures, such as: NORSOK M710, API 6A, API 14A, API 17K/J, NACE TM0187, ASTM D471, BS EN ISO 4080.


Inspection and Design
We can provide a package for you for the inspection and design, development, specification, manufacture and installation of structural elastomeric bearings. These bearings are found in the construction and engineering sectors to isolate structures from ground motion from earthquakes, ground-borne shaking and noise.They are also used to provide connections for rigid structures to stop effects of fatigue and expansion from moving. These bearings are also used in other industries such as flexelements or hubs.


Consultancy
MERL technical staff use their specialist knowledge in a variety of consultancy services. Our staff are members of professional bodies, chartered engineers and scientists.


Polymer Training Courses
MERL can offer specialist polymer training courses. They are aimed at personnel involved in the design, development, specification and manufacture of components/systems.
Courses are bespoke and are usually tailored to particular industry sectors. Numbers are limited and include lectures and practical demonstrations. The courses are run by experienced MERL scientists and engineers and include a sound scientific basis along with practical experience.
See the website for examples of Training Courses we have run


Test Equipment and Instrumentation
MERL have many years of experience in developing in-house test equipment and instrumentation, and we are able to offer you:
Hardware Systems - new test systems, upgrades to existing ones and servo-hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical actuators. Software for components, materials and product testing - real time displays, data aquisition, machine control and data processing /results. Take a look at some of the examples MERL have provided test machines.


Rubber
We have a comprehensive range of rubber and TPE services and clients include materials suppliers and component manufacturers.
Would you like to see our full range of services?


Composites
Reinforced polymer composite materials offer properties unavailable from other types of material. There are numerous examples where the specific properties have led to efficient structures such as the aerospace, automotive, offshore marine and energy industries to name a few.
Applications are:
Need for minimal material usage - due to material costs and weight constraints Need for safe predictable performance - due to demanding service environments

Structural Adhesives Research and Testing
MERL offers a multi-disciplinary approach to structural adhesives research and testing, combining our chemical and engineering knowledge.
The main areas are:
development/specification of test methods laboratory test programs design analysis of joints, structures and products life prediction

Structural Thermoplastics
MERL provides a comprehensive test and research service for thermoplastic performance characterisation, includes is:
Mechanical - dynamic, crack fatigue Mechanical - static Fluid resistance Chemical resistance Structural Thermoplastics are polymers that flow when molten and they can be formed into shapes that keep their shape when cooled.


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