University of Dayton – Ohio Aerospace & Aviation Council

Center of Excellence in High Performance Materials, Optoelectronics and Sensors

Structures Energy and Propulsion Avionics Human Factors Materials Contact

Structures

Structural Failure Analysis Laboratory

Provides solutions to mechanical component and airframe failures, including mechanical and metallurgical joining of aluminum and advanced nickel-based, titanium-based, and refractory metals and nonmetallic and composite materials

Structural Test Laboratory

Closed-loop, servo-hydraulic test systems for superior control during testing
Load frames and T-slot tables for a wide variety of load configurations
Uni-axial loading up to 220,000 lb
Test speeds up to 300 in/sec closed loop, and 1,000 in/sec monotonic
Torque from 25 in-lb to 75,000 in-lb
Torsional test rates of 500°/sec up to 5,000 in-lb and 100°/sec up to 70,000 in-lb
Environmental chambers for temperatures from -320°F to 2,000°F
Testing environments such as lab air, high humidity air, corrosive atmospheric environments, and solution baths
Pressures from ambient to vaccuum (10-5 torr)
Multi-axial testing
Instrumentation:

axial and torsional loadcells
force washers
strain gauges
linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs)
pressure transducers
mechanical and optical extensometers
traveling microscopes
thermocouples
oscilloscopes
precision voltmeters
micrometers
callipers
monitoring for up to 10 high speed strain gages
high speed digital acquisition up to 32 channels
Labview(R) instrumentation and programming expertise

Vibration Damping and Modal Analysis

Modal Analysis/Operational Deflection Shapes: field-portable systems to determine the dynamic characteristics of structures and acoustic environments under real operating conditions.
Passive Damping System Design and Validation: proven process that combines experimental modal analysis and finite element analysis to optimize damping system performance to reduce vibratory stress levels.
Damping Materials Characterization: unique capability to develop and characterize new damping materials across a broad range of frequencies and temperatures.
Dynamic Testing: wide variety of dynamic testing equipment: from servo-hydraulic systems to a 5000 lbf-3000 Hz shaker with appropriate accelerometer and strain gage instrumentation, to assess structural integrity under combined cyclic thermal and mechanical loading.

Energy and Propulsion

Fuel Science Testing

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) systems for measuring fuel deposition, oxidation, and the affect of additives
Various gas chromatographic systems with atomic emission, mass spectrometric, and flame ionization detection
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with uv-vis absorption, electrochemical, and refractive index detection
Scanning Brookfield viscometry
Low temperature optical microscopy
Differential scanning calorimetry
Solid-phase extraction techniques for preseparation of fuel components
Computational molecular modeling and molecular dynamics
Development of pseudo-detailed chemical kinetic models
Various thermal oxidation and pyrolysis fuel heat exchangers
Total carbon analyzer
Direct PCR analysis of biological contaminant organisms

Modeling and Simulation

Variety of general purpose commercial CFD codes for aerospace applications
In-house specialty CFD codes
CHEMKIN & REACT codes for chemical kinetics
Molecular modeling codes
Codes for dynamic system analysis
Laboratories for scaled fuel system component simulations and experiments
Access to supercomputing facilities
Development of pseudo-detailed chemical kinetic models
Laboratories for chemical analyses

Aircraft Avionics, Systems, and Equipment

Electronic/Electrical Failure Analysis Laboratory

Analyzes, characterizes, and solves problems related to electrical components, including printed wiring boards, wiring, connectors, switches, solder joints, integrated circuits, and hybrid microcircuits

Sensors Laboratory

Equipped with various electrochemical and optical instruments including scanning potentiostats, conductivity and oxygen analyzers, fluorescence and UV/VIS spectrophotometers, and a YSI MBS analyzer for nutrient and ion analyses

Center for UAS Exploitation

Communication Systems
Power & Propulsion
Onboard Sensing & Computing
Rapid Prototyping & Fabrication
Software Development
Modeling & Simulation
Control Systems

Electronics Lab

Application-specific equipment design
Sensor selection and instrumentation development
Equipment specification, assessment, upgrade and repair
Data acquisition systems

Calibration Lab

NIST traceable standards for mechanical, electrical, and environmental measurements
Sensor and system calibration service and consultation
Calibration records control and automated database
Test and validation procedures

Metrology Lab

Three axis (CMM) and circular feature (Indicorder) characterization
Surface roughness measurement (Profilometer)
Gauges and fixtures for specific thickness and feature measurements

Avionic Diagnostics Lab

Automated test equipment (ATE) technology assessments

Human Factors

Signature Science Exploration Lab

Technologically Advanced Cognition (TAC) Lab

Materials

Sealants and Elastomeres Laboratory

Sealant mixers of various sizes
QUV(TM) Accelerated Weathering Tester
Weatherometer, ovens, programmable environmental temperature cabinet, and humidity chambers for artificial aging of materials
O-ring fluid exposure block heater
Balances, hardness testers, and friction and wear test machine
Video extensometer
Tensile test machines with 400 lb. and 1000 lb. load cells
MTS(TM) tensile test machines (1000 lbs.) with ovens for low/high temperature capability
Low temperature flexibility tester
Low temperature retraction tester (TR-10)
Stress relaxometers
Two Parker-Hannifin(TM) rod seal testers
Electrical property test equipment
Hand-held thickness gauges, calipers, specimen dies and specialized test fixtures for dimensional measurements, specimen preparation, and testing

Composite Processing and Testing

5 ft. x 10 ft. autoclave
4 ft. x 6 ft. autoclave
2 ft. x 4 ft. autoclave
2 ft. x 2 ft. press
Fabric prepregger
Fabric tackifier
VARTM equipment
Filament winder
Pultrusion equipment
2 Lay-up rooms
LAP laser projection system for composite lay-up
Wet saws
Freezer storage

EMI Shielding

HP 8350B sweep oscillator with RF plug-in
HP 83582B microwave amplifier
HP 8757A scaler network analyzer
HP Agilient detectors
ETS Lindgren 3117 antennas
ETS Lindgren table top anechoic chamber
Custom programmed data acquisition and control software

Thermal and Environmental Conditioning

Forced Convection Ovens

Blue M model CW-9980F: max temp 1300°F (704°C), working volume (48” x 25” x 36”), programmable controller
Blue M model DC-366-F-MP350: max temp 600°F (316°C), working volume (36” x 36” x 48”), programmable controller
(2) Blue M model CW-6690-F-MP550: max temp 1300°F (704°C), working volume (18” x 17” x 20”), programmable controller
Blue M model POM-6680 F-5: max temp 1300°F (704°C), working volume (19” x 20 “ x 18”), programmable controller
Lab-Line Instruments Inc. model 3497M-3: max temp 392°F (200°C), working volume (13” x 17” x 18”), single set point controller
Cincinnati Sub-Zero model CSZ-5: max temp 500°F (260°C), working volume (20” x 20” x 23”), single set point controller

Table-top Free Convection Ovens

Despatch table top oven, (23.5” x 14” x 14”)
Blue M Stable-Therm OV-12A, (11” x 12” x 12”)
Blue M model OV-490A-2, (17.5” x 15” x 18”)

Vacuum Ovens

Electric Hotpack Co. 734: max temp 572°F (300°C), working volume (13” x 18” x 13”)
Haraeus RVI 360: max temp 428°F (220°C), working volume (10.5” x 18” x 12”)

Furnaces

Blue M model 9671F: max temp 2000°F (1093°C), working volume (23.5” x 36” x 15.5”)
Blue M model 9650F: max temp 2000°F (1093°C), working volume (9.5” x 19.5” x 9”)
Linberg box furnace model BF 51828C-1, max temp 2000°F (1100°C), working volume (12” x 12” x 18”), single set point controller

Thermal Cycling Chambers

Cincinnati Sub-Zero model Z-2-033-033-H/AC, Temp. Range -99°F to 375°F (-73 to 190°C), working volume (20” x 20.5” 12.5”), microprocessor controlled
Tenney model 8TC: Temp. range -99°F to 392°F (-73 to 200°C), working volume (20” x 18” x 22”), programmable controller

Thermal Shock Simulator

Bemco Inc. model FS2V-160/200C
Samples are lifted/lowered between two insulated temperature zones in 17 seconds via automated elevator to produce thermal shock
Temperature Range:

Zone A (upper): 122°F to 392°F (50 to 200°C)
Zone B (lower): -301°F to 50°F (-185 to 10°C)

Working volume: 19.5” x 16.5” x 23”
Weathering Exposure

(2) Q-Panel model QUV
UV bulbs available: UVA 340 (295-360 nm) and UVB 313 (<295 nm)
Temp. options: 50°C, 60°C, or 70°C
Humidity range: 0 – 100%

Humidity Cabinets

TPS model # CEO910-4 : Temp. range 32°F to 210°F (0°C to 99°C), humidity range 20 to 90% RH, working volume (27” x 25” x 28”)
Blue M model # AC-7702HB-1: Temp. range 95°F to 200°F (35-93°C), humidity range 40 to 99% RH, working volume (36” x 18” x 25”)
Blue M model # CFR-7552C-4 : Temp. range 37°F to 200°F (3°C to 93°C), humidity range 20 to 90% RH, working volume (20” x 20” x 13”), retrofitted with slots for 10 cyclic stress durability test cells

High Temperature Creep Testing Laboratory

6 high-temperature creep frames with furnaces capable of operating at 1600 Celsius for extended periods
Linseis L75 Vertical Research Dilatometer System, which has the capability to precisely determine the thermal expansion behavior of a variety of materials

Corrosion Laboratory

Two Q-Panel Q-Fog chambers are available for cyclic corrosion tests and humidity exposure
Three Q-Panel Q-UV exposure test systems for UV-humidity exposure
Atlas Weatherometer

Carbon Testing

Thermal Properties Characterization Instrumentation

Thermal Diffusivity (Flash Diffusivity Technique)
Thermal Conductivity (Guarded Hot Plate Technique)
Thermal Conductivity of Fluids and Powders
Thermal Conductivity of Fluids under Shear
Transient Heat Transfer Temperature Profiler
Micro-Thermal Analyzer
Thermal Interface / Impedance Test
Pipe Flow Heat Transfer Fluid Characterization
Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
Dilatometer

Microstructural Property Characterization Instrumentation

MTS Bionix tensometer with fluid/gas environmental chamber
Optical microscope with up to 1000X magnification and digital camera
Rigaku X-ray diffraction (both WAXS and SAXS)
Portable micro tension stage (modular with microscope and XRD equipment)
Portable heat stage (modular with microscope and XRD equipment)
Micro Computed Tomography (CT) equipment
Micro Raman Spectroscopy
Atomic Force Microscopy

Electrical Property Characterization Instrumentation

Rastering 4-point-probe surface resistivity profiler
256-pin array surface resistivity apparatus
High current potentiostat & galvanostat
Electrochemical Analyzer/Workstation

MRF Batch Furnace (3000°C)
Harper pusher furnace (2500°C)
Limburg furnace (1000°C)

Metallography Laboratory

Metals and metal alloys, monolithic ceramics, ceramic matrix composites (CMC), polymer matrix composites (PMC), and permanent magnet materials are routinely studied in this facility to determine such things as aging and corrosion characteristics, optical properties, grain size and grain size distribution, hardness, and electrical conductivity (eddy current).

Ceramics Testing

Lithium-Air and Lithium-Water Cells

Used to develop highly conductive (10-2 s cm-1 at room temperature) water-stable, heterogeneous ceramic and polymer-ceramic membranes

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Paint Testing and Coatings Laboratory

Used to perform most standard paint tests, including color, gloss, hardness, flexibility, chip resistance, chemical resistances, adhesion, dry time, and wet coatings properties

Aerospace Material Specification AMS 3095A
Aerospace Material Specification AMS 3116A
Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus ASTM B 117

6 Q-Fog cabinets

Standard Guide for Determining Mass Per Unit Area of Electrodeposited and Related Coatings by Gravimetric and Other Chemical Analysis Procedures ASTM B 767
Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric-Type Sealants by Means of a Durometer ASTM C 661
Standard Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached Organic Coatings ASTM D 522

Conical test apparatus

Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss ASTM D 523
Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup ASTM D 1200

Ford Viscosity Cup

Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks and Related Products ASTM D 1475
Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates ASTM D 2244

Color spectrophotometer

Standard Guide for Testing Filiform Corrosion Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal ASTM D 2803

Humidity cabinet

Standard Test Method for Chipping Resistance of Coatings ASTM D 3170
Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test ASTM D 3359
Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test ASTM D 3363
Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abrader ASTM D 4060
Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Tester (PATTI) ASTM D 4541
Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV-Condensation Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings ASTM D 4587

Six Q-UV test chambers

Standard Test Method for Impact Flexibility of Organic Coatings (GE Impact) ASTM D 6905
Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonconductive Coatings Applied to a Nonferrous Metal Base ASTM D 7091
Standard Test Methods for Holiday Detection in Pipeline Coatings ASTM G 62
Standard Practice for Modified Salt Spray (Fog) Testing (Prohesion) ASTM G 85-A5

Six Q-Fog cabinets

Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials ASTM G 154
Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials ASTM G 155

Xenon bulbs
UV Filters

Filiform Corrosion Resistance Test on Aluminum Alloys EN 3665
Accelerated Corrosion Test GM 9540P

Five Q-Fog cabinets

Cyclic Test GMW 14872
Paints and Varnishes – Surface Drying Test – Ballotini Method ISO 1517
Paints and Varnishes – Scratch Test ISO 1518
Paints and Varnishes – Bend Test (Cylindrical Mandrel) ISO 1519
Paints and Varnishes – Cross Cut Test ISO 2409
Determination of Resistance to Liquids – General Methods ISO 2812-1
Determination of Resistance to Liquids – Water Immersion ISO 2812-2
Filliform Corrosion NAS 1534

Corrosion chamber
Environmental chamber

Corrosion Tests in Artificial Atmospheres – Salt Spray Tests ISO 9227

Six Q-Fog cabinets

Sample Preparation Line

designed to clean, degrease, and conversion-coat test specimens prior to painting

Powder Coating Laboratory

Nordson Flexicoat powder coating system for electrostatic and/or hot-dipping fluidized bed coating
Gema Volstatic MPS 1-L manual powder system and PG 1 powder gun are available for electrostatic coating

Used to modify test protocols to meet specific customer needs and conduct special tests as specified by customers

Particle Erosion Test Facility (Sand and Dust)

UDRI maintains and operates the US Air Force’s Particle Erosion Test Facility at Wright-Patterson AFB
“Dust rig” designed to simulate erosion effects on aircraft surfaces subjected in flight to dust-laden environments

Rain Erosion Test Facility

The “rain rig” has a 35-year history as the national and international standard for testing the rain erosion resistance of a variety of aerospace materials. An 8-foot-diameter rotating arm and 96 calibrated needles are used to simulate flight in a 1 inch per hour rainfall.

Flame Retardant Research and Fire Testing

Cone Calorimeter (FTT)

Standard test for fundamental understanding of materials fire behavior (ASTM E-1354, E-1474, E-1740, D6113, ISO 5660, MIL-STD 2031)
Measures heat release rate by oxygen consumption calorimetry
Can also measure mass loss rate, smoke production rates, and CO/CO2 production rates
Has special low-oxygen calorimetry attachment for burning samples in sub-ambient (lower than 20.95% oxygen) conditions Can perform modified cone calorimeter experiments for specialized fire test needs

Micro Combustion Calorimeter (D7309)

Also known as a pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter
A small-scale quantitative flammability testing apparatus (5-50 mg sample) enabling rapid screening for flammability performance
Materials can be pyrolyzed under air or nitrogen at rates of 1°C/sec from 50°C to 900°C
Heat of combustion measurements can be collected with as little as 5mg of material

UL-94 Test Station

Standard test for polymers in electronics and electronic enclosures. Covers the following UL/ASTM methods:

ASTM D635 (UL-94 HB)
ASTM D3801 (UL-94 V)
ASTM D4804 (UL-94 VTM)
ASTM D5048 (UL-94 5V)
ASTM D4986 (UL-94 HB)

Horizontal Flammability Tester

Standard test for aerospace and automotive parts. Covers the following fire test standards:

FMVSS 302
FAR Part 25.853 Horizontal Test
ISO 3795

Vertical Flammability Tester

Standard test for many aerospace, automotive, building, and textile products. Covers the following fire test standards:

FAR Part 25.853 Vertical Test
NFPA 1971
ASTM D6413
California Technical Bulletin TB-117
Federal and CPSC fabric flame spread tests

Polymer/Nanocomposite Processing Plant

IKA 80 gallon mixing plant with recycle loop, progressive cavity pump, in-line 3-stage powder dispersing unit, heated jacket, and separate tube-in-shell condenser
Coperion SK-25 Devolatilizing Twin Screw Extruder, with two loss-in-mass pellet feeders, 7-zone resistively heated barrel with water cooling, 3 vacuum ports, vacuum manifold connected to tube-in-shell condenser and large vacuum pump, pelletizing die, downstream filament water batch and chopper
Crompton Davis Standard 18-inch film line: interfaces with Coperion twin screw extruder through melt pump and flex lip die for thermoplastic film extrusion, or can use separate resin trough for thermoset film forming
Fabric Prepregger, 12-inch wide with dip tank, B-staging oven, and take-up rolls
Autoclave, 2 ft. x 4 ft. footprint, 800°F, 200 psi
Press: 14 in. x 14 in. platens, 10,000 lbs. force, 1292°F (700°C)
Lab scale unit for production of rigid rod polymer fibers, includes water bath and heat treating furnace
Convection Ovens: Blue M, up to 2 ft. x 3 ft. x 5 ft., up to 1292°F (700°C)
Diamond blade cutting saw and sample polishing unit

Polymeric Materials Characterization Laboratory

Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)

Model: TA Instruments 2940 and Q400
Temperature range: -150 °C to 1000 °C
Sensitivity: 15 nm
Force range: 0.001 to 1 N
Atmospheres available: nitrogen, argon, air
Sample types: Solid pieces or thin films

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)

Model: TA Instruments Q800
Maximum force: 18 N
Minimum force: 0.0001 N
Force resolution: 0.00001 N
Strain resolution: 1 nm
Modulus range: 103 to 3×1012 Pa
Frequency range: 0.01 to 200 Hz
Temperature range: -150 °C to 600 °C
Heating rate: 0.1 to 20 °C
Deformation modes available: 3-point bend, dual & single cantilever, thin film, parallel plate

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)

Model: TA Instruments Q1000
Has autosampler (not shown) for high throughput
Temperature range: -50 °C to 550 °C
Heating rates: 0.1 to 200 °C/min
Calorimetric precision: +/- 1%
Sensitivity: 0.2 μW
Can handle a wide range of materials.
Hermetically sealed pans and open pan experiments under nitrogen or air can be accomplished

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

TA Instruments Q5000 IR
Autosampler with high throughput
Temperature range: room temperature to 1200 °C
Linear heating rates of 0.1 to 500 °C/min
Sensitivity: 0.1 μg
Max sample weight: 100 mg
Capable of handling hermetically sealed pans for low temperature volatile content analysis
Atmospheres available: nitrogen, argon, air

TA Instruments AR2000 Rheometer

Temperature range: -150 °C to 600 °C
Frequency sweep: 0.01 to 100 Hz
Parallel plate or cone (2° or 4°) and plate rheometry possible
Modes available: flow, oscillation, creep, stress/relaxation. Multiple experimental parameters available in each mode.

Nicolet 4700 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer

Wavelength range: 400 to 4000 cm-1
Capable of measuring solid, liquid, and gas samples.
Existing accessories:

Germanium ATR (for carbon black / carbon nanofiber filled samples)
Diamond ATR (unheated and heated – hot stage up to 200 °C)
Modular design, capable of holding many different sample geometries and cells. Can be interfaced with other instruments and upgraded depending upon research needs.

Nicolet Evolution 600 Ultraviolet/Visible Wavelength Spectrometer

Wavelength range: 190 to 900 nm
Can handle solids and liquids in transmission mode.
Can handle solids in diffuse reflection mode.

Synthetic Organic Chemistry Laboratory

200 liter pilot plant reactor
300 MHz NMR
GC/MS
Raman microscopy, SEM, TEM
HPLC/MS
XPS
DSC, TGA, DMA, TGA/MS, UV/Vis/NIR, FTIR

Surface Analysis Laboratory

Surface Science Labs SSX-100 X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS)

Elemental analysis for the top ~5 nm of a sample, as well as detailed information about chemical bonding
Small spot analysis using a focused monochromatic aluminum x-ray source. X-ray spot sizes of 150, 300, 600 and 800 µm can be selected
High energy resolution: A peak width of 0.8 eV (FWHM) is measured for the gold 4f7/2 peak with a 150 µm diameter x-ray spot size
A differentially pumped ion gun for in-situ sample cleaning or sputter depth profiling
Advanced data collection and processing using ESCA V2.1 software from Service Physics (Bend OR)

Jeol JAMP-30 Scanning Auger Microprobe

Point and line scan Auger analysis
Auger mapping to 100 nm resolution
Secondary electron imaging to 10 nm
Backscatter electron imaging
Single and multipoint depth profiles

Varian Depth Profiling Scanning Auger Spectrometer

Point and line scan Auger analysis
Point depth profiling
Crater-edge profiling (for thick films)
Auger mapping with 10 micron resolution
Advanced data reduction software

Chemical/Nano-Characterization Laboratory

High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Model: Waters Acquity SQD System
Ultraperformance LC (UPLC)
Normal phase, reverse phase or GPC
Single quad mass detection and/or photo diode array detection
Binary gradient capability
Mass range : 200-2000 m/z

Particle Size/Molecular Weight/Charge Analysis-Diffusive Light Scattering (DLS)

Model: Malvern Zetasizer Nano – ZS
Particle size range: 0.6 to 6.0 um
Particle size range for zeta potential (charge): 5 nm to 10 um
Molecular weight range: 1000 to 2 x 107 Daltons
Existing accessories: Flow-through cell for HPLC detection; titrator for evaluating effects of additives on zeta potential

Spectroscopic Analysis-Fluorescence

Model: Horiba Jobin Yvon Fluoromax-4
Excitation range: 200-950 nm
Emission range: 200-950 nm
Scan speed: 80 nm/s
Signal-to-noise ratio: 3000:1
Existing Accessories: Programmable sample / heater cooler; sample injection port for kinetic studies; solid sample holder for characterizing thin films, powders, pellets, paper, fibers or coated microscope slides

Spectroscopic Analysis- FTIR

Model: Nicolet 4700 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
Wavelength range: 400 to 4000 cm-1
Capable of measuring solid, liquid, and gas samples
Existing accessories: Germanium ATR (for carbon black / carbon nanofiber filled samples); diamond ATR (unheated and heated; hot stage up to 200 °C); modular design capable of holding many different sample geometries and cells.
Can be interfaced with other instruments and upgraded depending upon researcher needs.

Spectroscopic Analysis- Ultraviolet/Visible

Model: Nicolet Evolution 600 Ultraviolet/Visible
Wavelength range: 190 to 900 nm
Can handle solids and liquids in transmission mode
Can handle solids in diffuse reflection mode

Electrochemical Analysis- Potentiostat, Galvanostat and Zero Resistance Ammeter

Model: Gamry Reference 600
Capabilities include: 190 to 900 nm

Cyclic voltammetry
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Differential pulse voltammetry
Square wave voltammetry

Thermal Decomposition Laboratory

Advanced Thermal Photolytic Reactor System (ATPRS)

Design allows optical access to the reactor so that photochemical reactions may be studied at high temperatures in addition to conventional thermal decomposition

System for Thermal Diagnostic Studies (STDS)

Used to determine the thermal stability of materials and to identify and quantify thermal reaction products

Saturn 2000 Ion Trap GC-MS-MS system

Used to perform sub-ppm-level organic analysis

Multidimensional gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (MDGC-MS) system

Capable of performing complete separation of the most complex mixtures

NEST Laboratory (Nanoscale Engineering Science and Technology)

Zeiss EVO-50XVP Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM)

This is an extended pressure range SEM with a graphical user interface and digital image storage and processing. It has both a secondary electron (SE) detector and a four-quadrant backscattered electron detector (4Q-BSD). Electron acceleration voltages of 0.2 â€“ 30 kV are selectable. The ultimate resolution is 3.0 nm. This instrument has a large multi-ported specimen chamber with a 5-axis motorized sample stage. The vacuum system uses an oil-free turbomolecular pump. In the extended variable pressure (XVP) mode, pressure from 1 – 750 Pa can be selected. The specimen atmosphere can be either air or water. Integrated with the Zeiss ESEM is an EDAX Genesis 2000 energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) system. This x-ray microanalysis system can detect all elements with atomic number greater than or equal to 5 and has software for calculating sample composition as well as for elemental mapping and compositional line scans.

Hitachi H-7600 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

This TEM has an auto-focus capability with computer-controlled microscope operation (Windows R2000 OS3). Accelerating voltages of 40 â€“ 120 kV are selectable. The ultimate resolution is 0.2 nm (lattice image). Samples are mounted on a 3.0 mm specimen grid. This instrument has an AMT digital CCD system with a bottom-mount camera for acquisition of high-quality digital sample images.

Hitachi S-4800 High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HRSEM)

This instrument uses a cold field emission electron source and can achieve an ultimate resolution of 1.0 nm at 15 kV and 2.0 nm at 1 kV. Accelerating voltages of 0.5 â€“ 30 kV can be selected. This instrument has two secondary electron detectors. Operation and image-display are computer-controlled (Windows2000) with image-processing software also included. BMP, TIFF and JPEG image formats can be selected. The vacuum system includes 3 sets of ion pumps on the electron beam column and a turbomolecular pump on the sample chamber.

Oxford Diffraction Xcalibur 3 x-ray diffractometer (XRD)

This is a fully-enclosed single crystal XRD system. It has a Mo/Cu x-ray source with a Sapphire3 CCD detector. The instrument is computer-controlled with CrysAlisTM software for data analysis. Samples can be cooled to temperatures between 90 and 300 K with the Cryojet nitrogen jet cold unit.

Renishaw inVia Reflex Micro-Raman

The Renishaw inVia Reflex Micro-Raman is equipped with two laser excitation sources: a near infrared diode laser source (300mW) with an excitation wavelength of 785nm and an Argon ion laser source (25mW) with an excitation wavelength of 514nm. The laser spot size can be varied from 1Î¼m to 300Î¼m. Spectra can be obtained using a variety of acquisition modes such as single point scan, line mapping and area mapping. The confocal capabilities of the instrument allow depth profiling with 2.5 Âµm resolution. The white light image montaging feature allows for large-area images of the sample surface to be captured, which can then be overlaid and compared with Raman spectral data maps of the same region. The instrument is designed for one-click switching between laser sources, with computer-controlled reconfiguration and optimization. Calibration is also automatic, using an internal reference sample

Veeco Dektak 6M Surface Profiler

The Dektak 6M Surface Profiler is an instrument which measures topographical properties such as roughness, step height, and waviness. The system is equipped with two interchangeable, diamond-tip styli, with diameters of 12.5 Âµm and 2.5 Âµm. Resolution is accurate down to the angstrom scale. The instrument is capable of making measurements ranging from 50Âµm to 30 mm horizontally and from 262 Âµm to 50 Çº vertically. Data collection also features an automated mode in which up to 10,000 different scan routines can be run sequentially

Leica EM UC6 Ultramicrotome with FC6 Attachment

The Leica UC6 with FC6 attachment is the new standard in ultramictoromy. This instrument can perform nanometer sectioning of biological and materials specimens at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures. The main function of this instrument is to prepare specimens for TEM analysis of internal details and microstructure. The knife stage is fully motorized, illumination of the sample is provided by three independent LEDs, and menus for set-up are available via a touchscreen display.

Fabrication Laboratory

Space Combined Effects Primary Test & Research (SCEPTRE) Facility

Designed specifically for testing and qualification of spacecraft thermal control coating materials
Located at the Wright-Patterson AFB in the Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, and is staffed by employees of UDRI

Coatings and Corrosion Prevention Laboratory

A Gamry electrochemical measurement system with multiplexer can monitor up to eight different samples at a time. The coatings behavior and degradation can be studied using polarization and electrochemical impedance analysis.
A Dualscope MP-20 instrument offers quick and nondestructive measurement of the thickness of coatings.
A dip coater is an instrument used to apply sol-gel or polymer coatings to metal surfaces at a controlled rate. A spin coater produces uniform and nanometer-thick films on flat polished surfaces.

Composites Testing Laboratory

Capabilities of the facility ranges from 200 grams to 60,000 bs. force testing machines, digital data acquisition systems, a wide array of grips and test fixtures with the ability to conduct tests in environments that range from –320˚F to 1000˚F, composite lay-ups, processing, and specimen fabrication

Fluid Analysis Laboratory

Equipment Capabilities include: gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, viscosity sensors, Karl-Fisher coulometry, cyclic voltammetry, RULER antioxidant instrument, PERFECT hydroperoxide instrument, and direct current plasma spectrometry (DCP).

Integrated Methods Materials Characterization Laboratory

Ultrasonic systems with scanning capabilities including phased array ultrasound
Fully automated, robotic, Turbine Engine Sustainment Initiative (TESI) ultrasonic inspection system
Eddy current instruments with scanning capability
Infrared system for flash thermography
Fluorescent penetrant inspection
X-ray diffraction
Acoustic emission
Optical microscopy
White light interferometry/optical profilometry
DC electric potential
Several mechanical (MTS) test systems including both horizontal and vertical frames
Varying load capabilities – two 22 kip systems, one 11 kip system and one 5 kip system
Stroke, strain and load control
Thermal and/or mechanical loading
Temperature range (-100o C to +1500o C)
Varying environmental conditions including lab air, high vacuum (10-9 torr) and inert gas
Specialized gripping for brittle and straight-side samples
Test methods include tensile/compression, fatigue, creep, fracture toughness, LCF, HCF, spectrum loading, and thermo-mechanical fatigue
Testing conducted under computer control
In-situ measurement methods include: strain, high-temperature extensometry, crack mouth opening displacement, DC electric potential, infrared, ultrasound, acoustic emission, eddy current, optical microscopy (traveling microscope), and fluorescent penetrant
Post-test characterization and failure analysis via optical microscope and white light interference microscope
TESI Automated Ultrasonic Inspection System:

Staubli RX170 – 6 axis articulating robot with American Robot controller
Turntable with 700 lb load capacity and submersible workpiece platform
Olympus Tomoscan Phased-Array Ultrasonic instrument
National Instruments FieldPoint I/O SubSystem
Water treatment Subsystem

Ultrasonic 3-Axis, Eddy Current, Microscopy 3-Axis, Load Frame

Optical Materials Characterization Laboratory

Engages in research on optical materials for high-energy laser systems, non-linear processes, photolithography, extreme environments as well as stressing situations in the laboratory or controlled environments

Working with the University of Dayton

To find out how you can partner with the University of Dayton, contact the University of Dayton Research Institute at 937.229.2113 or email general_info@udri.udayton.edu
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