Materials and Structural Testing and Evaluation

The Institute for Aerospace Research (IAR) performs a wide range of structural testing services and provides static and cyclic load tests on everything from simple coupons to full-scale aircraft. IAR designs and manufactures both metallic and composite specimens, and performs impact tests on composite laminates or hybrid structures. Extensive work is performed to study the problems of aging aircraft, including fatigue, corrosion and multi-site damage.

IAR uses the latest in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods to monitor test specimens. The NDE program is backed by a full analytical capability, including both linear and non-linear numerical analysis.

Some of the structural testing equipment is unique. The cruciform biaxial test facility is the largest in Canada. The tension-compression-torsion facility is the only one in the country. The environmental test facility can apply load and environmental profiles simultaneously. The drop tower impact testing and corrosion testing are state-of-the-art facilities. IAR also provides access to Canada's largest flight impact simulator.

Advanced data acquisition and analysis systems are backed by experienced researchers, whose expertise assures rapid and accurate data tailored to clients' needs.

Other competencies within structural testing include:

• designing and developing test programs to meet airworthiness and space authorities' compliance standards
• performing most American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) tests
• developing programs for computer-controlled load frames and
• maintaining links with domestic and international testing organizations.