National Composites Certification and Evaluation Facility (NCCEF)- Product Portfolio
The Product Portfolio
The NCCEF product portfolio is a combination of foreground routine mechanical testing and materials analysis capability and a background capability in deeper testing and analysis. It also provides an underwriting of the interpretation of raw data as product and process certification.
Testing
The NCCEF focuses on the testing and evaluation of coupons, elements, details, sub-components and some small full-scale components. This includes;
- Basic production testing
- Manufacturing process equivalence testing and certification.
- Verification of third party data
- Product performance certification
- Process evaluation and certification.
- One stop shop certification
Testing for Database development is focused on coupon samples where currently huge amounts of data are required to produce design allowables as part of a building-block approach. The ability to test under different environmental conditions with pre-conditioning is crucial in satisfying international agency regulations. NDT is serviced by employing traditional methods alongside newer and more advanced inspection techniques.
Database
The NCCEF is developing a composites performance database. The cost-savings associated with such a database are of great benefit to smaller companies who can draw on existing design allowables and carry out reduced testing to qualify materials. This will parallel the successful FAA supported NCAMP activity at Wichita State University with whom the NWCC have strong working relationships.
Research and Development
The facility is actively involved in a number of applied research contracts funded by organisations such as the TSB (Technology Strategy Board). In addition, the facility provides test and evaluation services as a subcontract to the composites research contracts of Manchester and other Universities.
The NCCEF operates from the North West Composites Centre on the University of Manchester Engineering campus and accommodates the latest test and processing equipment.
1,600 square metres of laboratory, sample preparation and office space are dedicated to the activities of the NCCEF, including;
- Instron Mechanical Testing Laboratory
- Processing Laboratory
- Quickstep
- Autoclave
- RTM
- Microwave
- Ply Cutting room
- Dedicated lay up room
- Test sample preparation workshop
- Inspection and Measurement lab
- Ballistics Laboratory
- Secure sample and data storage area
- 50m2 seminar room with full AV support
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