Research devices

With over 55 years of experience, TNO provides practical Naval shock expertise and knowledge for a world-wide customer base. The test facilities at the TNO Structural Dynamics lab have been developed to simulate the effect of shock loading generated from a non-contact underwater explosion (UNDEX).

A rheometer is an instrument that characterizes the flow behavior of materials. This characterization can be performed over a wide range, from aqueous fluids and slurries to fully cured polymers, using either rotational mode (viscosity) or dynamic vibration mode (DMA). Measurements can be programmed as a function of temperature, time, shear rate, frequency, etc.

The MCR 702 is a Dynamic Shear Rheometer used to determine the rheological properties of viscous materials. A sample is built in between 2 circular plates of 8 or 25 mm and then these plates are rotated, causing shearing to occur. During the test, the test piece is in a small climate chamber.

The MTS 311.21 fatigue bench is used for fatigue testing on materials and components. With this bench we can perform tensile tests and fatigue tests with forces up to 350kN. We mainly use this bench for fatigue tests on steel and composite.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is an analytical technique used to separate, identify and quantify the different components in a complex sample. The technique combines two methods: 1) Gas Chromatography is a separation method where the components of a gaseous sample are separated bases on their partition coefficient between a mobile phase (gas) and a stationary phase (column).

The optical light microscope MeF4M is used for examination of flat surfaces and for examination of materiallographic and metallographic sections. This research into the microstructure of materials.

Grinding and polishing machine with variable speed and force. Polishing can be done manually, or a sample can be mounted with the LaboForce and polished with a fixed force and speed. There are many options for sandpaper, polishing cloths, or other polishing media. This allows us to polish hard materials such as ceramics and tungsten, but also softer materials like copper or polymers.

The MAX® full 3D radar system is purpose-designed to identify and track small objects. Its stateof-the-art software allows continuous bird monitoring, delivering real-time (full 3D) actionable information and essential insights for operational, tactical, and strategic risk mitigation.

This in situ tensile and compression module is a deformation device for the scanning electron microscope that fits on the specimen stage like a large specimen. The deformation of the specimens can be monitored in situ during compression or tension. Specimens can be from 30 to 60 mm length, up to 10 mm wide and up to 4 mm high.

With a combined Thermographic Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) the mass effect on a sample is determined that is subjected to a temperature program. Example: mass loss by decomposition or loss of volatile components. At the same time, heat effects can be registered with a simple DSC sensor.