Mechanical Integrity Laboratory (LIM)

Essays/Services offered

The Mechanical Integrity Laboratory includes all the experimental techniques necessary for the correct development of the research work of the Group of Durability and Mechanical Integrity of Structural Materials of the Rey Juan Carlos University. It is a multidisciplinary group dedicated, mainly, to the study of new materials for structural application, as well as to the improvement of experimental techniques that allow characterizing their behavior under different stress conditions and/or aggressive environments. The LIM has modern and sophisticated equipment that allows mechanical and degradation tests to be carried out under very different conditions of temperature (-170 ºC – 1300 ºC), load (from mN to hundreds of kN), deformation speed (from 0.1 s- 1 up to 1000 s-1) and stress (traction, compression, bending, torsion, fracture mechanics and fatigue, wear, etc.). In addition to the testing techniques, the laboratory has been equipped with strain measurement techniques using video strain gauges using high and low acquisition speed cameras. This allows displacement and deformation fields to be measured "in situ" in all types of tests, including those carried out at a high rate of deformation (impact tests).

Likewise, the LIM has the necessary support equipment for the preparation of samples (precision cutters, fillers, etc.) that allow the adaptation of the samples to the test equipment, or the surface preparation for the observation of the materials. using the different microscopy techniques available in the laboratory

In short, the equipment included in the LIM allows a comprehensive characterization of all the relevant aspects of a material that define its possible use in structural applications.

It is also important to note that the Laboratory has an area for manufacturing coatings using thermal projection techniques that allow all types of materials (metallic, ceramic, etc.) to be deposited on a substrate in a controlled manner, since the projection equipment is handled in a controlled manner. robotic form.

From all of the above, the objectives of the laboratory are deduced:

• Support for research, as technological support for the research projects developed by the DIMME.
• Support for teaching, as an instrument for carrying out final undergraduate or postgraduate projects for students of the different degrees taught by the teaching staff linked to the DIMME.
• Provide service, as a testing laboratory, in aspects related to the mechanical characterization and structural integrity of components and materials, as well as provide advice on those aspects related to the manufacturing, processing and service behavior of materials and components.

The LIM has had various quality systems active. Since its creation and until 2012, it was accredited by ENAC under standard 17025, the scope of which included carrying out various mechanical tests. Subsequently, and until 2018, after extincting the previous system, it maintained a system based on ISO 9001 focused on the use and management of laboratory equipment. Currently, it maintains both extinct quality systems, but continues to carry out various tasks designed in them, such as, for example, periodic verifications and calibrations of experimental equipment and techniques.

Our Team

The Mechanical Integrity Laboratory depends organically on the Superior School of Experimental Sciences and Technology of the Rey Juan Carlos University. It has a qualified staff, with experience in the management of testing laboratories and, additionally, with experience in the development and support of research projects. Figure 1 shows the organizational chart of the laboratory in which its organizational dependency within the University is also made explicit.

Figure 1. Organization chart of the Mechanical Integrity Laboratory.

Available equipment

Price Plans

Laboratory fees