Aerospace Materials Testing

An Influential Industry

Aerospace engineering requirements inspire much of the research in new materials development. Efforts to achieve aircraft fuel-efficiency, improve space structure integrity or develop new technologies, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, require innovations in materials and materials testing.

As a proven testing solutions provider, MTS has worked closely with aerospace manufacturers for many decades and understands aerospace engineering goals and challenges. Designed with this industry insight, MTS materials testing solutions help engineers simulate real-world operating environments and develop new materials to improve aircraft and spacecraft.

Whether it is advanced composites for lightweighting or materials for use in high-temperature or cryogenic environments, MTS leads the way in creating testing solutions to validate and characterize material properties. In this era of rapidly evolving aerospace technology, MTS’ materials testing expertise and solutions can enable and accelerate future innovation.

High Temperature Expertise

Aerospace engine components and coatings operate at high temperatures for extended periods of time, and MTS has extensive experience with providing high-temperature testing solutions for the superalloys, ceramic matrix composites and ceramic coatings used in these applications.

MTS offers solutions for materials testing up to 1500°C, and can provide equipment and consulting expertise for:

» High-temp Tensile

» High-temp Creep

» High-temp Creep-Fatigue

» High-temp Fatigue

» High-temp Crack Initiation

» High-temp Compression

» High-temp Fracture Mechanics (JIc, J-R curve, Fatigue Crack Growth)

» Thermomechanical Fatigue

Testing Solutions for Advanced Composites, Metals & Plastics

Using fuel efficiently improves operation, reduces emissions, saves costs and energy, and is better for humans and the environment. One way to increase fuel efficiency is by incorporating lighter weight materials, but these materials need to be validated to make sure they can withstand the intended operational conditions. Lightweight materials are also needed for newer technologies like eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) and drones. 

MTS provides testing solutions for the development of new materials to meet the lightweighting requirements of the aerospace industry. We can integrate our materials test systems with non-contacting strain measurement and DIC systems to evaluate hard-to-characterize advanced composites and other lighter weight materials.

Testing Materials Used in Rocket & Space Vehicle Fuel Systems

Cryogens can be used as fuel, propellants or coolants in rocket fuel systems. Testing is essential to make sure that materials coming in to contact with cryogens during storage, transport and use are suitable for cryogenic environments.

MTS provides solutions for evaluating material behavior in cryogenic conditions at atmospheric pressure.

Designing New Parts & Components

Additive Manufacturing allows aerospace engineers to tailor form, weight, strength, stiffness and other properties for intended use cases. The new parts and components created by additive processes need to be tested to make sure they meet the desired performance characteristics. 

Extreme Fatigue Cycles

Components and materials used in aerospace applications need to endure punishing fatigue cycles, and aircraft fasteners and adhesives should be able to perform in an environment of extreme temperatures and fatigue cycles. MTS has solutions for testing fasteners and adhesives in simulated environments.

Static & Dynamic Testing of Interior Materials

The plastics and textiles used in aerospace interiors need to be durable, and MTS has test systems and accessories for measuring the behavior of these materials.