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Experiments
The successful implementation of experimental research by our specialists within academic degree programs has provided a strong foundation for continuing this work through pilot projects tailored to industry requirements.
Mechanical Testing Laboratory
Our laboratory equipment enables experimental testing and investigations to determine the mechanical behaviour and properties of a wide range of structural materials, including metals, composite materials, plastics, ceramics, cables, ropes, wire ropes, and mountaineering equipment. We mainly focused on materials used in critical industrial facilities (nuclear and oil & gas industries, pipeline transport), as well as in aircraft and space applications. Testing is carried-out under simulated real climatic and operating conditions, including temperatures from −196 °C to +500 °C, controlled environments (humidity, pH), and internal and external pressure, in accordance with ISO and ASTM-based testing methodologies.
Full-scale tests of pipe sections with surface axial and circumferential notches to justify the concept "leak-before-break"
The full-scale tests of pipe sections (straight pipes, elbows, T-junctions) with surface axial and circumferential notches were performed to verify the developed limit load analytical models of corresponding pipe elements with crack-shaped defects and to determine the mechanism of possible fracture - "leak" or "break".
Estimation of bearing capacity of bellows tubular compensators
The deformation amplitudes in each layer are determined by means of the compensator finite element modeling. It is shown that the bellow external layer (as is proved by experiment) is the most loaded. It is defined according to the amplitude of von Mises deformations and fatigue curve of the bellow material that the bellow cyclic durability for tension-compression ±75 mm is up to 32 cycles.
Full-scale tests of pipe sections with surface axial notches, repaired with a split sleeve
Test objects: pipe section Ø377×9 mm with axial surface notch (depth 4.8 mm), repaired with a split sleeve Ø381×8mm.
Test aim: verification of the developed analytical limit load model of the defected pipe section, reinforced split sleeve.