The Advanced Structural Testing Centre (ASTC)

The ASTC is a major research and certification facility and is designed for high-capacity, industrial-scale structural validation.

Instron equipment
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Advanced Structural Testing Centre (ASTC)

Located within the University of Sheffield's Knowledge Transfer Centre at the ARMC, the ASTC closes the loop on the total engineering process bridging the gap between advanced manufacturing research and industrial application.. 

Structural Validation & Certification

Certification is the ultimate hurdle when adopting new manufacturing methods. Because tiny variations in designs or materials drastically alter performance, fully understanding structural behavior is critical for safety-critical components. Without rigorous, traceable validation, innovative technologies cannot enter highly regulated supply chains like aerospace.

Backed by the extensive resources of the University of Sheffield, we physically validate research, analytical models, material properties, individual components, and full-scale assemblies. Our world-class facilities are open to University of Sheffield research groups, industrial members, and commercial clients globally.

Machine Capabilities

Our facility at the University of Sheffield houses a comprehensive range of material and structural testing equipment to evaluate components ranging from small material coupons up to full-scale engineering assemblies.

Uniaxial & Servo-Hydraulic Testing

  • Instron 50kN Electric Frame: Driven by Bluehill software and video extensometers. Capabilities: 3/4-point bending, open-hole compression, tensile testing, and inter-laminar shear stress evaluation.
  • Instron 100kN & 250kN Frames: Servo-hydraulic systems running WaveMatrix software with hydraulic wedge grips. Capabilities: Tube fatigue, composite compression, interface shear, and failure investigations.
  • 1000kN 4-Post Hydraulic Machine: Features an elite 0.5% accuracy class down to 100kN and a 1500x750mm T-slot bed plate. Capabilities: Composite casing testing, hybrid material fatigue, and run-flat tyre durability.

Impact & Heavy-Duty Loading

  • SATEC 1800kN Frame: Heavy-duty compression unit with a 710x750mm loading plate accommodating specimens up to 2m long. Capabilities: Compression panel testing, wing structural validation, and attenuation crate crushing.
  • Instron MPX Pendulum Hammer: 900-Joule capacity with absolute temperature control (-100°C to +100°C). Capabilities: High-volume Charpy and Izod impact testing.
  • Falling Weight Impact Machine: Operates from -20°C to 120°C with an energy range of 2.5 to 588 Joules. Capabilities: Inducing precision Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) in composite specimens.

Large-Scale & Infrastructure Testing

  • 10m x 5m Strong Floor & Reinforced Wall: Supported by portable MOOG controllers managing up to 8 independent loading channels. Capabilities: Large-scale synchronous load/displacement control and custom multi-point testing profiles.
  • 2MN Test Frame: High-load actuator driven by a MOOG controller with a 2.2m square footprint. Capabilities: Custom tension, compression, and fatigue profiling for narrow components up to 5m long.
  • High-Pressure Testing System: Hydrostatic pressure application up to 700 bar. Capabilities: Proof and destructive burst testing of 3D-printed fuel tanks and gas vessels utilizing safety particle-bed media.
  • Custom Rig Engineering: In-house engineering design and fabrication. Capabilities: Tailored structural rigs, including 4m daylight buckling frames, steering rack fixtures, and gearbox torsional setups.

Who we have collaborated with

Contact Luke Jones to discuss your current or upcoming projects and explore how the team could support your testing programmes, either on a project-by-project basis or as part of a longer-term partnership.