AMRC Rotor Spin Tester

The AMRC Spin Tester (often called a "spin rig") is a state-of-the-art research facility located at the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). It is specifically designed to test high-speed rotating components, such as those found in jet engines and electric vehicle (EV) motors.

It’s a relatively new addition to the university’s capabilities, having been established to provide the UK's first open-access rotor spin testing facility. This means both academic researchers and industrial companies (like aerospace and automotive firms) can use it to test their prototypes.

The tester essentially spins components at incredibly high speeds - often far beyond their normal operating range - to see how they behave under extreme centrifugal force. 

Key features of the lab

• Burst testing: One of its primary jobs is to find the "burst speed" - the exact point where a component physically breaks apart and this is critical for safety certification in aerospace.
• Radial growth: As objects spin faster, they actually stretch outward slightly. The rig uses sensors to measure this "growth" to ensure parts won't hit their housings in a real engine.
• Low-cycle fatigue: It can cycle the speed up and down repeatedly to simulate years of engine "starts" and "stops" in a matter of days, helping engineers predict how long a part will last. 
• Vacuum environment: To reach these high speeds without air resistance heating the parts up too much, the testing usually happens inside an evacuated (vacuum) chamber. 

As the world moves toward Electrification, we need electric motors that are smaller, lighter, and spin much faster than before. The Spin Tester allows engineers to validate computer models and ensure these new, high-performance rotors are safe before they ever hit the road or sky.