Swift Laboratory

The Swift Lab is a specialised research and testing facility and is a key part of the university's world-leading research in Tribology and Rail Technology. 

Key features of the lab

• Large-scale testing: Featuring a "strong wall" and "strong floor" - reinforced structures used to anchor and apply massive loads to large-scale engineering components
• Multi-purpose test cells: The lab houses three sophisticated test cells used for a variety of experiments, ranging from structural integrity tests to mechanical performance evaluations
• Industrial focus: Much of the work done here bridges the gap between fundamental science and real-world industrial problems, particularly in the rail sector

The lab is often associated with the Leonardo Centre for Tribology and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), contributing to projects like improving the interface between train wheels and tracks or testing new composite materials.