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The main focus of this lab is to test the strength of various materials and structures using Universal Testing Machines (UTMs), through tensile, compressive, and bending tests. The facility is equipped with UTMs ranging from 25kN to 300kN, with 500N being the smallest load cell, rendering it friendly for testing metals, ceramics, polymers, and even delicate materials such as biomaterials. The variety of grips allows the testing of different samples from the normal coupons to strings and belts. 

We have a broad range of Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) from Tinius Olsen, including two brand new Model 25ST (equipped with load cells of 500N, 2.5kN, and 25kN), a well-maintained Model 50ST (load cell 50kN), a brand new Model 100ST (load cell 100kN), and a newly serviced Model 300ST (load cell 300kN) with new grips. 

The accuracy of the load cells (0.5%) gives us the capacity to subject the samples under load as low as 2.5N reliably. All the UTMs are equipped with the most recent version of Horizon software, providing smart control and easy data analysis. It is worth mentioning that all the UTMs are equipped with the new VectorExtensometer U200. This evolutionary extensometer technology provides non-contact measurement integrating AI capabilities with optical hardware with the gauge length range being 25-180mm with a resolution of 0.5μm. The traditional strain gauge type extensometer is also available for the measurement of <25mm extension. The UTMs are also equipped with a variety of grips, capable of conducting compressive, tensile, and three-point bending tests. Additionally, a variety of tensile grips allows the testing of the normal coupons as well as strings and belts. 

Our strength of materials and structures lab offers a flexible environment, ideal for testing the strength of new materials or products. Located in central London, this lab also offers clients the benefit of advanced support from our dedicated technician, who is available to guide and assist throughout your testing process. Working with LSBU also offers clients the opportunity to  collaborate with a renowned university and grants you access to valuable expertise and resources to further enrich your work.

Zhaoying Ma

DPhil (Oxon), BEng. 

Zhaoying obtained her DPhil in Materials from the University of Oxford, and specialises in a series of materials characterisations, especially in mechanical property testing using Universal Testing Machines and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. Zhaoying has a broad knowledge and experience in metal and ceramics testing, with expertise in polymeric materials and intensive research experience in biomaterials and natural polymers. She is adaptive to challenging materials testing conditions and highly competent in mechanical data analysis.

The Strength of Materials and Structures Lab is located on our Southwark campus.

All our facilities are available to industry for testing, evaluation and developmental work.  For information, please email facilitieshire@lsbu.ac.uk.