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Structural Static Laboratory (SSL)
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A jet engine fan case being subjected to a four axis structural test in the SSL Carbon Matrix Composite Material with High Temperature Strain Gage Mounted in Load Fram. (Oven not shown)

The Structural Static Laboratory (SSL) performs tests to verify the structural integrity
of space flight and ground test hardware.  It can also be used to verify the modes of failure of a design when exposed to simulated service loads.
Facility Overview
Structural testing is performed to verify the structural integrity of space flight and ground test hardware. Testing is also performed to verify the finite element analysis by measuring stiffness and induced stress at points in a test article. A structural test can be used to verify the modes of failure of a design when exposed to simulated service loads.

The modes of failure include but are not limited to the following: leak before burst, buckling, ultimate failure, yield or excessive deflection. The test lab is also outfitted with a tensile test machine that can be used to develop mechanical properties, at up to 1300°F, in metallic coupons, composite coupons, adhesive joints, and weld joints. A high-temperature laser extensometer can be used to give accurate strain data during tensile testing at elevated temperatures.
 
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Facility Fact Sheets
Structural Static Laboratory
Verifying the structural integrity of flight hardware
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Small Multi-Purpose Research Facility (SMiRF)
A small-scale screening facility for simulating space and launch environments
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Last Updated: January 24, 2007