Materials Analysis Lab:

The Materials Analysis Lab, located in the Metals Development building of the Ames Laboratory, houses an assortment of analytical and test equipment to help companies solve problems and better understand the materials they work with. The lab supports project work that may include verification to specification of metals and alloys, microstructural and compositional analysis, bulk hardness and microhardness measurements, and testing of mechanical properties. CIRAS metallurgists conduct short-term, company-driven projects often related to materials selection, corrosion, welding and joining, heat treatment, and product failures.

Structural Analysis Lab:

The Structural Engineering Research Laboratory is located in Town Engineering building. As the name indicates this lab is setup to conduct structural testing. Most projects involve applying measured loads to components and measuring the resulting deflections. Load is often increased until failure occurs. Along with load and deflection the lab has capacity to measure strain, acceleration and temperature. The lab has equipment for conducting fatigue testing and can also assist with field testing.  Along with conducting the testing, CIRAS Staff can assist with developing a test plan, establishing testing protocols, design testing fixtures and validating theoretical results with lab and field testing.

Nondestructive Evaluation Lab:

The Nondestructive Evaluation Lab is located in the Applied Sciences Complex. This lab assists companies with identifying and applying nondestructive evaluation technologies for inspection of their components. The lab has the capacity to conduct x-ray, ultrasonic, magnetic particle and other types of inspection methodologies. Along with applying the technology, the lab can assist with establishing inspection protocol.