REF: AEMRI-223-TTD Advanced Tap Test Device

Tender description

TWI is one of the world’s foremost independent research and technology organisations, with expertise in solving problems in all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life integrity management technologies.Established in Cambridge, UK in 1946 and with facilities across the globe, the company has a first class reputation for service through its teams of internationally respected consultants, scientists, engineers and support staff, whose knowledge and expertise is available to its Industrial Members as and when they require.This specification has been produced as part of an initiative known as AEMRI (Advanced Engineering Materials Research Institute), which is funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) using European Regional Development Funds (ERDF). AEMRI seeks to create a unique facility housing a critical mass of equipment, expertise and resources. AEMRI provides an environment to test and prove the limits of performance of advanced materials. Through the use of advanced modelling and simulation methods, full, large-scale mechanical test structures will be designed and built upon finite element analysis (FEA) calculations. Advanced, automated non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques will be developed with the aim of saving the industry time and production costs as well as minimising the risk of catastrophic structural failures.AEMRI will deliver the objectives of the project through the following four technical strands:-- Modelling and Simulation of High Performance Materials and Structures.- Advanced Robotic Inspection of Complex Geometry Structures.- Inspection Systems for Very Large Structures for the Green Energy Sector.- Nuclear Fabrication Research Centre.TWI requires a tap testing device for the non-destructive testing and inspection of composite structures, including foam core and thick GFRP structures. The device must combine the ability to capture and analyse acoustic signals and material stiffness properties in response to surface tapping, by combining microphone and piezo-electric crystal sensors in a single device and using software to analyse the responses.The device must be portable and suitable for deployment by an individual operator in the field, without access to mains power (i.e. it must be battery operated). (WA Ref:120204)Relates to the following project/programme financed by EU Community Funds: This specification has been produced as part of an initiative known as AEMRI (Advanced Engineering Materials Research Institute), which is funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) using European Regional Development Funds (ERDF).