End-Item Testing

Vanguard Space Technologies currently performs many end-item tests in-house. Regardless of the test type, we work closely with our customers to develop the plans and procedures required to execute a successful test program. In addition, we oversee fixture design and fabrication.

  • Thermal Cycling
    Performing thermal cycle testing on everything from test coupons to large bus structures, our capabilities include:
    • Three test chambers:
      • 17′ x 14′ x 22′ with temperatures ranging from +100° C to -80° C
      • 14′ x 12′ x 7′ with temperatures ranging from +150° C to -190° C
      • 3′ x 3′ x 4′ with temperatures ranging from +150° C to -180° C
    • Electric heating/LN2 cooled
    • Independent over- and under-limits
    • Redundant LN2 valves
  • Static Load
    Vanguard has a dedicated in-house test facility that features all of the equipment needed to perform static load testing including:
      • LVDT’s Faro Laser Tracker, which measures displacements in real time
      • Up to 15 proportional valves and cylinders to produce up to 50,000 lbs. each in tension or compression
      • Labview control software
      • 356 channel strain gage system
      • Structural steel static test frames
        • Static Test Frame-1: 18′ x 18′ x 25′
          • Frame proof tested:
            • Shear = 45,000 lbs.
            • Moment = 5,300,000 in lbs.
            • Axial/thrust direction = 144,000 lbs.
          • Static Test Frame-2: 11′ x 11′ x 14′
  • Sinusoidal Vibration (Sine Vibe/Sine Burst/Random Vibe)*
    • Strain gage and accelerometer measurement
    • 3-axis
    • Up to 33,000 force
    • 10′ x 10′ base table with Linear bearing for lateral sweeps
    • Up to 48 channel DAS
    • M+P controller
  • Acoustic*
    • Reverberation chamber
    • Overall sound pressure level: greater than 150 dB
    • Electro-pneumatic noise source
    • Chamber size: 18′ x 14′ x 10′
  • Thermo-elastic Distortion Testing/Photogrammetry*
    • GSI INCA3A+ camera
    • Ambient and vacuum pressure measurements
    • ULE window for viewing in thermal chambers
    • ICAN canister system for Thermal Vacuum Distortion testing
    • Motorized rotation fixture that operates at extreme temperatures and or vacuum pressures (10-5 torr) (Near future)
    • Model correlation available
  • Metrology
    • Multiple best fit codes to determine surface accuracy
    • 10.6 micron interferometer, Faro Laser tracker and Keyence sensors measure sub-micron level displacements
    • Up to 15 LVDT’s measure real time with resolutions of 0.001″
    • 356 channel, real-time strain gage system with Labview software
  • Thermal Vacuum Cycling/Bakeout*
  • CTE*
    • In-house capability planned for 2013 (currently outsourced)
  • Modal Tap
    • Free-free modes determined
    • Damping estimates obtained
  • Nondestructive Testing
    Vanguard provides air-coupled, ultrasonic c-scan inspection of composite laminates to detect hidden sub-surface flaws and variations without contamination.
    • Ability to write test procedures for National Aerospace Standard (NAS) 410 and American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) NDT Level III ultrasonic testing
    • SONDA 007CX Airscan® digital ultrasonic air-coupled test instrument
    • Custom-built Vertical Ultrasonic Through-Transmission C-Scan System (capacity for solar array substrates up to 149″ x 79″)
    • QMI Data Acquisition Workstation
    • Winspect® data acquisition and motion control software
  • Other Equipment:
    • Sheldon Instruments Data Acquisition System
      • Software: National Instruments LABVIEW
      • Closed-loop load control system: Controlling up to 15 cylinders simultaneously
      • Parker Proportional Control valves
      • 320-strain gage channels (200 additional channel capability planned)
      • Load cells ranging from 1,000-50,000 lbs.
      • Test data outputted and recorded to Microsoft Excel
    • Displacement measurements
      • Linear Variable Displacement Transducers “LVDT” (stroke ranges: +/- 1.0″ to +/- 2.0″)
      • FARO Laser Tracker (20 laser targets)
    • Hydraulic power unit and system
      • 3,000 psi, 5-GPM, 10 HP, 45 gallon reservoir
      • Pressure regulator
      • Heat exchanger
      • 10 micron oil filtration
      • Oil level indicator and temperature gages
      • Pressure relief valves
      • Accumulator
      • Dump valve
      • (17) Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders ranging from 5,000-50,000 lbs.
    • 10-ton bridge crane
      • Floor-to-hook height: 31′
      • Bridge dimensions: Trolley is 34′ across the double girders. Runway travel is 80′.

*These tests are currently performed by Vanguard test engineers at off-site test facilities.