Whiskey distiller  - optimising whisky barrel storage using load testing

The Structures Test Hall was tasked with determining how high whisky barrels could be stacked before leakage occurred. To achieve this, specific algorithms were implemented in the testing machines to simulate various load conditions. The data gathered from these tests was then analysed to inform the client about the maximum stacking height that could be maintained without risking the loss of whisky.

Fire Lab - enhancing fuel efficiency through bomb calorimeter testing

The Fire Lab at the School of Engineering undertakes various forms of testing for numerous clients. One test in particular, bomb calorimeter testing is a procedure that measures the heat of combustion, or of a material that is burned as a fuel. The process involves placing a sample in a pressurised oxygen chamber, called the "bomb", and then placing the bomb in a container of water. When the sample is ignited, the heat from the combustion is absorbed by the water, which is then measured. The temperature of the water is recorded (the data) until it stabilises, and the calorific value is calculated from the water temperature changes. All data gathered was compiled into a report advising the client when combustion was expected to be reached.

Industry standard cladding test using x-ray diffraction

Leveraging their expertise in Power X-ray diffraction, academics from the School of Chemistry conducted a detailed analysis to determine the percentage weight of polymers in cladding samples. This was part of a legal case, where they needed to confirm the quantity of fire-retardant properties in the cladding materials to ascertain if they met industry standards. The team submitted all the collected data in its raw form for potential challenge by the defence and compiled a comprehensive report for submission to the court.

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