Construction and Manufacturing

Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Coupon testing – materials testing

The NLR research infrastructure encompass a wide variety of coupon and materials testing, including inspection and calibration systems, ranging from creep and quasi-static to dynamic and high-frequency testing. We mimic aerospace, space and off-shore environments, civil and military, in order to conduct realistic testing. Our testing services include static, fatigue, and damage tolerance testing, all of which are performed in accordance with international standards or tailored to meet specific client requirements. Additionally, we execute material evaluation and qualification programmes.
We can accommodate a wide range of environmental conditions to meet your specific testing needs, including ambient, low (-55°C), cryogenic (-180°C), elevated (80°C), and high-temperature (1250°C) environments, as well as controlled humidity, corrosion, and saturation conditions.

Maintenance and Repair

25 February 2025

Measuring- and instrumentation technology

NLR can help you measure and monitor the behaviour of your structures and components by instrumenting them on-site or in our facilities, allowing us to capture a wide range of parameters such as strains, forces, crack growth, deformation, displacement, vibration, geometry, impacts, temperature, (residual) stresses and stress distribution. We use a broad range of advanced surfacemounted-, integrated- or contactless- sensors to provide you with accurate and reliable data. This enables you to make informed decisions about your structures and components.

Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Panel testing

Do you want to ensure that your flat, stiffened or curved panels or sub-components can withstand the most extreme environmental conditions and maintain their structural integrity? Unlock the full potential of your development, validation or certification plan, with NLR's expert testing solutions.
At NLR, we offer cutting-edge testing solutions that can help you achieve your goals. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert team can simulate all kinds of load conditions, tensile and/or compressive loading, biaxial loading, cabin pressure loading, in combinations with a wide range of temperatures, extending from -180°C to 120°C, and simulate various atmospheric conditions, including dry, humid, corrosive, or saturated environments. Furthermore impacts or artificial defects can be applied or repairs can be performed. This allows you to thoroughly test your panel's performance under realistic conditions.

NLR Fibre Placement Machine
Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Space structures and materials

NLR offers comprehensive expertise in designing, testing, and manufacturing innovative space structures, including satellite backbones, instrument platforms, and launcher components. From design verification and prototype manufacturing to inspection, environmental testing, and integration of functions such as thermal management and antennas, NLR's capabilities also extend to smart structures, enabling the creation of lightweight, high-performance space systems.

Development of AM-propellant tanks for use in satellites
Construction and Manufacturing

27 November 2024

R&D case: Development of AM-propellant tanks for use in satellites

This research project aimed to develop additively manufactured propellant tanks using non-standard metals for use in ESPA and ESPA Grande-class satellites. The propulsion systems of Dawn Aerospace use self-pressurizing propellants, eliminating the need for helium pressurants and propellant management devices. This allows for flexible, custom tank designs without additional systems, making Dawn’s propulsion systems simpler, faster to manufacture, and more cost-effective. This flexibility enables Dawn to accommodate various customer needs. The project contributes to the objectives of the Dutch space policy in the NSO roadmap for satellite systems and aligns with ESA’s goals.

SUSTAINair DEMO3 - skin fibre placement
Construction and Manufacturing

02 October 2024

R&D case: SUSTAINair

SUSTAINability increase of lightweight, multifunctional and intelligent airframe and engine parts

Construction and Manufacturing

23 September 2024

Cold Testing has become hot

Pursuing the goals for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, liquid hydrogen as an energy source is a promising solution. One of the big challenges is the extremely low temperature, close to absolute zero, needed to cool the hydrogen. NLR has pioneered advanced cooling systems for material and structural testing, and elaborates in a white paper on its journey, eventually reaching temperatures of -253°C.