Russian and Chinese Researchers Tap Test Devices for $17 Million in Jet Engine Test Equipment
June 20, 2011
Mass. firm helps nations reinvent commercial aviation industries
Hudson, MA – June 20, 2011 – Two of the world’s leading Turbine Engine Research Institutions have purchased nearly $17 million dollars in jet engine test equipment from Test Devices, the Massachusetts firm announced today. China and Russia are spending billions of dollars to modernize commercial aviation in their countries, competing with jet engine manufacturers in America and Europe to capture a larger share of the global commercial market. Test Devices provides spin testing equipment and services to perform material tests for commercial gas turbine components to customers internationally.
“Russian and Chinese Institutes are turning to Test Devices because our innovative equipment and technology is giving them the advantages they need to compete on a global scale. Our equipment and experienced personnel provide advanced test capabilities that more realistically simulate actual engine conditions, offer greater data integrity and cost less than other traditional testing methods,” said Rob Murner, Test Devices President.
While Test Devices has solidified its position in the U.S. by supplying testing services and equipment to American OEMs, the company is now rapidly expanding in Europe and Asia – markets previously served by firms offering technology that has been outmoded by Test Devices’ Dynamic Spin Rigs. “Breaking into these new markets is a great success for us,” said Dr. Boris Milatovic, Test Devices Director of Advanced Technologies Programs. “We are helping to develop and transform our industry, and we’re proud of our accomplishments.”
Test Devices Dynamic Spin Rigs (DSRs) better simulate actual engine operating conditions in a controlled test environment. DSRs are the only component testing equipment that can apply precise heat gradients, modal vibration and centrifugal stress concurrently to simulate the harsh operating environment of gas turbine engines. Other equipment performs individual tests that deliver fragmentary, incomplete information.
Gas turbine OEM’s and component manufacturers use Test Devices’ equipment, testing services and data to improve the accuracy of their lifing models, reduce the risk of engine test failures, shorten testing programs, and lower the cost to bring new designs, materials or upgrades to market.
Test Devices has sold and delivered two test facilities to the Central Institute for Aviation Motors (CIAM) in Russia. One rig performs low cycle fatigue testing (LCF) and the other conducts Dynamic Spin Testing. The equipment can perform a range of tests including production pre-spin, proof testing, overspeed to burst, and complex LCF and HCF testing. Test Devices technology detects developing cracks and can halt a test before the part under test fails. This preserves the part for future examination and evaluation. CIAM’s Research Test Center is the largest facility in Russia to focus on altitude, speed and full-scale testing of gas turbine engines.
Test Devices has also signed a contract to develop and deliver four test facilities to China, including one for Dynamic Spin Testing and two for LCF testing and one rig for large LCF containment tests. Test Devices is working with Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to bring this advanced component testing to the Asian nation. The Chinese government is putting billions of dollars into its aviation manufacturing industry and will use Test Devices equipment to help OEMs develop and deliver commercial technology and equipment to global markets.
About Test Devices
For over 30 years, Test Devices, Inc. has been the world’s premier source for rotational testing equipment and services. Test Devices provides advanced technology spin testing services to customers in a wide variety of industries. The company works with developers and producers of high-speed rotational components of jet engines, gas turbines, medical centrifuges, machine tools, industrial compressors, and high-speed electric motors, among others. For more information contact David Woodford at +1-978-562-4923, woodford@testdevices.com, or visit www.testdevices.com.