STEP WP5 - Design and Supply of Automated Uniaxial LCF DIC Rig

STEP requires a large volume of material qualification in a short time frame. It is therefore necessary to design and build hydraulic testing rigs for small scale specimens that have a high degree of automation to allow testing 24 hours a day with little-to-no human control. Such tests are required to be carried out in accordance with standardised test methods to permit robust, repeatable testing for material qualification.

There are four main areas of expertise required for this design and supply: i. Hydraulic load rigs for low cycle fatigue, ii. environmental vacuum chambers, iii. automation and iv. digital image correlation.

UKAEA's intention of this procurement is for the full design, supply and install. However, dependent on the funding for the next financial year, the supply and install element of the contract will be an option.