+ Contact NASA
	+ ATP Home + Flight Research    Facilities Home		A unique collection of thermal and structural test systems and world class expertise in ground and flight based aerospace structures research combine to create a powerful set of capabilities for aerospace structures research and test. The tools and processes utilized by the FLL's technical team date back to ground and flight testing of the X-15 hypersonic research airplane and have been continuously refined through our experience with many other programs since including the YF-12, X-29A, Active Aeroelastic Wing, National Aerospace Plane, and X-37 to name just a few. The FLL maintains the systems and skills to design and conduct tests and perform post-test analyses associated with: Mechanical Testing Structural Dynamics Testing Thermal Testing Advanced Structural Instrumentation The mechanical and structural dynamic test capabilities in the FLL can be combined with its thermal testing capabilities to study the effects of the combined conditions. This makes verification of static or dynamic structural performance at realistic flight temperature conditions possible. Tests conducted in the FLL can also take advantage of our advanced structural instrumentation capabilities. These capabilities include the ability to acquire strain data on carbon-carbon and carbon-silicon carbide structures at temperatures up to 1,850° F. Other advanced capabilities include photogrammetry techniques for full-field deformation and strain measurements, acoustic emission sensing for damage detection, and the use of high-temperature accelerometers for elevated temperature modal survey testing.   Above: NAVAIR E-2C Hawkeye loads calibration test. Image credit: NASA     Above: Modified F-18 Hornet undergoing wing torsion testing at Dryden’s FLL. Image credit: NASA   NASA's ATP Program Read about one of the largest, most versatile and comprehensive set of testing facilities in the nation. + View the fact sheet (PDF) Flight Loads Laboratory + View the fact sheet (PDF) Flight Loads Laboratory at DFRC Visit the FLL at NASA's Dryden Research Center. + View the site "The right facility at the right time" - NASA Aeronautics Test Program
	+ NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices + Freedom of Information Act + The President's Management Agenda + NASA Privacy Statement, Disclaimer, and Accessibility Certification + Inspector General Hotline NASA Official: Tony Springer Last Updated: August 22, 2008 + Contact NASA