Large Fatigue Chamber
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), South Arm Site, Rosyth Royal Dockyard, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, KY11 2XR

Principal Functions
Cyclic pressure testing of models.

Subsidiary Functions
High pressure static testing of large items.

General Details
The Large Fatigue Chamber is primarily intended for use in the cyclic pressure testing of submarine models using the ‘soft cycling’ principle. Using this, models are attached to the chamber closure plate and subjected to internal cyclic pressure, while pressure on the outside of the model is maintained constant. This produces the desired external compressive loading cycle, with the advantage of preventing fatigue damage to the chamber. The normal pressurising medium is fresh water, but the option exists of allowing seawater testing. This chamber is currently ‘moth balled’ and would require time to return to normal operation.

Specification
The chamber is 3m in diameter and has a parallel length of 9m. The maximum working pressure is 27.5MN/m² (4,000psi) and the maximum cycling frequency is 1cpm, this being dependent on the characteristics of the model under test.

Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility are provided. A comprehensive Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) service is offered for the detection, monitoring and sizing of defects in the structures under test. A multichannel PC based datalogger is available for use with extensively instrumented models.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. One months advance notice is required when asking for time on the facility.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation. There is the possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. The minimum hire period for the facility is one day.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
David Hitcheson
DERA South Arm
Rosyth Royal Dockyard
Dunfermline
Fife
KY11 2XR
Scotland
Telephone:  01383 435372   Fax:  01383 435237
E-mail:  dghitcheson@dera.gov.uk