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Materials Characterisation Research Facility

Material Characterisation
Materials Characterisation Research Facility
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About the Materials Characterisation Research Facility

We specialise in the characterisation of materials in terms of electrical, mechanical and thermal properties, which plays an important role in product development. 

Within the laboratory we have the capability to undertake most standard tests and when required we can also access specialist test equipment and expertise from within the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics.  Often with forensic investigation it is necessary to characterise materials and interpret the results in terms of cause or effect of a given problem.

We also perform forensic investigation of bushings that have failed in service - for more details please see Forensics.

If you are considering materials characterisation tests and analysis, please contact us outlining your requirements.

This activity is provided by the Tony Davies High Voltage Lab.

Technical specification

Recently used standards 

  • BS EN 60243-1 IEC 60243-1  - Electrical strength of insulating materials — Test methods — Part 1: Tests at power frequencies 
  • BS EN 60243-2 IEC 60243-2 - Electric strength of insulating materials — Test methods — Part 2: Additional requirements for tests using direct voltage 
  • BS EN 60243-3 IEC 60243-3  - Electrical strength of insulating materials — Test methods — Part 3: Additional requirements for 1,2/50 μs impulse tests 
  • BS 5626-3.5 IEC 554-3-5  -  Cellulosic papers for electrical purposes — Part 3: Specifications for individual materials — Section 3.5 Special papers 
  • BS EN 60554-2  - Cellulosic papers for electrical purposes — Part 2: Methods of test 
  • BS 5620-3.3 IEC 554-3-3 - Cellulosic papers for electrical purposes 
  • BS EN 60811-1-2 IEC 811-1-2 - Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric and optical cables — Part 1-2: General application — Thermal ageing methods 
  • BS EN 61212-1 - Insulating materials. Industrial rigid round laminated tubes and rods based on thermosetting resins for electrical purposes. Definitions, designations and general requirements 
  • BS EN 61212-2 - Insulating materials. Industrial rigid round laminated tubes and rods based on thermosetting resins for electrical purposes. Methods of test 

 

Contact Us

Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory

+44(0)2380 594450
TDHVL-enquiries@soton.ac.uk
Building 20, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ 
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We’re open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 UK time.

Related facilities

Forensic X-ray

Forensics Research Facility

As a laboratory that has a significant profile of insulation research, we are very well equipped with tools and measurement apparatus that are applicable to forensic study of dielectric materials.
Cable and accessories

Cable testing facility

We are very experienced in the testing of parent cable, joints and terminations and have developed facilities specifically for several bespoke electrical, thermal and mechanical tests.
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