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H A Wills Structures and Materials Test Centre

The consolidation of structural and materials testing resources in a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited Centre benefits DSTO and, as a result, the ADF, in several ways.

Properties that can be measured and monitored include applied load, displacement and fatigue crack growth.

First, the Centre’s world-class defence scientists, engineers and technicians have the opportunity to call on each other’s expertise informally, with the design of the Centre facilitating and encouraging such interaction. Second, the centralisation not only integrates the areas of structural engineering and materials science; it also brings together both maritime and air expertise.

Another benefit of bringing all of the available resources together is that it enables DSTO to conduct a greater range and number of activities through economies of scale. Most of these activities are associated with ADF-operated structures and components. How ever, the opportunity exists to continue or expand similar work with industry and other outside organisations according to capacity and availability. The development of the Centre has also enabled DSTO to greatly improve its structural testing capability by increasing both the floor area and the hydraulic pumping capability.

Overall, the better integration of DSTO’s structural engineering and materials resources ensures greater efficiency and improved outcomes.