Testing Services

Sierra Lobo provides testing services in-house, as well as on our government support contracts.  In-house, we provide high energy testing in the Sierra Lobo Test Facility (SLTF), and low energy testing in the Technology Development and Engineering Center, both located in Milan, OH.  Below is a description of the high energy testing we do in Milan, and then a description of the different types of testing we do on government contracts.

Sierra Lobo Test Facility, Milan, Ohio

The Sierra Lobo Test Facility (SLTF) and associated Liquid Hydrogen System (LHS) was constructed so Sierra Lobo could cost effectively develop and demonstrate safe and reliable cryogenic systems, including liquid hydrogen related products.  The SLTF LHS became operational on November 1, 2005, in support of a Missile Defense Agency program.  It was designed to study insulation systems for long-duration storage of cryogens in space.  Highlights include:

·         The SLTF is a remote test site comprising a 100’ x 200’ enclosed test area and is located, according to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines, to provide the necessary safe distances from public infrastructure, property lines, and personnel. 

·         A 30’ x 40’ test building is specifically designated Class 1, Division II, Group B, and designed for hydrogen storage according to NFPA. 

·         The test building provides shelter for test-package build up and testing.  It is monitored with hydrogen gas detectors and a camera security system. 

·         The LHS consists of a 1,500-gallon, vacuum-jacketed stationary liquid hydrogen storage/supply, a 100-psig liquid hydrogen vacuum-jacketed transfer line, and vent systems for the storage vessel and transfer line. 

·         The maximum liquid hydrogen flow rate for dewar-to-dewar transfer is 4 lbm/sec (400 gpm).  The gaseous hydrogen vent is currently sized for a flow rate of 0.5 lbm/sec.  Gaseous helium and nitrogen are typically provided by multiple, 4,500 psi, 12-pack of bottles. 

·         Sierra Lobo uses a facility control system by National Instruments Fieldpoint^RT and supporting equipment for autonomous operation and monitoring of the facility. 

·         National Instruments High speed DAQ and Controls for different test package needs.

·         Remote located control room and customer viewing area located within TDEC complex.

Sierra Lobo’s Test Facility is located in Milan, Ohio

Dewar fill at SLTF

Testing Services

Sierra Lobo has extensive experience in developing innovative, successful, and cost effective solutions to challenging research hardware experimental efforts.  Our experience includes space hardware and launch vehicles systems validation services.  We provide turn-key services that cover all phases and types of hardware research and development.  This includes:

·         Defining the Research Requirement

·         Conducting Feasibility Studies

·         Evaluating Research Alternatives

·         Managing the Program and Meeting Cost and Schedule Objectives

·         Designing the Experiment

·         Securing Research Facilities

·         Performing Full Configuration Management and Q/A (ISO-9001)

·         Generating Program Documentation

·         Test Requirements, Project Work Plan

·         Test Matrix

·         Safety and Hazard Analysis

·         Change Requests

·         Operating Procedures

·         Design Drawings, Inspection Results

·         Test Run Reports, Technical Reports

·         Calibration Documentation

·         Fabricating and Installing Prototypes and Test Systems

·         Certifying and Qualifying Equipment

·         Providing Instrumentation , Controls, and Data Acquisition

·         Conducting Test Operations

·         Analyzing Results

Typical Tests

Aerodynamic Testing

·         Supersonic and Subsonic Wind Tunnels

Dynamic Actuation, Vibration, and Acceleration Testing

·         Sinusoidal and Random, Multi-Axis Vibration at Cryogenic Temperatures

Environmental Simulation Testing

·         Temperature, Humidity, Altitude, Rain, and Solar Light

Cryogenic Fluid Research

·         Handling, Operations, Insulation, Densification, and Storage

Strength and Reliability/Durability Testing

·         Stress, Fatigue, and Aging to ASTM or Custom Specifications

Click here to learn more about the testing services we provide on government contracts.