We are delighted to have supported Queens University Belfast's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Departments in the last month in development of Cube Sat. Resonate Testing supported MSc students using our vibration table to simulate actual vibration conditions during launch.  We are keen to use the strong innovation and STEM culture that exists within the staff at Resonate to support the next generation of engineers and science graduates.

Dr. Gasser Farouk Abdelal from Queens University's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering mentored the MSc students in the development of the prototype and analytical tools for analysing Cube Sat technology, a project which has been embraced globally. Dr Abdelal reiterated the importance of providing physical test capability to support development of analytical tools. The students have been provided a fabulous opportunity to hone analytical skills with physical test data, this type of cooperation provides superb learning opportunities for the students, ensuring that their entry into industry or academia is grounded in the application of best practice within industry and academia.

Resonate Testing recently welcomed Belfast Metropolitan Annual Space Camp to its premises in Newry.  The camp is organised and run by the College in conjunction with local companies including Armagh Planetarium and Resonate Testing.

As part of the camp, the participants built a cantilever structure to support a weight which was then vibrated on Resonate's state-of-the-art vibration table (one of only a few in Ireland and the UK).  The winning construction having to withstand vibrations up to 10g on the table.

The experiment was a precursor to Resonate Testing's schools competition beginning in September, which will see local schools pitted against each other to engineer the best possible structure to test.

Dr Mary Kelly, Resonate's Test House Manager, is a STEM Ambassador and was thrilled to host the budding scientists at the Newry facility.  She explained: "Shake, Rattle and Roll is a new and innovative competition designed and run by Resonate Testing Ltd.  It is aimed at secondary school students, addressing mainly technology, engineering and physics curricular subjects.  The activity provides students with practical experience in material science and engineering problem solving, promoting teamwork and project management.  The project should help students understand how to optimise static structures, and an introduction to the vibration and high cycle fatigue aspects of any operational environment that often need to be considered during the design and build phase of any structure.  The intent is that the testing should demonstrate how a structure might fail due to vibration!"

With limited spaces available any local schools which are not registered are advised to contact Resonate Testing as soon as possible.