MERL is involved in a range of new and emerging automotive technologies working with OEMs, system and component suppliers and material producers. Expertise in materials, design, analysis and testing is used to assist automotive engineers to deliver reliable and environmentally friendly final products.

Some of the current areas of activity include:

Design analysis and durability testing of lightweight bonded structures
Performance of adhesives for windscreen/windshield bonding
Characterisation of lightweight materials (e.g. composites) for design
Analysis and testing of all types of elastomeric and TPE components (mounts, bushes, weather strip, hoses, tyres, seals)
Static and dynamic characterisation and durability testing of rubber
Anti-vibration components (mounts, bushes etc)
Development of materials for anti-vibration applications
Measurement of fuel permeation rates for hoses and sealing systems
Use of thermoplastics in fuel system components for low fuel emission performance
Assessment of seals and couplings for HVAC systems with alternative refrigerants
Performance of brake friction materials
Product testing - simulation of service environment for automotive components - development and specification of appropriate accelerated testing e.g. cyclic humidity/temperature/salt spray
Crash worthiness evaluation of multi-material bonded joints