The Research and Development Department is staffed with engineers and technician having years of expertise in instrumentation, stress analysis, load cell design and test machine/fixture design and fabrication. This talent base allows R&D to provide an array of specialty services, some unique to the rail industry.

Field Service Testing Although generally not offered to contract customers, R&D can perform unmanned field testing of new and existing products. This tool is used to fine tune and assure superior product performance. Test data can be collected over a period of hours, days, weeks or months. Wireless communications are used to recover data remotely from anywhere in the United States, without leaving the office.
Experimental Stress Analysis Brittle lacquer and photoelastic coatings along with strain gages, load cells, displacement, acceleration, pressure and temperature sensors are some of the tools available throughout the product development cycle. This along with the use of finite element analysis also allows R&D to design and fabricate test machines, test fixtures, load cells and other specialized equipment. Back to Top
Dynamometer Coupler - Sales and Calibration Dynamometer couplers are used to record reaction force during in-train service or railcar impact testing. The Miner-designed dynamometer is constructed using high tensile solid shank coupler blanks. The construction process includes machining the blank, strain gage instrumenting, weather proofing and calibration. Several types and styles are available. In addition, many standard couplers and drawbars can be strain gaged and wired to sense load. Miner R&D has offered dynamometer sales, repair and calibration services to the rail industry for over 30 years. Most specifications recommend calibrating dynamometer couplers before use or every 6 to 12 months. Back to Top
Load Cell Construction & Calibration Miner R&D has designed and built many specialty load cells such as dynamometer couplers and king pin load cells. Contract customers can purchase machine time to calibrate their load cell/measurement equipment. Most specifications recommend calibrating load cells prior to use or every 6 to 12 months. Back to Top
Rail Bend Testing Offered on a contract basis to our rail industry customers, Miner R&D can perform slow bend rail weld testing according to AREA and AWS Specifications. Back to Top
Test Machine/ Fixture Design & Fabrication Miner R&D has designed and built test machines and test fixtures in house to meet special requirements. For designs requiring precision machining, an in house machine shop is available. This capability allows for efficient response to complex test requests. Back to Top