#SpringBreakIt

On April 23rd we opened our laboratory doors to show the world how we test our advanced materials. When we know how materials melt, shatter and bend, we can make machines that don't. Scroll down to relive #SpringBreakIt 2014

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Without advanced materials, our jet engines wouldn’t be making such big LEAPS into the future.

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Carbon fiber, making our jet engines lighter and more efficient since 1995.

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Our testing rigs know how to bring the heat. Jet engines that can withstand extreme temperatures means greater efficiency and even greater performance.

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It would take the weight equivalent of 500 grizzly bears to bend carbon steel. Now that’s some unbearably strong stuff.

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By firing aluminum oxide at 153 mph at advanced material coatings, GE researchers can learn how parts will stand up to extreme conditions like flying sand and dirt.

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This is a red hot piece of nickel alloy removed from a metal forging test at GE’s Global Research Center. The micro-structures of the alloy will be studied by GE scientists and, eventually, the learnings will be applied to large-scale forging operations for turbines.

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Wind turbine blades need to withstand tremendous amounts of force. GE researchers test their materials, like this piece of glass fiber composite, to make sure they don’t break down in the field.

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We’re bringing the beach to the lab as we simulate sand erosion at 153 mph. Think this watch will stand the test of time?

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Engineers don’t mind waiting for the drop. A 5,000 lb drop, to be precise. With advanced material technology, our composites are always ready to get down.

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100,000 lbs of force can make even a skateboard wheel look like jelly. Our forge test is putting on the pressure to ensure our materials can withstand just about anything.

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Simple loop, advanced tech.

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How Carbon Fiber Is Made at GE

Ever wonder how some of the lightest jet engine material is made?

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This is a thermal view of the metal forging test at GE’s Global Research Center. While the temperature on the outside is a balmy 104 degrees, a metal sample inside the testing chamber can reach temperatures that rival that of a volcano’s. #SpringBreakIt

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This is a metal forging test at GE’s Global Research center. The rig heats different advanced materials to extreme temperatures and then applies 100,000 lbs. of pressure. The resulting ‘pancake’ is tested and analyzed by GE scientists.

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From the coffee cups in your kitchen to the blades in our jet engines, everything starts with materials science. Without it, we wouldn’t be where we are today.