Abstract

High-resolution imaging of crack opening and propagation in 3D structures to study the fracture behaviour of materials requires new experimental setups. In this report, we describe a novel technique that provides in-situ 3D visualization of crack evolution with high resolution during mechanical loading of multi-component materials: a micro double cantilever beam (micro-DCB) test in an X-ray microscope. We demonstrate that crack opening and propagation can be visualized (in-situ) in the X-ray microscope with a spatial resolution of about 100 nm. For this experiment, micro-DCB samples were prepared to a thickness that was X-ray transparent in the direction normal to the crack front. During the micro-DCB experiment, the load is applied perpendicular to the optical axis of the X-ray microscope while images are collected with phase contrast imaging. The method is validated for a synthetic polymer, Nafion® (DuPont) with dispersed platinum particles.The proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates that sub-micron cracks can be visualized non-destructively, and that the in-situ micro-DCB test allows to study crack opening and propagation in materials. The technique offers several benefits over existing methods and is applicable across a range of disciplines, including materials science (e.g. composites), microelectronics, and life sciences (e.g. tissue, bones).

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.