The Structural Materials Lab is equipped with traditional metallography sample and surface preparation equipment and instruments specially designed to measure the mechanical response of milli- to centimeter-sized specimens over a range of strain rates and loading conditions. High-resolution optics and post-processing digital image correlation software are available for in situ strain measurements during mechanical deformation.
Automated Polishing Wheel
- capable of planarizing, griding, and polishing
- 8” diameter platen
- automated or manual polishing
- automated head with individual or centralized force control, up to 3 samples to be prepared simultaneously (1.25” samples) or flat plate parallel
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Vibratory Polisher
- final polishing step to prepare high quality surfaces for EBSD
- 12” diameter surface
- up 3 samples to be prepared simultaneously (1.25” samples) with stainless steel holders; optional weights, if needed
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Optical Microscopes
- light microscopes for quick examination of polished surfaces
- 20-40x stereoscope for examining DIC speckle patterns and fracture surfaces
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Chemical Fume Hood
- compatible with most standard chemicals, including metallographic etchants
- particle and oil filtered compressed air
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ADMET Uniaxial Load Frame
- custom grips for milli- to centimeter-sized specimens loaded in tension or compression
- displacement controlled, with strain rates 10-7–10-1 s-1
- 5 kN load cell
- Integrated DIC for strain measurements
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Digital Image Correlation
- 12 MP camera with telecentric lens, 3.5 mm/pixel, 23 fps
- post-processing with Correlated Solution’s VIC-2D
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