In situ 3D synchrotron imaging of failure processes in engineering materials

Abstract

The micrometer range resolution of Synchrotron Radiation Tomography has developed an important technique for characterizing the three dimensional (3D) microstructure of materials. This technique was used for imaging Aluminum-alumina composites, porous aluminum and AA 6061 alloy under different loading conditions. The experimental set-up was installed at the Biomedical Imaging and Therapy (BMIT)'s 05B1-1 beamline at Canadian Light Source (CLS). The experimental stage has been designed for conducting the in-situ experiments. The unique feature of this experimental stage is that the sample can be rotated torsion free for taking the images for Computed Tomography imaging during any loading conditions. The developed experimental system and technique allows deciphering the internal structures of composites, porous materials, multiphase alloys and to observe the failure processes such as crack initiation, crack propagation, void formation, void coalescence and the fracture process during loading of materials.