Novel automated approaches for studying extended in situ mechanical and high temperature transformations of materials and alloys in electron and X-ray microscopy

Session

Poster Session One

Authors

Mr Andy Holwell (2), Dr Fang Zhou (1)

Affiliations

1. Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
2. Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd

Keywords

in situ, automated, eds, ebsd, didgital image correlation, materials, metals

Abstract text

Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Electron Backscatter Diffraction have become ubiquitous in characterizing new materials and alloys in the SEM. Extending these techniques with time-resolved in situ mechanical and thermal testing, allows researchers to observe and characterize materials' transformations at the nanoscale, in real time, with forces modelling real-world service conditions. 

 

Also, performing synchrotron-style in situ 3D imaging and crystallography in the X-ray microscope through time-resolved absorption and diffraction contrast tomography allows quantitative 4D imaging of transformations.

 

This work describes the evolution of strain, dislocations and crystal structure in materials including polymers, foams, explosives, GaN, superalloy and steel. Combination of an in situ rig, dedicated high-temperature SE, BSE, EDS and EBSD detectors and electron channelling contrast provide comprehensive analytics of microstructural behavior of stressed samples.

 

Digital image correlation and automated feature tracking overcome barriers to consistent imaging, focusing and tracking of dynamic features, enabling long unattended automated transition studies.