A method for in situ SEM fracture studies of brittle materials using the double torsion technique : application to nuclear graphite

Rosie, Kathryn A

A method for in situ SEM fracture studies of brittle materials using the double torsion technique : application to nuclear graphite

Master Thesis

2011

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Abstract

This work concerned the design and development of a miniature double torsion (DT) testing rig, for use inside the chamber of a scanning electron microscope, to perform in situ loading studies of brittle materials using the DT fracture mechanics specimen. The in situ performance of the system inside the SEM was highly satisfactory, while still providing free rotation of the attached stepper motor. Crack growth rates of down to 19nm/s were directly observed in PMMA specimens. It was concluded that the technique displayed merit in its ability to contribute to the knowledge base of slow cracking and damage development in brittle materials, with the advantage being that the gearing ratios of the current device resulted in slower specimen loading rates, which were more controlled, than reported previously.

Keywords

Mechanical Engineering

Reference:

Collections

Masters

Full item page