Rotary shear experiments under X-ray micro-computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Tribology

Background:

• Understanding frictional behavior and material deformation under shear stress is crucial for engineering applications.
• In situ and in operando observation methods are needed to capture dynamic processes without perturbing experimental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, assemble, and calibrate a novel rotary shear apparatus (ERDμ-T) integrated with X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT).
• To demonstrate the capability of the ERDμ-T system for studying the frictional behavior and deformation of materials under shear stress.

Main Methods:

• Development and calibration of the ERDμ-T apparatus for precise measurement of normal force, torque, sample shortening, and shearing velocity.
• Integration of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) for in situ and in operando visualization of internal specimen deformation during shearing.
• Performing shear experiments on an aluminum alloy sample at incremental steps.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of the ERDμ-T apparatus's capability to study frictional behavior.
• Acquisition of μCT imagery synchronized with physical measurements, providing a comprehensive understanding of deformation processes.
• Observation of how rough surfaces interact and deform under controlled pressure and temperature.

Conclusions:

• The ERDμ-T system effectively links variations in physical parameters to the evolution of internal material structures.
• The combined apparatus provides novel insights into fracturing and frictional sliding mechanisms in solid materials.
• This technology enables non-perturbative, real-time analysis of material deformation during shear testing.