Compression-tension cell with sample manipulator for in situ X-ray nanotomography experiments.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Geology

Background:

• In situ X-ray nanotomography requires specialized equipment for applying mechanical forces to samples.
• Existing setups may lack the precision or fluid handling capabilities needed for microscale testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and build a novel compression-tension device with fluid flow-through capability for X-ray nanotomography.
• To develop a sample manipulator for precise handling of sub-100 µm samples in the nanotomography setup.

Main Methods:

• A compression-tension cell with a triaxial stage and high-sensitivity loadcell was engineered.
• A sample manipulator was constructed for selecting individual microscale particles under optical microscopy.
• Compression experiments were conducted on glass beads and calcite grains, with nanotomography data collected at various force increments.

Main Results:

• Instrument stability was demonstrated through compression tests on glass beads until fracture.
• Experimental contact areas of glass beads were compared with Hertz analysis predictions.
• Fluid flow capability was shown by compressing calcite grains in a saturated solution, revealing surface topological changes.

Conclusions:

• The developed compression-tension device and sample manipulator are effective for in situ mechanical testing using X-ray nanotomography.
• The system allows for precise force application, sample manipulation, and simultaneous imaging under mechanical load and fluid flow.
• This technology advances the study of material behavior at the microscale under complex loading conditions.