Application

Micropillar Compression

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Application Overview

Materials are rarely composed of a single large crystal with perfect characteristics. Engineering materials are characterized by their designed microstructures, consisting of tailored grain sizes/distributions, defects, constituent phases, and precipitates. To fully understand the mechanisms behind a material’s mechanical behavior, delving into the small details is essential.

Micro-pillar compression tests enable the study of the mechanical response of specific constituents within a sample. By conducting standard micropillar compression tests at precisely-specified locations within the sample, it is possible to obtain not only the elastic modulus and yield strength at those locations but also to thoroughly investigate the failure mechanisms, and plastic response well beyond yielding.

This application allows the measurement of flow strength and observation of phenomena like plastic flow intermittency, which is characterized by stress drops that accompany energy releases as the material transitions through critical states, and shear localization on various crystallographic planes.

<p>Composite image of EBSD mapping and SEM image showing location selection for micropillar compression.</p>

<p>Four SEM images of micro-pillar compression at different stages above a graph showing corresponding stress-strain data.</p>

<p>Graph showing load vs. time with points marking the start and end of load drops during micropillar compression test.</p>

Application Examples

Automated Testing

Automated Microcompression Testing

Microcompression probe nearing a micropillar array for automated material testing.

The introduction of Automated Statistical Microcompression Testing revolutionizes material science by transforming weeks of manual micropillar positioning into a swift 20-minute task.

This leap forward not only saves significant time but also enhances test precision and reliability, crucial for assessing materials' mechanical properties accurately.

Achieved through user-friendly software that simplifies setup and execution, this innovation streamlines research, fostering rapid technological and engineering advancements. It signifies a new era where efficiency and accuracy in material testing are seamlessly integrated.

10/minute		Displacement controlled
Pillars compression rate		Intrinsic displacement control

Download Application Note

High-Temperature Testing

Combinatorial Phase Deconvolution

Three micro-compression tests on micropillar samples shown at different temperatures: 25°C, 400°C, and 800°C, demonstrating different material deformation modes at different temperatures.

The introduction of Automated Statistical Microcompression Testing revolutionizes material science by transforming weeks of manual micropillar positioning into a swift 20-minute task.

This leap forward not only saves significant time but also enhances test precision and reliability, crucial for assessing materials' mechanical properties accurately.

Achieved through user-friendly software that simplifies setup and execution, this innovation streamlines research, fostering rapid technological and engineering advancements. It signifies a new era where efficiency and accuracy in material testing are seamlessly integrated.