In-situ Multi-Scale Mechanics
Cyclic micro-cantilever bending of 3D printed PDMS
Nanocomposites, composed of hierarchically structured materials in 1D, 2D, and 3D configurations, present intricate deformation and failure mechanisms that defy easy comprehension or visualization. In situ mechanical testing emerges as a crucial method for observing these complexities, combining bulk and local mechanical tests with real-time imaging tools such as optical microscopy, high-speed cameras, and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Traditional bulk mechanical tests, like tensile, indentation, and compression conducted within a SEM, offer insights into phenomena such as nanotube pullout, crack propagation, and plastic deformation in materials.
Understanding the intricate ways in which materials deform and fail is pivotal for synthesizing stronger materials. Nanomechanical tests, including nanoindentation, micro-pillar compression, and micro-cantilever experiments, enable the exploration of the fundamental building blocks of materials and the determination of their local properties on a scale aligned with atomistic models and simulations. In situ mechanical testing eliminates guesswork in understanding deformation mechanisms, as it allows direct observation — seeing is believing. This comprehensive approach, integrating traditional and nanomechanical tests with real-time imaging, enhances our grasp of material behavior, contributing to the development of more robust and resilient materials
