In-situ tomography: increasingly widespread
Characterizing in 3D the evolution of a sample in real time is now possible.
The X-ray tomography cabinets designed by RX Solutions allow easy integration of an environmental device for in-situ scans. Whether to characterize the evolution of geological elements under particular conditions (fluids flows, pressure or temperature solicitations), or to monitor the temperature of a sample (changes of state, modification of physical properties), the possible applications are many and varied. Another application of in-situ tomography, which is highly valued by mechanical laboratories, concerns mechanicals tests in order to characterize materials.
The interest of the implementation of the test cell in the cabin lies in a follow-up of the evolution of the sample without modification of its environment during the scan. The results obtained are therefore representative of the experiment in progress, and can just as easily be supplemented by other analysis methods once the test and the scan have been carried out.
Numerous laboratories design their own devices, we are at their side to help them to optimize their solutions. In addition, RX Solutions has teamed up with Deben, which markets some in-situ testing equipment, adapted to microtomography to offer a solution that is easy to use. In compression, in tension, or even in torsion, with or without temperature management, these devices allow to follow in real time the mechanical behavior of the sample. Carrying out the tomography, under mechanical stress, allows a visual follow-up of the sample, and thus a better understanding of the failure mechanisms.
Another interest of in situ tomography is the comparison with numerical simulation models, with the possibility of identifying and therefore taking into account in the mechanical behavior the appearance of real defects when the sample is put under stress.