9625852 Nutt This micro-indentation machine will be used for measurements of interface properties in composite materials, as well as a broad range of applications in materials research requiring measurements of mechanical properties with high spatial resolution. The newly developed instrument mounts to an existing scanning electron microscope (SEM) and capitalizes on the inherent capabilities of the SEM without compromising conventional functions. A unique feature of the instrument is the capability to perform measurements at high temperatures (1000oC) with high spatial resolution and load sensitivity, while directly observing the indentation and failure. %%% The equipment will be used in studies of interfacial phenomena occurring in composite materials, including measurements of interface properties and the effects of fiber coatings, mechanical and thermal history, residual stress state, and test temperature. A broad range of applications are planned that include studies of hardness in ultra-fine-grained (UFG) metals, interlayer adhesion in components produced by layered object manufacturing (LOM), and the behavior of nanostructured materials and membranes. The capability of performing mechanical tests with high spatial resolution and load sensitivity at temperatures up to (1000oC) is unprecedented and will lead to increased understanding of the behavior of interfaces and fine-grained structures, as well as localized phenomena occurring at high- temperature. ***
