This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant provides funding to purchase a state-of-the-art field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) with extended capabilities including an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) detector, an in-situ loading stage with 500oC capability, a backscatter detector, 3D image reconstruction software, and a color cathodoluminescence (CCL) detector. The EBSD system and loading stage will be used to answer important questions in manufacturing regarding the impact of part-to-grain size ratio on evolution of grain structure and forming quality in micro and nanoforming, and the importance of twinning and dislocation-based deformation in forming of hexagonal close-packed alloys for lightweight structures. The information will be used to construct microstructurally-informed modeling of microscale forming. The EBSD system will also be used to map the orientation of the olivine crystals deformed under a range of hydrothermal conditions for Earth Science research studies of the deformation mechanisms that accommodate slip in fault zones. The CCL-enabled SEM will be used by Earth Scientists from UNH and area universities to conduct state-of-the-art investigations combining well-defined crystal growth zones and geochronology or trace elemental analyses to investigate the formation of Earth's lithosphere, fluid (including carbon) cycling within Earth's lithosphere, plate boundary processes, and related topics. It will also be used to characterize volcanic ash for atmospheric transport studies
The information obtained with this instrument will be used to improve deformation-based manufacturing processes on the macro, micro, and nanoscale. It will also lead to improved understanding of the formation of the earth's mantle, formation and transport of volcanic ash, and deformation of bio-inspired materials. The SEM will provide new opportunities for undergraduate research. The instrument's remote access capabilities will also be used to greatly enhance the University of New Hampshire's K-12 outreach capabilities and to provide a resource for regional industry.
