Fun image from our files. This image was created by capturing snow and frost on a chilled aluminum block. The sample was then digitally imaged using the scanning electron microscope. Color was added to the black and white image using graphic editing software.
Filed under: microscopy, scanning electron microscope,
We just purchased a research grade Olympus SZX16 stereo microscope equipped with a super high resolution, digital, micro-imaging camera. This is an excellent addition to our light microscopy laboratory. With easy shifting from macro-view to micro-view, it is a specialized and powerful tool for fracture examination, corrosion studies and general failure analysis.
We’re looking forward to putting our newest microscope to work.
Olympus SZX16 Stereo Microscope with digital camera.
Filed under: About MEE, Corrosion studies, Failure Analysis, Fracture Analysis, Light Microscope,
Drop a ceramic vase at home and what is the first thing you do with the pieces? You try to put them back together.
In the world of fracture analysis, do not try to fit the two fracture halves together as this will damage critical surface features, even fractures of hard or high strength metals. Simply touching mating fracture surfaces together after a failure will destroy microscopic fracture features that may be key to a conclusive determination of the fracture mode.
Don’t Touch is the first of MEE’s ten commandments of sample preservation and handling. The other nine commandments and specific guidelines for the handling of fractures is in the last chapter of our online Handbook of Analytical Methods for Materials.
Contact our analytical laboratory if you have more specific questions about sample handling and preservation, and for shipping recommendations.
Fracture surface of a logging chain that broke. This is a giant chain: each chain link was about 1 1/4″ in diameter.
Filed under: About MEE, Failure Analysis, Fracture Analysis, HAMM,
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