Live observation of materials cracking at multiple length scales

一种新颖独特的微型力学试验机，要求适合在纳米和微米尺度上的裂纹成核的现场观察的扫描电子显微镜。所要求的机器将用于变形和测试用于核能和其他能源部门的高价值战略金属合金，以及用于运输行业的聚合物。它将使我们能够研究机械和热负荷对材料性能的综合影响，并研究材料的机械性能如何由于暴露在恶劣的环境中而退化。 安大略50%以上的能源和全国15%的能源是通过加拿大的氘铀（CANDU）核反应堆生产的。这些反应堆为低排放能源的生产做出了重大贡献，帮助我们应对与气候变化有关的许多挑战。在2064年之前，已经有超过250亿美元的投资用于清洁CANDU生产能源。这些反应堆的寿命受到反应堆堆芯中使用的锆金属合金的降解的显著影响。这种机制的一些例子包括形成称为氢化锆的脆性相、开裂、蠕变和辐照脆化。关于这些降解机制的许多基本问题仍然没有答案。例如，在纳米和微米尺度上控制裂纹形成的机制以及裂纹与辐射或辐照诱导缺陷的相互作用尚未得到很好的理解。所要求的机械测试机将使我们能够解决这些长期存在的问题。它适合电子显微镜，使我们能够观察金属合金中裂纹的形成，并在多个长度尺度上测量局部应变和应力的发展。它将与先进的成像和衍射技术相结合，以生成数值模型开发所需的实验数据，因此，预计将对确保加拿大和世界各地使用的核反应堆的安全和有效运行产生重大影响。所要求的机械试验机还将用于表征通过增材制造技术制造的下一代燃气轮机高温合金的性能。其目的是制造有助于进一步减少碳排放同时具有上级性能的部件。所要求的机器还将用于研究运输行业中用于减轻重量的聚合物的变形和断裂。

A novel and unique miniature mechanical testing machine is requested that fits into scanning electron microscopes for the live observation of crack nucleation at nano and microscales. The requested machine will be used to deform and test the high value strategic metal alloys used in nuclear and other energy sectors, as well as the polymers used in transportation industry. It will enable us to study the combined effects of mechanical and thermal loads on materials performance and to study how mechanical properties of materials degrade as a result of the harsh environment that they are exposed to. More than 50% of energy in Ontario, and 15 % nationwide, is being produced through CANada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) nuclear reactors. These reactors significantly contribute to the production of low-emission energies, helping us address many challenges related to climate change. There has been more than $25B investment to refurbish CANDUs to produce energy until 2064. The lifetime of these reactors is significantly affected by the degradation of the zirconium metal alloys used in the core of reactors. Some examples of such mechanisms include the formation of a brittle phase known as zirconium hydride, cracking, creep, and irradiation embrittlement. Many fundamental questions regarding these degradation mechanisms remain un-answered. For example, the mechanisms that control the formation of cracks at nano and microscales and the interaction of cracks with hydrides or irradiation-induced defects are yet not well-understood. The requested mechanical testing machine will enable us to tackle such long-standing questions. It fits into electron microscopes, allowing us to observe the formation of cracks in metal alloys, and to measure the development of local strain and stresses at multiple length scales. It will be coupled with advanced imaging and diffraction techniques to generate the experimental data required for numerical model development, and hence, it is expected to have significant impact on ensuring the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors used both in Canada and around the world. The requested mechanical testing machine will also be used to characterize the performance of the superalloys that have been manufactured by additive manufacturing techniques for the next generation of gas turbines. The aim is to manufacture components that help further reduce carbon emissions while having superior performance. The requested machine will also be used to study deformation and fracture of polymers used in transportation industry for weight reduction.