Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems

Please contact Zach Rowland for more details about any equipment

In developing physics-based models for shaping and performance predictions, CAVS is aware of the importance of experimental assessment and quantification of the micromechanisms driving the material evolution during mechanical and reactivity induced deformations. While SEM, TEM and most of standard characterization techniques are limited on 2D information, X-ray computed tomography presents the leading technique for providing exact 3D information and non-destructive measurements. CAVS has purchased a state of the art X-ray tomography system reaching 1 micron resolution from Phoenix X-ray Incorporation. The system is a dual tube capability v|tome|s with possibility to analyze bulk materials with a 225KV microfocus as well as small parts with a 160KeV nanofocus. The system will allow in particular the quantifying of pore fraction and morphology evolution during some stages of the damage evolution. This dual tube v|tome|s will be used by over a dozen academic and industrial projects to bring new insight into understanding complex 3D interactions of materials systems.

Allows for the testing of hard and soft materials in tension, compression and low cycle fatigue over a wide range of temperatures.

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This system is a depth-sensing nanomechanical testing system. The main purpose of this system is to update, develop and validate our constitutive models and molecular dynamic simulation methods for lightweight automotive and aeronautical component design and performance predictions. The most critical aspect of predicting the behavior of low-density materials under shaping and damage progression during service loads is to understand the inclusion content and microstructure influences on the mechanical response. These mechanisms mainly operate at the nano length scale. For our models, formulated at different size scales, from atoms to the polycrystalline length scale, to capture these fundamental phenomena, it is essential to investigate experimentally the nano scale microstructure-deformation relationships of several designed systems through depth-sensing nanomechanical testing. The system offers the option to perform depth-sensing micromechanical testing as well.

Allows for the performance of multiaxial testing at low and high cycle fatigue over a wide range of temperature. Automated test control software, fixtures, and grips are available to perform American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) tests to determine fatigue and fracture properties of conventional materials as well as of soft materials as single crystals or biomaterials.

Used for experimental investigations of structural integrity by providing the capability to perform quasi-static and/or dynamic fatigue testing on large structural components such as automotive frames, subsystems and large castings. This capability is of great importance to validate the numerical simulation studies of actual structures or multi-piece substructural components.

Associated Projects:
Run Flat (Morgan)
Run Flat (Morgan)
Run Flat (Morgan)