Revealing material failure mechanisms through ultra-fast X-ray imaging

Material failure is determined by a suite of deformation mechanisms with differing kinetics operating together and showing an integrated response. To elucidate processes requires separating operating mechanisms to construct physically-based descriptions of behaviour for use in engineering. Imaging material failure processes at suitable ultra-fast time scales using hard X-rays offers the possibility of separating these different operating mechanisms.

In situ ultra-fast X-ray imaging at synchrotron facilities demonstrated us the capabilities to record time resolved dynamics of shock wave and crack front propagation within the optically opaque materials, at nano seconds time scales along with pico seconds exposure durations. The image analysis together with other ex situ characterization will allow to identify the defect propagation, failure and damaging that control materials’ descriptions for the microstructures. Such information represents a key step forward in assessment of the controlling mechanisms which drive brittle behaviours.

Study of brittle material failures experimentally offer a window into the evolution of unsteady stress states in materials through localisation of the stress state as it transits to a steady value. In application, delayed failure is a feature of such materials that has critical role in armour and protection with hard material facings both on key components / equipment and vital structures.