State-of-the-art imaging using spatially varying elasticity

The possibility of using elastic properties to quantitatively image the microstructure and, concurrently, the properties of advanced materials is an exciting breakthrough for the materials scientist, enabling new fundamental research. This talk will explore two new types of research activities that may be enabled by imaging with elasticity, supported by state-of-the-art modeling to determine the optimized elastic stiffness tensors to support this characterization technique. This will include the possibilities associated with integrating artificial intelligence in achieving meaningful results in both of the problems given below.

Firstly, we explore the possibility of using spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy (SRAS) into a 3D characterization tool. We have successfully demonstrated the ability to integrate a SRAS system into a Robo-Met.3D serial sectioning instrument suited for the 3D serial sectioning of materials using precision mechanical polishing. The Robo-Met.3D typically uses an optical microscope to characterize the material. This 3D variant of SRAS makes it possible to study complex problems, such as micro texture in Ti-based alloys, which is a known root cause for a deleterious phenomenon known as “Cold Dwell Fatigue”. This system uses elasticity to help us get to “ground truth” of the materials state.

Secondly, we have established new programs for the design, modeling, and manufacture of gradient materials, opening up possibilities such as “unitized structures” or “functionally graded materials”. By using imaging techniques based upon elasticity, we have a possibility to not only study how microstructure and elastic behavior concurrently change across gradients of varying types (including both compositional and thermal gradients), but also a new potential route to use elasticity and microstructure to infer composition. These tools are vital to realize this promising new class of materials.