Characterisation of Copper Plate via Indentation, EDX and EBSD

Methods and algorithms have recently been developed that permit the rapid mechanical characterisation of metallic materials, based on inverse finite element techniques. These methods and models were developed by Double Precision Consultancy in collaboration with Cambridge University, and are rapidly gaining traction in the indentation community. In this project, these methods are being used to characterise the creep behaviour of thin copper discs (for which conventional techniques are inappropriate). 

The project involves a significant amount of experimental indentation work and utilisation of a recently-developed, finite element-based software application for automation of convergence on the required material properties (see SEMPID). The project also involves a significant amount of metallography, grain boundary area calculation (after the application of segmentation algorithms) and texture mapping using Electron Backscatter Diffraction.

Our client are using these data to develop a screening protocol for acceptance or rejection of material at an early stage in their manufacturing cycle.