Bulge Tester
The unit consists of a piezoelectric actuated piston capable of 60 Hz attached to an oil chamber. A metallic film sample is suspended above the oil chamber. Oil pressure and film deflection are monitored with a pressure transducer and laser sensor respectively. The unit also has a video camera to monitor testing.
Experimental results are then combined with newly developed theories to predict properties including fracture toughness, etc.
Designed and constructed by B. Erdem Alaca, Kristopher Wehage, and Jacob Ruden
Developed by HTML, this Bulge Testing Apparatus is used to perform biaxial tests on nanoscale metallic films and polymeric substrates.
Related Publications:
- Alaca, BE, Selby, JC, Saif, MTA and Sehitoglu, H, “Biaxial testing of nano-scale films on compliant substrates – fatigue and fracture”, Review of Scientific Instruments, 73(8):2963-2970, 2002
- Alaca, BE, Saif, MTA and Sehitoglu, H, “On the interface debond at the edge of a thin film on a thick substrate”, Acta Materialia, 50(5):1197-1209, 2002