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Sample Preparation - Lab E18
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Diamond Saw and Polishing Equipment
The
center has various equipment used in the preparation of samples for
optical or electron microscopies, profilometry, thermal diffusivity,
dilatometry, volume measurements, or heat capacity. Among this
equipment is a diamond coated blade saw, a diamond coated band saw,
multiple sample polishers, and molding equipment. |
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 Profilometry and Topographical Studies
The
center has two research-grade skidless contact profilometers: one is a
standard tabletop model (shown to the right) and the second is the
portable model shown below attached to our custom three-axis
positioner. A profilometer uses a diamond tip dragged across a surface
to generate a trace that is representative of the actual surface shown
below.
The typical tip radius is 5 micrometers. As the tip moves
across the surface, an electrical signal is received that gives the
relative height of the surface to an ultimate resolution (zero noise
limit) of 7 nanometers. The tabletop model has a maximum trace length
of 60 mm and may be used in conjunction with a motorized x-y table.
 
The three-axis positioner has a 13-nanometer resolution for movements
along the x-axis and a 19-nanometer resolution for movements along the
y- or z-axes. The positioner allows the portable profilometer to be
used to measure surfaces as they are generated on our subscale aircraft
dynamometer. The absolute wear of a topographical area is measured to
monitor the evolution of the two brake rings with brake testing. |
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Carbonization Furnace
This
furnace contains a sealed chamber that can be evacuated or have a
flowing gas environment. It is used to heat materials in any type of
atmosphere and expel impurities that vaporize. Carbonization of Carbon
composites is an essential part of making carbon - carbon composites.
For those materials, heating for extended periods of time at
temperatures up to 1000o C is necessary to remove most non-carbon elements. |
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  Small 10 Ton Hot Press
This hydraulic heated press is used to make test samples of various materials. The heated platens can heat a mold up to 600o C. The maximum separation between platens is eight inches.
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