System and method for testing of micro-sized materials

摘要

Apparatus and methods for testing sediment submerged in liquid and manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus and methods of the present embodiment can provide for nano/micro characterization of mechanical properties of materials submerged in liquid, facilitating specimen preparation and installation, and can provide hydrated materials. The apparatus can include cell walls with optical magnifying lenses so that the materials can be viewed without the aid of a microscope.

主权项

1. A method for characterizing the mechanical properties of materials comprising:
configuring a magnifying lens in a container, the container having an opening; configuring a sample support rod in the container; configuring a compression punch at the opening; positioning a sample of at least one of the materials on the sample support rod based on information from the magnifying lens; filling the container to a pre-selected depth with a fluid; submerging the sample in the fluid; moving the sample support rod towards the compression punch to force the sample to interact with the compression punch; and characterizing the mechanical properties of the sample based on data resulting from the interaction of the sample with the compression punch.