Differential interference contrast x-ray microscopy with twin zone plates

X-ray imaging in differential interference contrast (DIC) with submicrometer optical resolution was performed by using a twin zone plate (TZP) setup generating focal spots closely spaced within the TZP spatial resolution of 160 nm. Optical path differences introduced by the sample are recorded by a CCD camera in a standard full-field imaging and by an aperture photodiode in a standard scanning transmission x-ray microscope. Applying this x-ray DIC technique, we demonstrate for both the full-field imaging and scanning x-ray microscope methods a drastic increase in image contrast (approximately 20x) for a low-absorbing specimen, similar to the Nomarski DIC method for visible-light microscopy.     

Orientation-independent differential interference contrast microscopy

We describe a new technique for differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, which digitally generates phase gradient images independently of gradient orientation. To prove the principle we investigated specimens recorded at different orientations on a microscope equipped with a precision rotating stage and using regular DIC optics. The digitally generated images successfully displayed and measured phase gradients, independently of gradient orientation. One could also generate images showing distribution of optical path differences or enhanced, regular DIC images with any shear direction. Using special DIC prisms, one can switch the bias and shear directions rapidly without mechanically rotating the specimen or the prisms and orientation-independent DIC images are obtained in a fraction of a second.     

Application of digital image correlation at the microscale in fiber-reinforced composites

Digital image correlation (DIC) is applied to analyzing the deformation mechanisms under transverse compression in a fiber-reinforced composite. To this end, compression tests in a direction perpendicular to the fibers were carried out inside a scanning electron microscope and secondary electron images obtained at different magnifications during the test. Optimum DIC parameters to resolve the displacement and strain field were computed from numerical simulations of a model composite and they were applied to micrographs obtained at different magnifications (250×, 2000×, and 6000×). It is shown that DIC of low-magnification micrographs was able to capture the long range fluctuations in strain due to the presence of matrix-rich and fiber-rich zones, responsible for the onset of damage. At higher magnification, the strain fields obtained with DIC qualitatively reproduce the non-homogeneous deformation pattern due to the presence of stiff fibers dispersed in a compliant matrix and provide accurate results of the average composite strain. However, comparison with finite element simulations revealed that DIC was not able to accurately capture the average strain in each phase.     

Characterization of dynamic microgyroscopes by use of temporal digital image correlation

The advanced mechanical testing of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is necessary to provide feedback of measurements that can help the designer optimize MEMS structures and improve the reliability and stability of MEMS. We describe a digital image correlation (DIC) method for dynamic characterization of MEMS using an optical microscope with a high-speed complementary metaloxide semiconductor-based camera. The mechanical performance of a series of microgyroscopes is tested. The DIC method is employed to measure the microgyroscope in-plane displacement with subpixel accuracy. Use of the DIC method is less restrictive on the surface quality of the specimen and simplifies the measurement system. On the basis of a series of temporal digital images grabbed by a high-speed camera, the stability characteristic of the microgyroscopes is analyzed. In addition, the quality factors of the microgyroscopes are determined and agree well with other experimental methods.     

Application of High Magnification Digital Image Correlation Technique to Micromechanical Strain Analysis

Abstract: This paper describes an experimental apparatus and its application for the full‐field measurement of heterogeneous strains at high magnifications. The apparatus consists of an image acquisition and analysis system, an optical microscope and a stable tensile stage. Magnified images of the specimen surface are acquired and analysed using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. The response of the heterogeneous microstructure of a nodular cast iron is investigated during a tensile test. Strains obtained by using the DIC method and averaged over the observation window correlate with strain measurements simultaneously obtained by using an extensometer. The strain maps of DIC reveal the heterogeneous development of plasticity in the nodular cast iron microstructure. The apparatus has the potential to investigate material behaviour at the microscopic scale.     

Isocyanate as a compatibilizing agent on the properties of highly crystalline cellulose/polypropylene composites

Composites of a highly crystalline cellulosic microfibres with polypropylene (PP) as well as with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) were prepared by using 1,6-diisocyanatohexane (DIC) as a compatibilizing agent, their mechanical properties, morphologies, and thermal properties were investigated. Results show that the tensile strength and young’s modulus of the composites improved intensively by using DIC. The enhancement is proposed to be due to stronger interfacial adhesion caused by the reduction of the polarity and hydrophilicity of cellulose fiber in PP-based composites, while much more chemically bound MAPP chains on cellulose fiber in MAPP-based composites. A maximum on tensile properties of the composite can be obtained by optimizing of the DIC content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates that the interfacial adhesion between cellulose fibers and PP or MAPP matrix was improved in DIC coupled composites. Furthermore, DIC yields also some effects on thermal dynamic mechanical properties, as well as melting and crystallization behavior of the composites.     

Multimodal spectral imaging of cells using a transmission diffraction grating on a light microscope

A multimodal methodology for spectral imaging of cells is presented. The spectral imaging setup uses a transmission diffraction grating on a light microscope to concurrently record spectral images of cells and cellular organelles by fluorescence, darkfield, brightfield, and differential interference contrast (DIC) spectral microscopy. Initially, the setup was applied for fluorescence spectral imaging of yeast and mammalian cells labeled with multiple fluorophores. Fluorescence signals originating from fluorescently labeled biomolecules in cells were collected through triple or single filter cubes, separated by the grating, and imaged using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Cellular components such as nuclei, cytoskeleton, and mitochondria were spatially separated by the fluorescence spectra of the fluorophores present in them, providing detailed multi-colored spectral images of cells. Additionally, the grating-based spectral microscope enabled measurement of scattering and absorption spectra of unlabeled cells and stained tissue sections using darkfield and brightfield or DIC spectral microscopy, respectively. The presented spectral imaging methodology provides a readily affordable approach for multimodal spectral characterization of biological cells and other specimens.     

Dual-modality single particle orientation and rotational tracking of intracellular transport of nanocargos

The single particle orientation and rotational tracking (SPORT) technique was introduced recently to follow the rotational motion of plasmonic gold nanorod under a differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope. In biological studies, however, cellular activities usually involve a multiplicity of molecules; thus, tracking the motion of a single molecule/object is insufficient. Fluorescence-based techniques have long been used to follow the spatial and temporal distributions of biomolecules of interest thanks to the availability of multiplexing fluorescent probes. To know the type and number of molecules and the timing of their involvement in a biological process under investigation by SPORT, we constructed a dual-modality DIC/fluorescence microscope to simultaneously image fluorescently tagged biomolecules and plasmonic nanoprobes in living cells. With the dual-modality SPORT technique, the microtubule-based intracellular transport can be unambiguously identified while the dynamic orientation of nanometer-sized cargos can be monitored at video rate. Furthermore, the active transport on the microtubule can be easily separated from the diffusion before the nanocargo docks on the microtubule or after it undocks from the microtubule. The potential of dual-modality SPORT is demonstrated for shedding new light on unresolved questions in intracellular transport.     

Characterisation of crack-tip fields in biaxial fatigue based on high-magnification image correlation and electro-spray technique

This work presents a novel methodology for characterising fatigue cracks under biaxial conditions on a low carbon steel. It allows both short crack and early propagation stages to be studied in tubular specimens. Short crack growth is studied with a long-distance microscope acquiring images of the bare metal surface. Results showed oscillations in crack growth rate due to microstructure. Early propagation stage is studied with high magnification Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique for measuring displacement and strain crack-tip fields. By applying micro-speckle pattern on the metal surface it is possible to achieve high magnification for DIC technique. Ultra-fine black and white speckles were created by electro-spray technique. The validity of this novel technique is demonstrated by direct comparison with extensometer measurements, under combined tension–compression and torsion conditions. It was also possible to estimate satisfactorily the mixed-mode stress intensity factor.     

Dynamic observations of deformation in an ultrafine-grained Al–Mg alloy with bimodal grain structure

The tensile properties and deformation response of an ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al–Mg alloy with bimodal grain structure were investigated using a micro-straining unit and a strain mapping technique. Atomized Al 5083 powder was ball-milled in liquid N₂ to obtain a nanocrystalline (NC) structure, then blended with 50 wt.% unmilled coarse-grained (CG) powder, and consolidated to produce a bimodal grain structure. The blended powder was hot vacuum degassed to remove residual contaminants, consolidated by cold isostatic pressing (CIP), and then quasi-isostatic (QI) forged twice. The resultant material consisted of a UFG matrix and CG regions. The dynamic response during tensile deformation was observed using a light microscope, and the surface displacements were mapped and visualized using a digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The DIC results showed inhomogeneous strain between the UFG and CG regions after yielding, and the strain was localized primarily in the CG regions. Strain hardening in the CG regions accompanied the localization and was confirmed by variations in Vickers hardness.     

基于DIC方法的不同退火温度下Cu-Ni19合金损伤演变研究

采用MTS-Landmark材料试验机及LEICA-LM/DM光学显微镜,结合数字图像相关性（DIC）分析方法,对不同退火温度下Cu-Ni19合金的拉伸力学性能和微观组织进行了实验研究,分析了不同退火温度下大变形区域和小变形区域Cu-Ni19合金的损伤演变行为。结果表明：随着退火温度升高,Cu-Ni19合金的屈服强度和抗拉强度减小,微观组织发生回复再结晶,组织趋于等轴化。Cu-Ni19合金的损伤演变分为均匀变形和局部变形阶段,根据试样变形特征分为大变形区域和小变形区域。在小变形区域,试样以均匀变形为主,晶粒变形程度较小。在大变形区域,试样以快速变形为主,晶粒变形程度较大,同时小变形区域基本停止变形。在大变形区和小变形区试样的损伤因子都随着应变的增加而增大,损伤变形速率和临界损伤因子随着退火温度的升高而减小。基于DIC方法建立了不同退火温度下大变形区域和小变形区域Cu-Ni19合金试样的损伤演变方程,有效地反映了不同退火温度下大变形区域和小变形区域Cu-Ni19合金的损伤演变规律。     

A Low‐Cost Digital Image Correlation Technique for Characterising the Shear Deformation of Fabrics for Draping Studies

A novel digital image correlation (DIC) technique has been developed to track changes in textile yarn orientations during shear characterisation experiments, requiring only low‐cost digital imaging equipment. Fabric shear angles and effective yarn strains are calculated and visualised using this new DIC technique for bias extension testing of an aerospace grade, carbon‐fibre reinforcement material with a plain weave architecture. The DIC results are validated by direct measurement, and the use of a wide bias extension sample is evaluated against a more commonly used narrow sample. Wide samples exhibit a shear angle range 25% greater than narrow samples and peak loads which are 10 times higher. This is primarily due to excessive yarn slippage in the narrow samples; hence, the wide sample configuration is recommended for characterisation of shear properties which are required for accurate modelling of textile draping.     

Time‐resolved integrated digital image correlation

This paper discusses a method that provides the direct identification of constitutive model parameters by intimately integrating the finite element method (FEM) with digital image correlation (DIC), namely, directly connecting the experimentally obtained images for all time increments to the unknown material parameters. The problem is formulated as a single minimization problem that incorporates all the experimental data. It allows for precise specification of the unknowns, which can be, but are not limited to, the unknown material properties. The tight integration between FEM and DIC enables for identification while providing necessary regularization of the DIC procedure, making the method robust and noise insensitive. Through this approach, the versatility of the FE method is extended to the experimental realm, enhancing the analyses of existing experiments and opening new experimental opportunities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use and Verification of Digital Image Correlation for Automated 3-D Surface Characterization in the Scanning Electron Microscope

In this article a technique for automatically characterizing the three-dimensional geometry of fracture surfaces is presented. The technique described utilizes digital image correlation (DIC) to provide an accurate and fast method of digitally reconstructing fracture surfaces from stereo pairs produced in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Accuracy of photogrammetric relationships, based on the geometry of image formation in the SEM, and errors due to scan distortions are quantified. The technique is used to measure features of known geometry and then applied to a turbine blade, for surface roughness measurement, and a fatigue fracture surface for profile analysis.     

Use of digital speckle pattern correlation for strain measurements in a CuAlBe shape memory alloy

A Cu–Al 11.2 wt.%-Be 0.6 wt.% shape memory alloy was subjected to a uniaxial tension test using an MTS load frame with an attached optical microscope. Digital images of the sample's surface were acquired using white light and He–Ne laser illumination. The obtained images were associated to the engineering stress–strain behavior, which was calculated from the measured displacement, strain and force. From the images, displacement vector fields were calculated for white light and laser illumination by digital image correlation (DIC) and digital speckle pattern correlation (DSPC) techniques respectively. Using white light it was possible to observe the grains and the martensitic phase transformation of the material more clearly than using DSPC; nevertheless, better quantitative results of displacement, in-plane strain and elastic moduli were obtained using DSPC than using DIC when they were compared to the reference values measured by electrical extensometry. Furthermore DIC and DSPC work as complementary techniques to determined the micro and macromechanical behavior of the CuAlBe shape memory alloy.     

Progressive damage assessment of centrally notched composite specimens in fatigue

The aim of this study is to assess the residual properties and the corresponding damage states within centrally notched quasi-isotropic [0/−45/+45/90]_S T650/F584 (Hexcel) carbon-fiber/epoxy composites subjected to fatigue loading using Digital Image Correlation (DIC), radiography, and a non-contact vibration measurement technique. Quasi-static tests were performed on virgin samples using DIC to determine the full-field in-plane strains at different applied load levels. Fatigue tests were interrupted during the fatigue lifetimes in order to perform quasi-static tests with DIC measurements. Non-contact vibration measurements were performed to investigate the effect of fatigue damage on residual frequency responses. X-ray computed tomography was used to determine the type, location, and extent of fatigue damage development. The results provide an important step in the validation of DIC and vibration response as a powerful combined non-destructive evaluation tool for monitoring the development of fatigue damage as well as predicting the damage level of notched composite materials.     

Effect of DIC Spatial Resolution,Noise and Interpolation Error on Identification Results with the VFM

The use of experimental tests that involve full‐field measurements to characterize mechanical material properties is becoming more widespread within the engineering community. In particular digital image correlation (DIC) on white light speckles is one of the most used tools, thanks to the relatively low cost of the equipment and the availability of dedicated software. Nonetheless the impact of measurement errors on the identified parameters is still not completely understood. To this purpose, in this paper, a simulator able to numerically simulate an experimental test, which involves DIC is presented. The chosen test is the Unnotched Iosipescu test used to identify the orthotropic elastic parameters of composites. Synthetic images are generated and then analysed by DIC. Eventually the obtained strain maps are used to identify the elastic parameters with the Virtual Fields Method (VFM). The numerical errors propagating through the simulation procedure are carefully characterized. Besides, the simulator is used to compare the performances of DIC and the grid method in the identification process with the VFM. Finally, the influence of DIC settings on the identification error is studied as a function of the camera digital noise level, in order to find the best testing configuration.     

The Development of a Heated-Stage Optical Microscope for ZBLAN Microgravity Crystallization Studies

A heated-stage optical microscope has been developed for in-situ crystallization observation of ZBLAN glass. Traditional crystallization studies on most materials, including ZBLAN, are completed following high temperature heat treatment. The modern heated-stage microscope developed in this study permits high temperature sample microscopy data to be collected in real time. The heated stage has a high-end temperature limit of 520 ^°C with a heating ramp rate of 2.2 ^°C/second. The stage was also fitted with liquid nitrogen for rapid cooling and sample annealing up to ?190 ^°C. The stage was customized to fit a Keyence VHX-2000 digital microscope with a magnification range of 100X–1000X. The microscope also has the ability to image samples using Differential Interference Contrasts (DIC) microscopy, which is used to elucidate key crystalline features not apparent with traditional optical microscopy. Additionally, the experiment was constructed to be operated on a microgravity parabolic aircraft to study the effects of microgravity on the crystallization of ZBLAN.     

Combination of differential interference contrast with prism-type total internal fluorescence microscope for direct observation of polyamidoamine dendrimer nanoparticle as a gene delivery in living human cells

A combined system of differential interference contrast (DIC) and total internal reflection fluorescence microscope (TIRFM) with a transmitted all-side polished dove prism was used for the direct monitoring of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles as a gene delivery in living human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells. The PAMAM dendrimer conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was used to form a fluorescent nanoparticle with the plasmid DNA (complexes) in order to directly monitor the entry of the complexes inside living cells. The DIC image provided precise information of the living HEK 293 cellular structures. Without moving the cell, the TIRFM images of the PAMAM nanoparticle-DNA complexes on the all-side polished dove prism provided precise information on the distance between the cell membrane and the complexes (< 200 nm) as well as the real-time localization of the individual complexes in the cells. The complexes were observed in cytosol within 4 h after incubating the cells with the complexes in Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium. The localization data of the complexes inside the cell obtained by TIRFM were reconfirmed using 3D confocal microscopy images of the complexes at the subcellular localization. These results suggest that the combined system of DIC and all-side polished dove prism-type TIRFM is a powerful tool for the direct real-time monitoring of the internalization and subcellular localization of nanoparticles carrying genes through a nonviral approach for gene therapy.     

数字图像技术在航空铝合金形变测量中的应用

利用DIC(Digital image correlation)非接触全场应变测量系统分析2024铝合金板材静态拉伸应变场。对散斑质量参数、图像采集系统参数进行正交试验优化。优化结果表明,影响散斑质量的主次因素及最优结果分别为:散斑半径0.02in,散斑密度50%,散斑分布随机性69%;影响图像采集系统的主次因素及最优结果分别为:子集大小59个像素,步长值12个像素,相机间的角度20~25°,光圈值5.6~8。采用该优化参数测量无孔及不同开孔尺寸铝合金板材静态拉伸应变场。首先,对无孔试样裂纹两侧取点,研究裂纹扩展趋势,判定裂纹源及相应载荷。其次,研究长短轴之比及开孔面积对力学性能的影响,并沿孔径方向取点,分析局部应变情况。研究表明,越靠近开孔位置,应变越集中。减小开孔面积,降低开孔的长短轴之比,可以有效降低试样的应变集中系数,延长使用寿命。最后,对比分析非接触测量方法、引伸计法及Patran建模仿真方法试验结果。