A servohydraulic-controlled load frame for SEM fatigue studies

The design of a servohydraulic-controlled load frame for ‘real-time’ scanning electron microscope observations of cyclically loaded specimens is discussed. Details of a machine having a 1.3 kN capacity frame, control electronics and a video recording system are given. The equipment has been used to study fatigue in a copper single crystal, RR 58 aluminum alloy and IMI 829. The ability of the present equipment to reveal the surface response of materials subjected to cyclic loads has potential for the formulation of more rational material behaviour models.