Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS
Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS

In-Situ Deformation and Damage Analysis

The premature failure of a part or component is often associated with considerable consequential costs. The focus of clarification or prevention of such cases of damage is usually on the most accurate local and causal assessment possible. Optical deformation analysis by means of digital image correlation contributes to the clarification just as much as our material analysis methods. The latter play a decisive role above all as quality monitoring during product or process development, while our deformation analysis can contribute above all to damage prevention.

Digital Image Correlation for Optical Deformation Analysis of Complex Structures

Optical deformation measuring of materials under load enables the visualization and quantification of local weak points.
© Fraunhofer IWS
Optical deformation measuring of materials under load enables the visualization and quantification of local weak points.

The verification of local deformation states is a crucial prerequisite for a structure-optimized component design. At Fraunhofer IWS, state-of-the-art camera-based systems are used to quantify stress distributions based on local deformations in complex structures. These optical measurement systems allow, among other things, an evaluation in the form of force or stress-strain curves for different areas in the captured image section. This makes it possible, for example, to explicitly record the deformation behaviour of the weld metal in a weld sample. This provides a validation basis for simulations of the deformation and failure behaviour of complex or graded areas in the micro to millimetre range.

Material Analyses and Material Tests during Development

We use scanning electron microscopic analyses of material structures, local deformation states or damage cases to get to the bottom of materials engineering issues.
© Fraunhofer IWS
We use scanning electron microscopic analyses of material structures, local deformation states or damage cases to get to the bottom of materials engineering issues.

Due to its many years of experience in process-structure-effect relationships, Fraunhofer IWS is predestined to provide well-versed support in the development of new and further products and the proper selection of materials for laser-based processes. The range of services includes metallographic characterization as well as electron microscopic analysis of materials from the macro to the nano scale and layer characterization. Laser-modified edge zones, joint interfaces, thin-film systems or nanoparticles are imaged in high resolution. Mechanical parameters are determined and strategies are derived for designing components that are suitable for the material and stresses.

Failure and Damage Analyses

Fractographic examinations are a component of damage analyses.
© Fraunhofer IWS
Fractographic examinations are a component of damage analyses.

The premature degradation of parts and components in industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering and toolmaking, as well as energy and environmental technology, can have serious consequences and represents a major financial and legal risk for companies. Fraunhofer IWS has many years of experience in the metallurgical evaluation of causes of damage as well as the derivation of remedial and preventive measures. Our goal is to provide a systematic and holistic cause-and-failure analysis beyond singular damage findings. Our many years of experience in process-structure-effect relationships is a decisive pillar of our competent consulting services.