Surface imaging of metallic material fractures using optical coherence tomography

Hutiu, G. and Duma, V.F. and Demian, D. and Bradu, Adrian and Podoleanu, Adrian G.H. (2014) Surface imaging of metallic material fractures using optical coherence tomography. Applied Optics, 53 (26). pp. 5912-5916. ISSN 1559-128X. (doi:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.53.005912) (Full text available)

Abstract

We demonstrate the capability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to perform topography of metallic surfaces after being subjected to ductile or brittle fracturing. Two steel samples, OL 37 and OL 52, and an antifriction Sn-Sb-Cu alloy were analyzed. Using an in-house-built swept source OCT system, height profiles were generated for the surfaces of the two samples. Based on such profiles, it can be concluded that the first two samples were subjected to ductile fracture, while the third one was subjected to brittle fracture. The OCT potential for assessing the surface state of materials after fracture was evaluated by comparing OCT images with images generated using an established method for such investigations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of cause of fracture is essential in response to damage of machinery parts during various accidents. Currently the analysis is performed using SEM, on samples removed from the metallic parts, while OCT would allow in situ imaging using mobile units. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the OCT capability to replace SEM has been demonstrated. SEM is a more costly and time-consuming method to use in the investigation of surfaces of microstructures of metallic materials. © 2014 Optical Society of America.

Item Type:	Article
Additional information:	This is available as OPEN ACCESS by clicking on the URL.
Uncontrolled keywords:	Metallic material, Surface imaging
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R857.O6 Optical coherence tomography
Divisions:	Faculties > Sciences > School of Physical Sciences > Applied Optics Group
Depositing User:	Giles Tarver
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2015 08:47 UTC
Last Modified:	21 Aug 2015 11:22 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/49307 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)