Experimental methods for the characterization of fatigue in microstructures

The mechanical fatigue behavior of gold microbeams is analyzed. Dedicated devices have been designed and built able to produce alternate loading on gold specimens; the electrostatic actuation is used as driving force. Gold beams are tested under both bending and tensile alternate loadings. Results w...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: G. De Pasquale, A. Somà
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Gruppo Italiano Frattura 2012-12-01
Series:Fracture and Structural Integrity
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.fracturae.com/index.php/fis/article/view/169
Description
Summary:The mechanical fatigue behavior of gold microbeams is analyzed. Dedicated devices have been designed and built able to produce alternate loading on gold specimens; the electrostatic actuation is used as driving force. Gold beams are tested under both bending and tensile alternate loadings. Results were used to plot S-N curves and fatigue Goodman-Smith diagram in order to estimate the fatigue limit of the material in presence of mean and alternate stress conditions. The surface topography evolution is studied and failure modes are discussed.
ISSN:1971-8993