MUSAM - LAB

The MUSAM-LAB, a materials research laboratory that takes its name from the MUSAM - Multi-scale Analysis of Materials research unit, located in the former aromatics workshop of the St. Francis Convent, combines and integrates – in a single physical location – experimental methods and numerical simulations for the characterisation of materials (tests for the evaluation of strength toughness, viscoelastic and nonlinear elastic and viscoelastic properties, including at varying temperatures) and surfaces (measurement of roughness and hydrophobic properties for contact and lubrication problems), from the microscopic to the structural component scale. The MUSAM-LAB allows full integration of experimental data into finite element computational models to perform high-fidelity simulation tools (digital twins) with applications to the paper, shipbuilding, construction, electronics, renewable energy (photovoltaics and hydrogen) and biomechanics industries.

 

  • 3D confocal-interferometric profilometer (LEICA, DCM 3D)
    Non-contact optical profilometer based on confocal and interferometric methods with vertical resolution, ranging from a few nanometers to several millimeters. It is capable of characterising very rough as well as super-smooth surfaces. Applications include morphological characterisation of surfaces and interfaces at multiple scales, coating analysis, wettability and hydrophobicity. Measured surface data can be processed with in-house developed research software for statistical and fractal analysis of roughness and for simulation of contact response of rough surfaces (prediction of true contact area, contact stiffness and contact thermal conductance, friction and wear simulation).

     
  • Scanning Electron Microscope (ZEISS, EVO MA15)
    Scanning electron microscope with detectors for secondary and backscattered electrons allowing a maximum resolution of 3 nm and automatic pressure adjustment from 10 to 400 Pa, for working with metallic and nonmetallic samples without the need for metallisation. The microscope can be used to visualize microstructures, defects and fractures for any type of material (metals, ceramics, paper, polymers, etc.).

 

  • In-situ micromechanical test module (DEBEN, 5000S)
    Tensile/compression module for forces up to 5 kN specifically designed to perform mechanical tests (monotonic and cyclic tests) within the SEM (scanning electron microscope) chamber or in combination with the confocal profilometer, to enable real-time observation of the evolution of the microstructure of materials subjected to applied stresses. Images acquired during in-situ experimental tests can be processed according to the digital image correlation technique and compared with numerical simulations for advanced calibration of mechanical models.

 

  • Universal testing machine with thermostatic chamber (Zwick / Roell, Z010TH)
    Universal testing machine for tensile tests, compression tests and three- or four-point bending tests (monotonic and cyclic tests), also on cracked elements for mechanical characterisation of fracture toughness. Two 1 kN and 10 kN load cells are available. Tests can be performed inside a thermostatic chamber in a temperature range from -30 °C to 250 °C.

 

  • Digital system for 2D and 3D image correlation technique (Correlated Solutions, VIC3D)
    System for displacement and strain measurement using 2D and 3D image correlation technique. It can be used together with the universal testing machine as a virtual strain gauge and for correlating digital images acquired at frequencies up to 100 Hz. The software can also be used to process images acquired during in-situ mechanical tests performed with the tensile stage.

 

  • Thermal imaging camera (FLIR, T640bx).
    IR thermal imaging camera with 640x480 pixel resolution for thermoelastic testing in the laboratory and for on-site inspection of hot spots and defects in PV modules and electrical circuits.

 

  • Electroluminescence test camera (PCO, 1300 Solar) 
    NIR camera specifically designed for performing electroluminescence tests in the laboratory. This type of camera can detect microcracks in PV modules that are not visible to the naked eye.