R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Design of a Tensile Load Frame for a Scanning Electron Microscope Senior Design Project Project Manager - Robert Rinefierd Faculty Mentor - Dr. Elizabeth DeBartolo

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Project Overview Design and construct a load frame to apply tensile loads to specimens inside the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in the CIMS Materials Science Lab The load frame should be lightweight, modular, and easy to carry between buildings Developed for use by Mechanical Engineering Department faculty and students performing metallographic research Funded by the ME department as part of a series of projects to design and construct specialized lab equipment

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering What is a Scanning Electron Microscope? High powered microscope for analysis of surfaces or near- surface areas (up to 25,000X) Has a good depth of field, so images remain in focus Good tool for evaluating fracture surfaces Capable of producing chemical analysis of surfaces

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering How does it work? Electrons from an electron gun are reflected off of the surface Image is produced from the energy and electrons reflected by the surface Image is displayed on a monitor screen Magnification controlled by reducing the scanned area Electron Microscopy and Analysis, Goodhew, 1992

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering The Position Fixture Dials control motors to adjust the position. The frame has xyz and tilt controls. Available space is roughly 11.5”wide, 4” high, and 12” deep. Doors and ports can be replaced to allow for tensile controls or a window to monitor tensile display on frame.

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Monitoring the Load Frame Available port on the chamber door Vacuum chamber Tight seals around all electrical connections and plates Controls and digital monitor may be located outside the chamber

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Design Constraints Must fit inside the vacuum chamber Chamber must be able to maintain its vacuum pressure Controls can use ports on the chamber walls Load frame should mount to existing table inside chamber CIMS Materials Lab owns the SEM, but our department will own the load frame

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Personnel Required Mechanical Engineers (2 additional) –Be knowledgeable in Pro Engineer and/or ANSYS –Good knowledge of Mechanics of Materials –Some experience with the machine tools Electrical Engineers (1) –Ideas for designing system controls for tension in samples 1 Industrial Engineer (1) –Manufacturing and safety ideas –Experience with product documentation

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Benefits This will be a team experience where every member’s opinion will be valued Join the action! All members will have considerable impact on the final product This design could be presented at a technical conference to manufacturers of mechanical testing equipment

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Contact Information Project Manager – Bob Rinefierd Rinefierd at mail.rit.edu

R·I·T Kate Gleason College of Engineering Final Thoughts Project scope is reasonable to ensure completion by graduation QUESTIONS?