Abstract
In this experiment, two different quartz samples were carefully prepared and tested using nanoindentation to better understand their material properties. Though this type of testing is common in materials science, these techniques are rather innovative in the field of Earth science and have never been applied to minerals and rocks. This unique approach allows for a different perspective in the micromechanical characterization of these Earth materials and provides the opportunity to learn new information about the material properties or confirm previous estimations. All samples were prepared through a series of sectioning, grinding, and polishing. Samples were then indented at a load of 8 mN in either a 7x7 or 5x5 array at various temperatures ranging from 23 ͦC to 550 ͦC. The data produced was then used to calculate and plot the hardness and reduced modulus values. The trends in these plots were observed and analyzed.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Date of Submission
5-9-2018
Recommended Citation
Padilla, Katharine and Flores, Kathy, "Micromechanical Characterization of Earth Materials" (2018). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 67.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/67