Abstract
In this experiment, Westerly Granite was tested and characterized by nanoindentation. This material was selected for experimentation as a way to quickly characterize multiple mineral phases (quartz, orthoclase, and plagioclase) and their respective orientations. Additionally, these tests can investigate for anisotropy within the material. A 1x1 cm sample was prepared through a series of polishing, and indented with a max load of 8000 µN at room temperature (23 ͦ C). Arrays were indented for a total of 441 points in each test area. Grain phases and orientations were sorted in order to compare average elastic modulus and hardness throughout each phase. Anisotropic effects were seen in quartz, but were unclear in orthoclase and feldspar. Future testing will be conducted at higher temperatures.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Date of Submission
12-20-2018
Recommended Citation
Padilla, Katharine and Flores, Kathy, "Micromechanical Characterization of Westerly Granite" (2018). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 77.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/77