Development of a piezotranslator-based bending device for in situ SEM investigations of high performance ceramics

A four-point bender for high-strength ceramics is described. Its compact design allows it to be incorporated into the mechanical stage of a commercially produced SEM, without the need for external mechanical feedthroughs. Static, dynamic and cyclic bending operations can be carried out by means of an electronically controlled piezoelectric displacement transducer. Simultaneous SEM observation and force measurement by means of a quartz crystal transducers are also provided. Typical results achieved with advanced ceramics as load-displacement curves and observations of the crack propagation paths are included.