Micromechanical Stages

Linkam TST350

The group operates a Linkam TST350 tensile stage (shown below), a compact motorised testing platform capable of applying tensile or compressive loads of up to 200 N across a temperature range of −196°C to 350°C. The stage is designed for in situ observation and is compatible with optical microscopes, allowing microstructural evolution to be monitored directly during thermomechanical loading. This makes it particularly well-suited to studying phase transformations, deformation mechanisms, and the mechanical behaviour of shape memory alloys and other active materials. For further information and access, contact Dr Hon Tong Pang.

Deben In-Situ SEM Stage

The group also operates a Deben in situ stage for use within a scanning electron microscope (SEM), equipped with both heating and tensile testing capabilities. The stage allows specimens to be loaded mechanically and/or thermally whilst being imaged at high resolution, enabling direct observation of deformation and microstructural evolution at the microscale. This is particularly valuable for studying localised deformation, crack initiation, and phase transformation behaviour across the group's range of alloy systems. For further information and access, contact Dr Hon Tong Pang.