Guangjian Peng

A novel torsion testing technique for micro-scale specimens based on electromagnetism

A novel torsion apparatus for micro-scale specimens is developed based on electromagnetism, in which a coil-magnet component is used for actuating and torque measuring. When the current gets through the coil, the torque, produced by Ampere force, can be easily measured by recording the current. A laser displacement sensor is applied to measure the rotation angle. The torque is calibrated using Sartorius BP211D balance. The calibration results demonstrate there is a perfect linear relationship between the torque and the current. The torque capacity is 4.0 × 10(-4) N m with noise-floor of less than 10(-8) N m. The rotation angle capacity is 60° with noise-floor of less than 0.02°. Two sets of copper wire specimens, with diameter of 100 μm and 140 μm, are tested using this apparatus. Experimental results, with good resolution and repeatability, successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of the torsion testing technique for micro-scale specimens.

Measuring the mechanical responses of a jammed discontinuous shear-thickening fluid

Discontinuous shear thickening observed in many dense suspensions is rather complicated but takes place as a transient. Its details after jamming are still not clear. By using a modified rheometer with an analog-to-digital converter, we show that there are three amplitude regimes of shear strain after jamming. First, the shear modulus and the force chain angle increase with strain; the jammed state gradually deepens. Second, the jammed state is stable against a further increase in shear stress; the force chain angle is constant and the force network is stable. Third, the jammed state cannot resist a further increase in shear stress; with the increase in the force chain angle, the force chain network is broken.