LMCE’s characterization platform brings together various instruments for preparing and observing samples. These are used either to determine the initial state of the specimens, or for post mortem analysis after testing on one of the laboratory’s other facilities, such as the GCLT.

In addition to standard metallographic preparation resources (coating, metallization, mechanical polishing), the platform has tools dedicated to the preparation of fine samples. In particular, an ion cross-polisher is used to polish samples along their thickness in specific regions where they have been previously shocked.

When it comes to observation, the platform is equipped with an optical microscope and a Tescan scanning electron microscope. The most common diagnostics are:

• characterization of fracture surfaces using stereo-imaging;
• crystal orientation mapping using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD);
• chemical composition analysis using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).