comparing these experiments with the very classical models describing this mechanism in Characte 
continuum mechanics (Rice and Tracey, Gurson models) 
«RO 
Conclusions ak 
The first part of this paper describes the tomography technique and the specification for medium ia ls 
resolution and micron resolution. The tomography technique has been used to investigate the or 
microstructure and damage mechanisms in several materials. The studied systems can be very 
different materials such as a particular metal matrix composite, alloys, rocks, snow or a metallic 
foam. In each case, tomography permitted us to visualise clearly the initial microstructure at a gpsinct 
suitable resolution and when coupled with in situ tensile or compression experiments, it gave 
important information about the internal structure and its evolution during the deformation of the Fp? 
studied samples. We finally explained how the technique can be quantitatively used in the field of methods, @ 
matezials science to improve the description of the microstructure and damage of structural i i 
materials. This experimental breakthrough should lead shortly to a real improve in the modeling gea-sé: 
capabilities applied to this class of materials. Aw 
was 1500 
References purpose of 
dendritic St 
(1) AC Kak, M Slaney. Principles of computerized tomographic imaging. IEEE Press, New York andihe ter 
(1988). analyser & 
(2) J Baruchel, E Boller, P Cloetens, W Ludwig and F Peyrin. Microtomography at a third qui: 
generation synchrotron radiation facility. X-ray tomography in materials science. Baruchel, 
Buffiere, Maire, Merle and Peix (Eds) . Hermés science publication Paris 2000. p. 115-125. 
(3) P Cloetens, W Ludwig, JP Guigay, J Baruchel, M Schlenker and D Van Dyck. Phase contrast [product 
tomograhy. X-ray tomography in materials science. Baruchel, Buffi¢re, Maire, Merle and Peix 
(Eds) . Hermes science publication Paris 2000. p. 115-125. The most 1 
(4) J-Y. Buffiere, E. Maire, P. Cloetens, G. Lormand, R. Fougeres. Characterisation of internal yi: 
damage in a MMCp using X-ray synchrotron phase contrast microtomography. Acta Met vol. properties 
47, (1999) N°5 pp 1613-1625 developed 
(5) E. Maire, F. Wattebled, J.Y. Buffiere, G. Peix. Deformation of a metallic foam studied by x-ray gps... 
computed tomography and finite element calculations. Proceedings of the 'Euromat 99' — 
conference in Munchen. Clyne and Simancik (eds), Wiley vch (Phs). Vol 5. p.68-73. peti: 
(6) Ding Yuan, Hani Henein and John Allan Fallavollita: US Patent 5,609,919, March 11, 1997. SE 
(7) L. Babout, E. Maire, J.Y. Buffiére, C. Verdu, L Salvo and R. Fougeres. Damage mechanisms of odin: 
model Al/ZrO2 metal matrix composites. Proceedings of the 'Euromat 99' conference in py... 
Munchen. Clyne and Simancik (eds), Wiley vch (Phs). Vol 5. p.279-284. diflractior 
(8) L.Salvo In : X-ray tomography in materials science. Baruchel, Buffi¢re, Maire, Merle and Peix To 
(Eds) . Hermes science publication Paris 2000. p. 115-125. we . 
detail. Fir 
through th 
26