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SRI International Collaborates With Elionix to Advance FRASTA Technology and Improve Analysis of Structural Failure
(Marketwire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) MENLO PARK, CA, September 8 / MARKET WIRE/ --
SRI International has received a unique
scanning electron microscope (SEM) with four secondary electron detectors
and will use it to explore new application areas such as fracture
mechanics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), coatings, ceramics, and
biology. Specifically, it will be used to further develop FRASTA (Fracture
Surface Topography Analysis) technology. The instrument will enable failure
analysis down to nanometer scales. Elionix Inc., a Japanese SEM
manufacturer, is providing the three-dimensional microscope to SRI in
exchange for technical feedback on how to further utilize the equipment.
"This research partnership between SRI International and Elionix will lead
to improved techniques for the research and failure analysis communities,"
said Dr. Osamu Karatsu, executive director, SRI Japan. "The equipment will
help us advance SRI's FRASTA technology, and Elionix will obtain new ideas
on how to improve and extend the capabilities of its scanning electron
microscope."
FRASTA, which analyzes the topographies of conjugate fracture surfaces,
allows a failure event to be replayed in microscopic detail. Invented
almost 30 years ago, the technology continues to be developed by SRI's
Senior Staff Scientist, Dr. Takao Kobayashi. FRASTA has provided solutions
to a variety of failure problems. A current effort aims to generate the
microfracture evolution data necessary for computational models that
predict aircraft component lifetimes. SRI researchers and engineers will
also use this SEM for problem solving in many other areas of materials
science, microelectronics, and biology.
"A conventional SEM produces high-resolution images with deep depth of
focus, but does not quantify surface topography," said SRI's Dr. Takao
Kobayashi. "Until now, FRASTA was limited to resolutions obtainable with
optical microscopes, about 1000 times. Elionix's SEM can characterize
topography at any magnification from 10 to 300,000 times, providing
quantitative three-dimensional topographic maps and contrast images of
complex, rough surfaces, as well as surfaces with delicate, ultra-fine
features."
The high-resolution capability is necessary for a current SRI research
project that addresses an important safety issue with a hydrogen economy --
how high-pressure hydrogen gas interacts with and embrittles the
microstructures of steels used in pressure vessels and pipelines. The
answers are expected to lie in the submicron region.
"Elionix is looking forward to this partnership with SRI International,"
said Seigo Honme, President of Elionix Inc. "Our SEM has proven its power
in evaluation of surfaces of DVDs and films, and of ultra-smooth surface
finishes. We intend to develop the ability to treat rough surfaces, and by
providing our equipment to SRI, we hope to expand its range of use to other
technology areas."
SRI's FRASTA technology has been licensed to NASA in the United States and
to three Japanese companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Osaka
Gas Company, and Chubu Electric Power Company. Additional licenses are
available. More information about FRASTA can be found at
http://www.sri.com/psd/fracture/frasta.html
About SRI International
Silicon Valley-based SRI International (www.sri.com) is one of the world's
leading independent research and technology development organizations. SRI,
which was founded by Stanford University as Stanford Research Institute in
1946 and became independent in 1970, has been meeting the strategic needs
of clients and partners for more than 60 years. Perhaps best known for its
invention of the computer mouse and interactive computing, SRI has also
been responsible for major advances in networking and communications,
robotics, drug discovery and development, advanced materials, atmospheric
research, education research, economic development, national security, and
more. The nonprofit institute performs
client-sponsored research and development for government agencies,
businesses, and foundations. SRI also licenses its technologies, forms
strategic alliances, and creates spin-off companies. In 2007, SRI's
consolidated revenues, including its wholly owned for-profit subsidiary,
Sarnoff Corporation, were approximately $450 million.
Media Contact:
Lindsay Sheppard
SRI International
(650) 859-2491Email Contact
Copyright ? 2008 Marketwire
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