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In situ tensile test coupled with X-ray tomography is a powerful tool for 3D
reconstruction and non destructive observation of microstructure and damage of
materials, in particular for the comprehension of nucleation, growth and
coalescence of voids in metal alloys. A set of tests has been carried out on dualphase
steels but also ferrite and martensite. These tests were carried out in order
to compare the performance of the dual phase material with a good knowledge of
the behaviour of its two constituents separately.
Qualitative analysis of the damage events was carried out
at many deformation steps, on a same 3D region in the reconstructed volumes.
This technique allows a deep insight into the material behaviour and provides
experimental support to damage analysis, previously carried out by SEM and
optical microscopy. The 3D reconstruction also provides the opportunity for
building an accurate geometry for FE analysis.