SRI International Collaborates with Elionix to Advance FRASTA Technology and Improve Analysis of Structural Failure
MENLO PARK, Calif. – September 8, 2008 – 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.
About SRI International
Silicon Valley-based SRI International 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.
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