A high-throughput automated CTE detection device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a high-throughput automated CTE detection device and method, relating to the field of thermal expansion testing technology. The device includes a DIC detection module and a temperature control device. The temperature control device comprises a base, a hot and cold stage, a vacuum device, and a cover assembly. The cover assembly can automatically complete the closing and opening processes. When closed, it forms a sealed cavity. The hot and cold stage is placed within the sealed cavity, and the vacuum device can evacuate the sealed cavity to a set vacuum level. The method is equipped with a stage with several sample slots. Samples are prepared and sequentially placed into the sample slots. The stage is then placed on the hot and cold stage, followed by closing and vacuuming. The hot and cold stage adjusts its temperature according to set temperature nodes, and the DIC camera captures images of the samples at each temperature node. Finally, the stage is opened and removed. This device and method enable wide-temperature-range, high-throughput, high-precision, and automated detection of the thermal expansion coefficient of materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal expansion testing technology, specifically to a high-throughput automated CTE testing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] In the research and development and industrial production of advanced materials, accurate measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is a crucial step in ensuring the reliability of material applications. This is especially true for materials adapted to extreme environments used in aerospace, energy equipment, and other fields. Precise knowledge of their thermal expansion characteristics over a wide temperature range of -100℃ to 500℃ is essential to prevent structural failures caused by thermal stress. To address the need for batch testing of these extreme environment-adapted materials and ensure both efficiency and accuracy, it is necessary to equip the field with a CTE testing device that features high throughput, wide temperature range, high precision, and automation.

[0003] Currently, thermal expansion testing methods are mainly divided into contact thermal expansion testing methods and non-contact thermal expansion testing methods.

[0004] Contact thermal expansion testing methods mainly include thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and mechanical contact expansion testing. Existing contact thermal expansion testing equipment is all low-throughput mode, lacking batch synchronous testing design, resulting in low efficiency. In particular, during the testing of TMA equipment, the probe is prone to shrinkage and embrittlement at low temperatures and oxidation at high temperatures, resulting in contact errors and affecting test stability. Mechanical contact expansion testing equipment also suffers from low accuracy issues. Specifically, equipment gaps, wear, and temperature drift amplify errors, and thermal deformation of core components at high temperatures further affects accuracy, failing to meet high-precision requirements. Non-contact thermal expansion testing methods include photoelectron speckle pattern interferometry, moiré interferometry, laser speckle correlation, and digital image correlation (DIC). These methods can effectively eliminate contact errors, but the first three are relatively less practical: photoelectron speckle pattern interferometry and moiré interferometry are difficult to promote due to the complexity of the detection system, extremely high requirements for the environment and equipment, susceptibility to interference, and cumbersome post-processing. In addition, their wide temperature range adaptability is poor, and temperature drift of optical components can lead to optical path misalignment, making it impossible to achieve stable testing in a wide temperature range of -100℃ to 500℃. Laser speckle correlation is mostly two-dimensional in-plane detection, making it difficult to achieve three-dimensional full-field detection. It also has strict requirements for speckle on the sample surface and a cumbersome pre-processing process. Digital image correlation (DIC), as a non-interfering, non-contact technology, can achieve full-field thermal expansion detection, overcoming the shortcomings of optical interferometry such as system complexity and cumbersome fringe processing. It is highly practical and easier to achieve high-throughput testing. However, existing DIC testing equipment is mostly designed based on testing a single target, and integrated equipment with wide temperature range, high throughput, high precision, and full automation has not yet emerged.

[0005] As mentioned above, current thermal expansion coefficient testing devices on the market, whether contact or non-contact, cannot simultaneously achieve high throughput, wide temperature range, high precision, and automated testing, making them unsuitable for the batch testing needs of materials adapted to the aforementioned extreme environments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a high-throughput automated CTE detection device and method, which can realize wide-temperature-range, high-throughput, high-precision, and automated detection of the thermal expansion coefficient of materials, and is suitable for the batch detection needs of materials adapted to extreme environments.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A high-throughput automated CTE detection device includes a DIC detection module and a temperature control device; The temperature control device includes a base, a hot and cold platform, a vacuum device, and a top cover assembly. The top cover assembly includes a viewing window, a synchronization plate, and a driving device. The driving device drives the synchronization plate to move parallel above the base. The viewing window is parallel to the synchronization plate and the base. A guide block is fixedly connected to the viewing window, and a guide groove is formed in the guide block. The guide groove is inclined to the moving direction of the synchronization plate. A guide pin is fixedly installed on the synchronization plate, and one end of the guide pin is slidably disposed in the guide groove. The hot and cold platform is fixedly disposed on the base and located on the moving path of the synchronization plate. The end of the guide groove near the hot and cold platform is higher than the end away from the hot and cold platform. A limit part is fixedly provided on the base. The end of the viewing window near the hot and cold platform is connected to the... The limiting part is adapted, and when the window plate abuts against the limiting part, the window plate is located directly above the base. The bottom of the window plate is adapted to the top of the base. The window plate and the base can be fastened together to form a sealed cavity. The hot and cold stage is disposed in the sealed cavity. The suction end of the vacuum device is connected to the sealed cavity. A transparent window is provided in the middle of the window plate. When the window plate is fastened to the base, the transparent window is located directly above the hot and cold stage. A limiting pin is also fixedly provided at the bottom of the window plate. A support part is formed on the top surface of the base. The support part includes an inclined section and a straight section. The high end of the inclined section is connected to the straight section. A groove is provided on the lower end of the inclined section. The groove is located near the limiting part. The bottom end of the limiting pin abuts against the support part. The DIC detection module includes a DIC camera, which is fixedly mounted above the upper cover assembly, with the camera's imaging end facing the hot and cold stage.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a stage made of thermally conductive material, the bottom surface of which is adapted to the surface of the hot and cold stage, the height of which is adapted to the sealed cavity, and the top surface of which is provided with several sample slots.

[0009] Specifically, the bottom surface of the stage is provided with several positioning pins, and the surface of the hot and cold stage is provided with several positioning holes, with each positioning pin and positioning hole being matched.

[0010] Furthermore, the viewing window panel is provided with a plurality of elastic sheets, one end of which is connected to the viewing window panel, and the other end of which is adapted to the top surface of the stage.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a robotic arm for placing or removing the platform on the hot / cold table.

[0012] Furthermore, the synchronization plate is provided with a jetting component, which is used to spray dry nitrogen gas into the transparent window.

[0013] Specifically, it also includes a frame, the base is fixed to the frame, the drive device includes a lead screw and a drive motor, the drive motor is fixedly connected to the frame, the lead screw is rotatably connected to the frame, a slide is fixedly connected to the synchronization plate, the slide is slidably connected to the frame, and the slide is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

[0014] Specifically, the top surface of the base is provided with an annular groove, and a sealing ring is provided in the annular groove, which is adapted to the bottom of the viewing window panel.

[0015] A high-throughput automated CTE detection method, relating to the aforementioned high-throughput automated CTE detection device, includes the following steps: S1. The material to be tested is processed into a sample blank by shaping it according to the sample groove and polishing it smooth. S2. A random speckle field is sprayed onto the surface of the sample blank to prepare a sample. S3. The prepared sample is embedded into the sample groove in sequence, so that the bottom and side surfaces of the sample are basically in contact with the sample groove, and the top surface of the sample is coplanar with the top surface of the stage. S4. Place the stage on the hot and cold platform at the set position; S5. The driving device drives the synchronous plate to move toward the limiting part until the window plate is fastened to the base. S6. The sealed cavity is evacuated to a set vacuum level using the vacuum pumping device; S7. The temperature of the hot and cold stage is raised or lowered to the set temperature node according to the set temperature change rate until the temperature stabilizes. Then, the sample image at the set temperature node is taken by the DIC camera. S8. Repeat S7 until the DIC camera captures sample images at all set temperature nodes; S9. The synchronous plate is driven by the driving device to move away from the limiting part, so that the window plate is separated from the base and moved away, and then the platform is taken out.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The high-throughput automated CTE testing device includes a DIC testing module and a temperature control device. The temperature control device includes a base, a hot and cold stage, a vacuum device, and a top cover assembly. The top cover assembly includes a viewing window, a synchronization plate, and a drive device. The drive device drives the synchronization plate to move parallel above the base to complete the opening and closing process of the top cover assembly. Equipped with guide blocks and guide pins, during the closing process of the upper cover assembly, the viewing window plate first moves towards the base along with the synchronous plate under the action of the guide blocks and guide pins. Then, the viewing window plate moves downward to press against the base, forming a sealed cavity between the viewing window plate and the base. The hot and cold stage is located in this sealed cavity, and the sealed cavity can be evacuated to a set vacuum level by a vacuum device. A transparent window is provided in the middle of the viewing window plate, and the DIC camera in the DIC detection module is fixedly installed directly above the hot and cold stage. After the upper cover assembly is closed, it can take pictures of the sample on the hot and cold stage through the transparent window. A limit pin and support are also provided. During the opening process of the upper cover assembly, the viewing window plate can be raised and reset under the action of the limit pin and support.

[0017] This high-throughput automated CTE detection device includes a DIC detection method, which is based on the aforementioned high-throughput automated CTE detection device to measure the coefficient of thermal expansion of the sample. During detection, a stage is provided with several sample slots. Samples are prepared according to the shape of the sample slots and then sequentially placed into each slot. The stage is then placed at a predetermined position on the heating and cooling stages. The top cover assembly then closes the cover. A vacuum device then evacuates the sealed cavity to a predetermined vacuum level. The heating and cooling stages adjust the temperature according to predetermined temperature nodes, and the temperature is transmitted to each sample via the stage. A DIC camera captures images of the sample at each temperature node. Finally, the top cover assembly opens and resets, and the stage is removed for the next detection.

[0018] This high-throughput automated CTE detection device and method enables wide-temperature-range, high-throughput, high-precision, and automated detection of the coefficient of thermal expansion of materials. The operating temperature range of the hot and cold stages, along with the heat conduction via the stage, provides a stable and uniform wide-temperature-range service environment simulation for the sample, from -100℃ to 500℃. Vacuuming eliminates the influence of air heat conduction and pressure changes within the sealed cavity on the detection results, while also eliminating interference from air refractive index on the optical path and detection. Furthermore, the DIC camera's operation is unaffected by shooting angle, shooting distance, sample displacement, or illumination fluctuations, ensuring measurement accuracy. Except for sample preparation and stage loading, all other steps are fully automated, requiring no manual intervention, thus improving detection efficiency and ensuring accuracy. Multiple samples can be loaded onto the stage, allowing for simultaneous measurement and detection of multiple samples in a single operation. The sample preparation and stage loading steps, along with other automated steps, can be performed concurrently and seamlessly, enabling high-throughput measurement and detection and fulfilling batch testing requirements in a shorter time. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a high-throughput automated CTE detection device of the present invention when the upper cover assembly is in the open state; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the upper cover assembly in a high-throughput automated CTE detection device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the top surface area of ​​the base in a high-throughput automated CTE detection device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a high-throughput automated CTE detection device of the present invention in the closed state of the upper cover assembly; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the driving structure of the upper cover assembly in a high-throughput automated CTE detection device of the present invention. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the window panel in a high-throughput automated CTE detection device of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the stage in a high-throughput automated CTE detection device of the present invention; In the diagram, 1-base, 2-heating / cooling stage, 3-viewing window, 4-synchronization plate, 5-lead screw, 6-drive motor, 7-frame, 8-slide, 9-guide block, 10-guide groove, 11-guide pin, 12-limiting part, 13-transparent window, 14-DIC camera, 15-limiting pin, 16-inclined section, 17-straight section, 18-annular groove, 19-stage, 20-sample slot, 21-positioning hole, 22-robotic arm, 23-elastic sheet, 24-plate, 25-pressure cap, 26-jet jet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a high-throughput automated CTE detection device includes a DIC detection module and a temperature control device. The temperature control device includes a base 1, a hot and cold stage 2, a vacuum device, and a top cover assembly.

[0022] The hot and cold stage 2 can be the JW-CH400-190-V model hot and cold stage from Jinwen Measurement and Control, whose stage surface can achieve temperature changes within a wide temperature range of -100℃ to 500℃; the vacuum pumping device can be directly selected from existing vacuum pumps and other equipment.

[0023] The structure of the top cover assembly is as follows Figures 3 to 6 As shown, it includes a viewing panel 3, a synchronization plate 4, and a drive device.

[0024] The driving device is used to drive the synchronous plate 4 to move parallel above the base 1. The driving device can be selected from various structural forms such as electric push rod and hydraulic cylinder. In this embodiment, the driving device includes a lead screw 5 and a drive motor 6, and a frame 7 is also provided. The base 1 is fixed to the frame 7, the drive motor 6 is fixedly installed on the frame 7, the lead screw 5 is rotatably connected to the frame 7, and a slide block 8 is fixedly connected to the synchronous plate 4. The slide block 8 is slidably connected to the frame 7, and the slide block 8 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 5. This forms a lead screw and nut mechanism. The drive motor 6 can drive the lead screw 5 to rotate, which can further drive the synchronous plate 4 to slide on the frame 7.

[0025] A viewing window 3 is positioned parallel to the synchronization plate 4 and the base 1. A guide block 9 is fixedly connected to the viewing window 3, and a guide groove 10 is formed inside the guide block 9. The guide groove 10 is inclined to the moving direction of the synchronization plate 4. A guide pin 11 is fixedly installed on the synchronization plate 4, and one end of the guide pin 11 is slidably disposed in the guide groove 10. When the viewing window 3 is not obstructed, as the synchronization plate 4 moves, force is transmitted to the guide block 9 through the guide pin 11, thereby driving the viewing window 3 to move together. When the lateral movement of the viewing window 3 is obstructed, under the guidance of the guide groove 10 and the guide pin 11, the viewing window 3 will also move up or down relative to the synchronization plate 4.

[0026] The hot and cold platform 2 is fixedly mounted on the base 1 and located on the moving path of the synchronous plate 4. The end of the guide groove 10 near the hot and cold platform 2 is higher than the end away from the hot and cold platform 2. A limiting part 12 is fixedly mounted on the base 1. The end of the viewing window 3 near the hot and cold platform 2 is adapted to the limiting part 12. When the viewing window 3 abuts against the limiting part 12, the viewing window 3 is located directly above the base 1. During the process of the synchronous plate 4 driving the viewing window 3 to move forward (towards the base 1), when the front end of the viewing window 3 abuts against the limiting part 12, the limiting part 12 restricts the lateral movement of the viewing window 3. At this time, as the synchronous plate 4 continues to move forward, the guide pin 11 will slide upward in the guide groove 10. Since the height position of the synchronous plate 4 remains unchanged, under the relative movement of the guide pin 11 and the guide groove 10, the viewing window 3 will move vertically downward.

[0027] The bottom of the viewing window 3 is fitted to the top of the base 1. A cavity is formed inside the viewing window 3. When the viewing window 3 moves downward until its bottom is pressed against the top of the base 1, the viewing window 3 and the base 1 can be engaged to form a sealed cavity. In a specific implementation, an annular groove 18 is provided on the top surface of the base 1, and a sealing ring is provided inside the annular groove 18. The sealing ring is fitted to the bottom of the viewing window 3. When the viewing window 3 is pressed downward against the base 1, the sealing ring can ensure the sealing performance of the sealed cavity.

[0028] The hot and cold stage 2 is located inside the sealed cavity. The suction end of the vacuum pump is connected to the sealed cavity. Activating the vacuum pump can evacuate the sealed cavity to the set vacuum level.

[0029] A transparent window 13 is provided in the middle of the viewing window plate 3. When the viewing window plate 3 is fastened to the base 1, the transparent window 13 is located directly above the hot and cold stage 2. The DIC detection module is existing technology. It is equipped with the VIC-3D software package and VIC-3D V11 image correlation software. Its hardware includes a DIC camera 14, a supplementary lighting system, a computer, etc. Its basic principle is based on the basic assumption that the material expands uniformly when heated and the surface speckle deforms synchronously with the substrate. Under a uniform temperature field environment, the DIC camera 14 continuously acquires speckle images of the sample surface at different temperatures. The full-field displacement field of each point on the sample surface is calculated using a sub-pixel correlation matching algorithm. From the displacement field, the thermal deformation and thermal strain of the sample gauge segment with temperature change are further obtained. Then, according to the definition of the coefficient of thermal expansion, the thermal strain is divided by the corresponding temperature change to finally obtain the linear thermal expansion coefficient and the full-field thermal expansion distribution of the material at each temperature point. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure... Figure 1As shown, the DIC camera 14 is fixedly mounted on top of the upper cover assembly via a support structure such as a gantry frame. The imaging end of the DIC camera 14 faces the hot and cold stage 2. When the viewing window 3 is fastened to the base 1, the DIC camera 14 can capture images of the object under test on the hot and cold stage 2 through the transparent viewing window 13. The DIC detection module can acquire the image information captured by the DIC camera 14 and the temperature information of the hot and cold stage 2 in real time. It performs correlation matching and three-dimensional reconstruction on each temperature deformation image through the DIC algorithm to obtain full-field three-dimensional displacement data. It extracts the average thermal deformation and calculates the thermal strain within the effective gauge length of the object under test. Combined with the acquired temperature data, it automatically calculates the linear thermal expansion coefficient in different temperature ranges. Finally, it outputs the thermal expansion coefficient curve, strain cloud map, and complete test report, realizing non-contact, full-field, high-precision, and automated thermal expansion coefficient detection.

[0030] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a limiting pin 15 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the viewing window panel 3, and a support part is formed on the top surface of the base 1. The support part includes an inclined section 16 and a straight section 17. The high end of the inclined section 16 is connected to the straight section 17, and a groove is provided at the low end of the inclined section 16. The groove is located near the limiting part 12, and the bottom end of the limiting pin 15 abuts against the support part. When the front end of the aforementioned window panel 3 abuts against the limiting part 12, the bottom end of the limiting pin 15 has passed the inclined section 16 and sunk into the groove, which will not interfere with the downward movement of the window panel 3, i.e., the action of pressing the sealing ring. The window panel 3 can be smoothly fastened to the base 1 and maintain the sealing of the sealed cavity formed after fastening. When it is necessary to open the window panel 3, the synchronous plate 4 can be moved away from the limiting part 12 by the driving device. During the movement, since the bottom end of the limiting pin 15 will be blocked or limited by the edge of the groove and the inclined section 16, the guide pin 11 will slide upward in the guide groove 10, thereby raising the window panel 3 until the bottom end of the limiting pin 15 enters the flat section 17 position, supporting the window panel 3 to the set opening height.

[0031] The high-throughput automated CTE inspection device also includes a stage 19, which is made of thermally conductive material. The bottom surface of the stage 19 is adapted to the surface of the hot and cold stage 2, and the height of the stage 19 is adapted to the sealed cavity. The stage 19 can be placed on the hot and cold stage 2 and located within the sealed cavity formed by the window plate 3 and the base 1 after they are fastened together. Figure 8 As shown, the top surface of the stage 19 is provided with several sample slots 20, which are used to install the test objects. The temperature of the hot and cold stage 2 can be conducted to the test objects through the stage 19, providing the thermal expansion coefficient detection conditions for the DIC detection module. Since the DIC detection module can detect the test objects in multiple sample slots 20 at the same time in one detection, it can achieve high throughput of thermal expansion coefficient detection and is suitable for large-scale detection needs.

[0032] A high-throughput automated CTE detection method based on the above-mentioned high-throughput automated CTE detection device includes the following steps: S1. The material to be tested is processed and polished to a smooth finish to form a sample blank, which is adapted to the shape of the sample groove 20. The material to be tested includes metals, composite materials, ceramics, polymer materials, etc. The sample groove 20 can be designed as a standard cuboid groove. During processing, the material to be tested is made into a standard cuboid sheet according to the shape and size of the sample groove 20 by wire cutting or other methods. After processing, it is polished step by step with sandpaper grit from low to high until the surface reaches mirror finish and is free of scratches, oxide layers, oil stains and other defects. This ensures the uniformity and adhesion of the speckled spray on the sample prepared in the subsequent step S2, ensures good contact between the sample and the stage 19 in the subsequent step S3, and eliminates the interference of surface processing stress, scratches, oxide layers, oil stains and other defects on the imaging quality in the subsequent step S7.

[0033] S2. A random speckle pattern is sprayed onto the surface of the sample blank to prepare the sample. In practice, a layer of white matte primer is first uniformly sprayed onto the surface of the sample blank as a base. During spraying, the base thickness is ensured to be uniform, without sagging or bubbles, and completely covering the surface of the sample blank. After the primer is completely dry, black matte paint is randomly sprayed onto the white base using an air pump spray gun. By controlling the spraying distance, air pressure, and time, the size of the black spots is controlled to be 3-5 pixels, with a spot coverage of approximately 50%. The spots are randomly and irregularly distributed, without large continuous white or black areas, forming a high-contrast artificial speckle pattern, providing stable grayscale characteristics for subsequent post-processing analysis by the DIC detection module.

[0034] S3. The prepared samples are sequentially embedded into the sample slots 20, so that the bottom and sides of the samples are basically in contact with the sample slots 20, and the top surface of the samples is coplanar with the top surface of the stage 19. Through the matching process in step S1, the samples can be accurately positioned and fixed after being placed in the sample slots 20. At the same time, after installation, the surface of the sample is coplanar with the top surface of the stage 19, and the sample is free from warping or tilting, which helps to ensure the consistency of each sample during testing. In addition, there is no contact or thermal interference between the samples, which helps to ensure the accuracy of testing multiple samples simultaneously.

[0035] S4. Place the stage 19 on the hot / cold stage 2 and set its position. In specific implementation, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a number of positioning pins are provided on the bottom surface of the stage 19, and a number of positioning holes 21 are provided on the surface of the hot and cold stage 2. The positioning pins and positioning holes 21 are matched one by one. When placing the stage 19, the positioning pins are inserted into the corresponding positioning holes 21 to complete the accurate positioning of the stage 19 on the hot and cold stage 2.

[0036] S5. Drive the synchronous plate 4 to move towards the limiting part 12 through the driving device, so that the viewing window plate 3 and the base 1 are fully engaged in the aforementioned manner, ensuring that the hot and cold stage 2, the stage 19 and each sample are in the sealed cavity.

[0037] S6. The sealed cavity is evacuated to the set vacuum level (less than or equal to 1 Pa) by a vacuum pumping device. This eliminates the influence of air heat conduction and air pressure changes in the sealed cavity on the detection results, and also eliminates the interference of air refractive index on the optical path and detection.

[0038] S7. The temperature of the hot and cold stage 2 is increased or decreased to the set temperature node according to the set temperature change rate until the temperature stabilizes. Then, the sample image at that temperature node is captured by the DIC camera 14. During implementation, the control system of the hot and cold stage 2 can be set with a continuous temperature program (stepped heating, holding, and cooling cycles) from -100℃ to 500℃. PID closed-loop control is used to ensure that the temperature uniformity within the effective heating zone of the hot and cold stage 2 is ≤±2℃, providing a stable and uniform wide-temperature-range service environment simulation for the samples. This ensures that multiple samples are simultaneously heated under a completely consistent temperature field, providing accurate temperature conditions for the detection of the coefficient of thermal expansion. After the temperature of the hot and cold stage reaches the set temperature node and stabilizes, the DIC camera 14 takes a picture of the stage 19, acquiring images of each sample at that temperature node.

[0039] S8. Repeat S7 until the DIC camera captures sample images at all set temperature nodes. Since the heating and cooling process of the sample by the hot and cold stage 2 is a continuous temperature change process, the hot and cold stage 2 can control the temperature environment of the sample according to a gradient (such as a temperature node every 5℃, a temperature node every 10℃, etc.) in one test. The DIC camera 14 can acquire images of each sample at each set temperature node, and finally form a complete deformation image sequence, realize the continuous recording of the deformation process, and obtain full-field speckle images before and after deformation, providing raw data for the subsequent calculation and analysis of the DIC detection module.

[0040] S9. The synchronous plate 4 is moved away from the limiting part 12 by the driving device, so that the window plate 3 is separated from the base 1 and moved away from the reset. Then the stage 19 is taken out to complete the test.

[0041] The aforementioned high-throughput automated CTE testing device and method can achieve wide-temperature-range, high-throughput, high-precision, and automated testing of the coefficient of thermal expansion of materials. Wide temperature range refers to the operating temperature range of the hot and cold stage 2 from -100℃ to 500℃. During testing, the sample and the hot and cold stage 2 are directly heat-conducted through the stage 19. The influence of air heat transfer is eliminated by vacuuming, thereby providing a stable and uniform wide temperature range service environment simulation for the sample from -100℃ to 500℃.

[0042] In terms of high precision, the influence of air on the test results is eliminated by vacuuming; the sample is completely installed in the sample slot 20, which is conducive to uniform heat conduction of the sample by the stage 19 and avoids the influence of uneven heating of the sample on the test results; during a test, the position of the stage 19 on the hot and cold stage 2 and the position of the sample on the stage 19 are accurately positioned. The installation position and shooting parameters (including camera, lens, light source and other parameters) of the DIC camera 14 are locked throughout the process. There are no effects from shooting angle, shooting distance, sample displacement, light fluctuations and other factors during shooting at various temperature nodes, which can ensure that the obtained images are clear and grayscale stable.

[0043] Regarding automation, since the drive unit, vacuuming unit, hot and cold stage 2, and DIC detection module can all be automatically controlled, the aforementioned steps S5 to S9 can achieve fully automated operation. Preferably, as follows... Figure 1 As shown, the high-throughput automated CTE detection device also includes a robotic arm 22. The robotic arm 22 can be selected from existing multi-axis robotic arms, wheeled robots, etc., depending on the detection environment. The robotic arm 22 can automatically place or remove the stage 19 on the hot and cold stage 2. Thus, steps S4 to S9 can be fully automated (it should be understood that the sample preparation and loading into the stage 19 in steps S1 to S3 are the detection preparation stage and have not entered the actual detection stage). No manual intervention is required, which helps to improve detection efficiency and ensure detection accuracy.

[0044] Regarding high throughput, in addition to completing the testing of multiple samples in a single inspection, multiple stages 19 can be equipped during implementation. During the automated testing process of steps S4 to S9 mentioned above, the preparation and loading of the next batch of samples into the stage 19 can be completed offline (steps S1 to S3). This allows for coordinated operation of the testing process, facilitating the completion of batch testing requirements in a shorter time. It should be noted that after a test is completed, with the viewing window 3 separated from the base 1, the vacuum device can be activated to drive air convection near the hot and cold stages 2, allowing the hot and cold stages 2 to cool down rapidly, enabling the next test to be performed more quickly and improving the overall efficiency of batch testing.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 7As shown, several elastic sheets 23 are provided inside the viewing window plate 3. One end of the elastic sheet 23 is connected to the viewing window plate 3, and the other end of the elastic sheet 23 is adapted to the top surface of the stage 19. During the closing stage, as the viewing window plate 3 moves down with the synchronous plate 4, in addition to facilitating the tightening of the sealing ring to ensure the sealing performance of the sealed cavity, the end of the elastic sheet 23 away from the viewing window plate 3 can also be pressed against the stage 19. The elastic force of the elastic sheet 23 is used to press the stage 19 against the hot and cold stage 2 below, so that the stage 19 is completely fixed and the heat conduction effect of the stage 19 and the hot and cold stage 2 is ensured, which is beneficial to ensuring the detection accuracy. In practical implementation, the viewing window 3 adopts a split design, which also includes a plate 24 and a pressure cover 25. The pressure cover 25 is fixedly connected to the plate 24 by bolts. The transparent viewing window 13 is clamped and installed between the pressure cover 25 and the plate 24. Sealing strips are provided between the transparent viewing window 14 and the pressure cover 25 and between the transparent viewing window 14 and the plate 24 to ensure airtightness. Through this split design, the transparent viewing window 13 of different materials can be replaced according to different detection requirements (for example, when the sample heating temperature is >500℃ or there is a corrosive gas medium, the transparent viewing window 13 is made of high temperature resistant, high light transmittance and corrosion resistant sapphire glass; to reduce the influence of other wavelengths of visible light and infrared light radiated by the sample at high temperature on the acquired image, when monochromatic ultraviolet light is used for active illumination, the transparent viewing window 13 is made of ultraviolet fused silica, etc.), thereby ensuring detection accuracy.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, a jetting element 26 is provided on the synchronization plate 4. The jetting element 26 is used to spray dry nitrogen gas onto the transparent window 13, which can defog the transparent window 13, ensuring the clarity of the photos taken by the DIC camera 14, and thus ensuring the detection accuracy. In specific implementation, the jetting element 26 is elongated and is set on one side of the transparent window 13. An airflow channel is machined inside the jetting element 26. An air inlet is provided at one end of the jetting element 26, and several air outlets are provided on the side of the jetting element 26 near the transparent window 13. A nitrogen cylinder is also provided, which is connected to the air inlet. During detection, dry nitrogen gas is introduced into the air inlet through the nitrogen cylinder. The dry nitrogen gas flows through the airflow channel and is discharged from each air outlet, thereby forming a dry nitrogen environment on the outside of the transparent window 13, achieving a good defogging effect on the transparent window 13.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A high-throughput automated CTE detection device, characterized in that, Includes a DIC detection module and a temperature control device; The temperature control device includes a base, a hot and cold platform, a vacuum device, and a top cover assembly. The upper cover assembly includes a viewing window, a synchronization plate, and a driving device. The driving device drives the synchronization plate to move parallel above the base. The viewing window is parallel to the synchronization plate and the base. A guide block is fixedly connected to the viewing window, and a guide groove is formed in the guide block. The guide groove is inclined to the moving direction of the synchronization plate. A guide pin is fixedly installed on the synchronization plate, and one end of the guide pin is slidably disposed in the guide groove. The heating and cooling stage is fixedly mounted on the base and located on the moving path of the synchronization plate. The end of the guide groove near the heating and cooling stage is higher than the end away from the heating and cooling stage. A limiting part is fixedly provided on the base. The end of the viewing window plate near the heating and cooling stage is adapted to the limiting part. When the viewing window plate abuts against the limiting part, the viewing window plate is directly above the base. The bottom of the viewing window plate is adapted to the top of the base. The viewing window plate and the base can be fastened together to form a sealed cavity. The heating and cooling stage is disposed in the sealed cavity. The suction end of the vacuum device is connected to the sealed cavity. A transparent window is provided in the middle of the viewing window plate. When the viewing window plate is fastened to the base, the transparent window is directly above the heating and cooling stage. The bottom of the viewing window is also fixedly provided with a limiting pin, and the top surface of the base forms a support part, which includes an inclined section and a straight section. The high end of the inclined section is connected to the straight section, and a groove is provided on the lower end of the inclined section. The groove is located near the limiting part, and the bottom end of the limiting pin abuts against the support part. The DIC detection module includes a DIC camera, which is fixedly mounted above the upper cover assembly, with the camera's imaging end facing the hot and cold stage.

2. The high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a stage, which is made of a thermally conductive material. The bottom surface of the stage is adapted to the surface of the hot and cold stage. The height of the stage is adapted to the sealed cavity. Several sample slots are provided on the top surface of the stage.

3. The high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the stage is provided with several positioning pins, and the surface of the hot and cold stage is provided with several positioning holes, with each positioning pin and positioning hole being matched.

4. The high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The viewing window panel is provided with a plurality of elastic sheets, one end of which is connected to the viewing window panel and the other end of which is adapted to the top surface of the stage.

5. A high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a robotic arm for placing or removing the platform on the hot / cold table.

6. The high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The synchronization plate is equipped with a jetting component, which is used to spray dry nitrogen gas into the transparent window.

7. The high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a frame, the base is fixed to the frame, the drive device includes a lead screw and a drive motor, the drive motor is fixedly connected to the frame, the lead screw is rotatably connected to the frame, a slide is fixedly connected to the synchronization plate, the slide is slidably connected to the frame, and the slide is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

8. The high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the base is provided with an annular groove, and a sealing ring is provided in the annular groove. The sealing ring is adapted to the bottom of the viewing window panel.

9. A high-throughput automated CTE detection method, characterized in that, The high-throughput automated CTE detection device according to claim 2 includes the following steps: S1. The material to be tested is processed into a sample blank by shaping it according to the sample groove and polishing it smooth. S2. A random speckle field is sprayed onto the surface of the sample blank to prepare a sample. S3. The prepared sample is embedded into the sample groove in sequence, so that the bottom and side surfaces of the sample are basically in contact with the sample groove, and the top surface of the sample is coplanar with the top surface of the stage. S4. Place the stage on the hot and cold platform at the set position; S5. The driving device drives the synchronous plate to move toward the limiting part until the window plate is fastened to the base. S6. The sealed cavity is evacuated to a set vacuum level using the vacuum pumping device; S7. The temperature of the hot and cold stage is raised or lowered to the set temperature node according to the set temperature change rate until the temperature stabilizes. Then, the sample image at the set temperature node is taken by the DIC camera. S8. Repeat S7 until the DIC camera captures sample images at all set temperature nodes; S9. The synchronous plate is driven by the driving device to move away from the limiting part, so that the window plate is separated from the base and moved away, and then the platform is taken out.

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