Application of X-ray tomography to the study of void growth and coalescence during ductile fracture

X-ray tomography has been applied to the study of void growth and coalescence in both f.c.c. (Cu) and h.c.p. (Mg) metals. This paper summarizes the results of a series of study that aim to elucidate the technique and present the key results. Of primary significance we find that while coalescence in Cu obey classical continuum mechanics based models this is not the case in Mg where premature coalescence related to twinning and grain boundary failure dominates.