Three-point bending test at extremely high temperature enhanced by real-time observation and measurement

•A testing platform has been developed which can be performed at up to 1600 °C in air.•A high speed camera with filtering system is integrated for real-time observation.•Image processing technique based on MSER is used for image detection and analysis.

We developed a three-point bending test equipment with a heating chamber to provide a high temperature environment. An observation window was intentionally opened in the chamber wall for image capture. A high speed camera is integrated to record the surface evolution of the specimen through the observation window. The fixture stage for the specimens was made of Al2O3 ceramic (>99% pure) and could resist extremely high temperature. This testing platform provides the specimens with an environment that is up to 1600 °C in atmosphere for three-point bending test. Experiments were conducted for refractory alloy and C/SiC (carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites) and the surface evolution of these specimens at high temperature was recorded. The crack propagation of the specimens was captured real-time and provided more detailed information for study of fracture behavior of the materials at high temperature.