In-situ microtomography study of human bones under strain with synchrotron radiation

At the ESRF Micro-Fluorescence, Imaging and Diffraction bean-dine ID22, X-Ray micro-tomography is a routine technique proposed to users for 3D microanalysis of various samples. The purpose of this work is to extend 3D micro-tomography in order to obtain in-situ 3D information about samples at increasing pure axial loads. We developed a new device that allows one to combine mechanical testing and micro-tomography. The device is optimised for low Gpa Young moduli like plastics or bone but can easily be adapted to higher values. In this paper we present first results obtained with animal and human bone samples to gain insight into the bone microcrack problem.