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Organisationseinheit der BAM
Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (8)
Drucksondierungen, teufengenaue Probenahme und Präparation MKW-kontaminierter Lockersedimente
(2000)
Erstmals wurden MMCs mit Hilfe der Interface-Kontrast verstärkenden Röntgen-Refraktions-Technik in Kombination mit der 3D-CT-Technik untersucht. Die Methode der Röntgen-Refraktions-Topography sowie der Röntgen-Refraktions-Tomography wurden in den letzten Jahren speziell für die zerstörungsfreie Charakterisierung von Leichtbau-Hochleistungs-Werkstoffen wie Verbund-Werkstoffen und Keramiken entwickelt. Die Technik basiert auf der Refraktion von Röntgenlicht an Grenzflächen zwischen Bereichen unterschiedlicher Elektronendichte wie z.B. Faser- und Matrix-Werkstoff. Auf Grund der kurzen Röntgen-Wellenlänge hat der Brechungsindex einen Wert dicht bei eins, sodass der Streuwinkel nur wenige Bogenminuten beträgt. Der Vorteil der kurzen Wellenlänge besteht jedoch darin, dass Poren und Risse detektiert werden können, deren Größe im Nanometerbereich liegen. Damit kann die Refraktions-Technik zum besseren Verständnis von Mikro- und Submikro-Strukturen in der Materialwissenschaft eingesetzt werden. Mit der hier vorgestellten Refraktions-CT wurden Ermüdungsmechanismen an MMCs, bestehend aus SiC-Faser verstärktem Titan (Ti6242) untersucht. Die Messungen wurden am Röntgen-Messplatz der BAM (BAMline) am Synchrotron-Speicherring-BESSY in Berlin Adlershof durchgeführt.
For the first time Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) have been investigated by 3D Computed Tomography combined with enhanced interface contrast due to X-ray refraction. X-ray refraction is a relatively new approach for the characterization of advanced materials. The related techniques of Refraction Topography and Refraction Computed Tomography have been developed and applied at our laboratory during the last decade to meet the actual demand for improved nondestructive characterization of high performance composites, ceramics and other low density materials and components. X-ray refraction occurs, when X-rays crosses interfaces of spherical or cylindrical shape (e.g. pores or fibres) in the same way as visible light is refracted by lenses. These X-ray optical effects can be observed at small scattering angles of few minutes of arc as the refractive index n of X-rays is nearly unity (n = 1 10-6). Due to the short X-ray wavelength of about 0.1 nm the technique determines the amount of inner surfaces and interfaces of nanometer dimensions. The technique is expected to solve many problems in understanding the meaning of micro and sub micro structures in materials science. With the results of the CT investigation, some questions could be clarified for a better understanding of fatigue failure mechanisms under cyclic loading conditions. The specimens for the test programme have been provided by MTU Aero Engines. They consist of a titanium matrix (Ti6242) reinforced by SiC fibres (SCS6). The investigations have been performed at the materials research station of BAM (BAMline) at the Synchrotron Facility BESSY in Berlin, Germany.
Use of 3D Micro Tomography for the Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Cellular Metals
(2003)
X-ray refraction topography techniques are based on ultra-small angle scattering by micro-structural elements causing phase-related effects such as refraction and total reflection at a few minutes of arc as the refractive index of X-rays is nearly unity. The refraction contrast is several times higher than true absorption and results in images of cracks, pores and fibre debonding separations below the spatial resolution of the detector. In most cases the investigated inner surface and interface structures correlate to mechanical properties. For the exploration of micro structured materials the refraction technique has been improved by a 3D Synchrotron Refraction Computed Tomography test station. The specimen is placed in an X-ray beam between two single crystals, which suppresses all sample scattering. In addition, an asymmetric cut second crystal can magnify the image up to 50 times revealing nano meter resolution. The technique is an alternative to other attempts on raising the spatial resolution of CT machines.
Precautions in the generation of surfaces from CT images should be the rule. Two different data sets of the bust of Nefertiti and additional data from an industrial CT scanner will show the conflicts that arise when defining a surface. The recent trend in CT is to extract surfaces from CT measurements which can compete with the accuracy of tactile measurements. As CT is complicated by artefacts, a lot of precautions need to be taken in order to get exact results. More errors are introduced, if the surface of an object made from different dense materials is calculated. A publication in April 2009 of "Radiology" dealt with the surface of the stone behind the stucco layer of the famous bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti in the Ägytische Museum Berlin. Using this data, we will show the different problems that arise from inadequate image processing. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of the two CT measurements made 14 years apart is given. Conclusions: Respect the traps in virtual imaging.
Die sehr gute Reproduzierbarkeit von tomographischen Messungen zusammen mit den digital vorliegenden Ergebnissen ermöglicht die zerstörungsfreie dreidimensionale quantitative Analyse der untersuchten Bauteile und Proben mit Methoden der Bildverarbeitung. Vorwiegend für den Nachweis von Poren eingesetzt, lassen sich mit CT auch unterschiedliche Materialbestandteile analysieren, wobei die einzige Voraussetzung ein hinreichender Unterschied (es genügen wenige Prozent) in den Röntgenabsorptionseigenschaften der zu unterscheidenden Bestandteile ist.
Mit den in der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung entwickelten Computertomographieanlagen kann der Anteil von Hohlräumen und Materialbestandteilen einer Probe bestimmt werden, wobei die Größe der nachzuweisenden Bestandteile sich über mehrere Größenordnungen erstreckt.
An ausgewählten Beispielen aus den Bereichen Keramik, Bodenproben und Fahr-bahnübergangssystemen aus Asphalt werden die quantitativen Ergebnisse dargestellt und die in der Bestandteilanalyse erreichbare Genauigkeit diskutiert.
A novel 3D-CT scanner was set up at BAM to extend the applicability of the X-ray transmission microtomography (µ-CT) to specimens up to 30 cm in diameter. The scanner consists of a bipolar 320 kV micro focus tube and a flat panel detector of amorphous silicon. Minimisation of scattered radiation, control of room and system temperature, and corrective preprocessing on the projection data are necessary to achieve expectable CT images. Statistical evaluations to show the limits and results of CT investigations are reported.
Metallische Schäume: Dichte, Porenverteilung und Verschiebungsfelder im 3D aus Microtomographiedaten
(2003)
Digitale Detektionssysteme in der Röntgentechnik - kenngrößen, Eigenschaften und Einsatzgebiete
(2003)
Flächendetektoren und Röntgenstrahlung, was man bei der Anwendung für die CT berücksichtigen sollte
(2003)
Summary
Beside several favourable properties, like high specific strength and damping capacity, most magnesium alloys also exhibit an excellent castability and are therefore usually fabricated by high pressure die casting. Due to the high casting speed, the melt flow is non-laminar and air can be entrapped during the casting process causing porosity when the melt solidifies. The volume fraction of porosity can be up to 4%. Porosity highly influences the mechanical properties, reducing significantly the values of elongation, tensile strength and especially fatigue strength [1-5]. Additionally, no heat treatment is possible to reach the optimum mechanical properties of the material. An alternative casting technology to reduce porosity is the Thixomolding process where the material is cast in the semi-solid state.
Different methods of non-destructive testing are possible to detect and remove affected components to ensure using components with a low content of porosity. One alternative of evaluating the porosity is the computerized tomography (CT). The CT enables a 3-dimensional view of the cast component.
Revealing the inner secrets of intumescent chars by advanced small scale tests combined with µ-CT
(2015)
Testing of intumescent coatings for Steel is usually done in intermediate scale or even full scale experiments and is hence quite expensive. We developed two complementary small scale tests, simulating fully developed Tire. First is a strongly modified electrical muffle furnace, which is now able to follow the Standard temperature-time curve (according EN 1363-1) for 90 min in a very accurate manner. Düring the experiment backside temperatures are recorded and the growth of the char is observed with a custom made high temperature endoscope. Second is a testing apparatus based on a propane-oxygen-bumer for direct severe flame impingement of coated samples, reaching temperatures far above 1500 °C.
Our small scale samples are coated Steel plates of a size of 75 x 75 x 2 mm3. The structure-propertyrelation between additives, thermal properties and morphology of the char were examined using a well determined series of samples consisting of basic composition mixed with different additives. With the burner-testing-apparatus we studied the behavior of a high performance coating, which shows a transformation of the carbonaceous char into a ceramic foam at temperatures as high as 1600 °C. Nondestructive micro-computed tomography was used to characterize the morphology of the char. According to the structure of the foams we used different analytic methods like cell-detection or wallthickness-analysis. Additional scanning electron and optical microscopy were performed. The combination of the CT-data with the measured backside temperatures of the different samples provides us a deep understanding of the interaction between isolating properties and morphology of intumescent chars.
Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty of osteoporotic vertebral fractures bears the risk of pulmonary cement embolism (3.5%–23%) caused by leakage of commonly applied acrylic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement to spongious bone marrow or outside of the vertebrae. Ultraviscous cement and specific augmentation systems have been developed to reduce such adverse effects. Rapidly setting, resorbable, physiological calcium phosphate cement (CPC) may also represent a suitable alternative.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the intravertebral extrusion of CPC and PMMA cement in an ex vivo and in vivo study in sheep.
STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A prospective experimental animal study was carried out. METHODS: Defects (diameter 5 mm; 15 mm depth) were created by a ventrolateral percutane-ous approach in lumbar vertebrae of female Merino sheep (2–4 years) either ex vivo (n = 17) or in vivo (n = 6), and injected with: (1) CPC (L3); (2) CPC reinforced with 10% poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) fibers (L4); or (3) PMMA cement (L5; Kyphon HV-R). Controls were untouched (L1) or empty defects (L2). The effects of the cement injections were assessed in vivo by blood gas analysis and ex vivo by computed tomography (CT), micro-CT (voxel size: 67 µm), histology, and biomechanical testing.
Large animal models are highly recommended for meaningful preclinical studies, including the optimization of cement augmentation for vertebral body defects by vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty.
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic characterization of a strictly minimally invasive in vivo large animal model for lumbar ventrolateral vertebroplasty.
This is a prospective experimental animal study.
Lumbar defects (diameter 5 mm; depth approximately 14 mm) were created by a ventrolateral percutaneous approach in aged, osteopenic, female sheep (40 Merino sheep; 6–9 years; 68–110 kg). L1 remained untouched, L2 was left with an empty defect, and L3 carried a defect injected with a brushite-forming calcium phosphate cement (CPC). Trauma/functional impairment, surgical techniques (including drill sleeve and working canula with stop), reproducibility, bone defects, cement filling, and functional cement augmentation were documented by intraoperative incision-to-suture time and X-ray, postoperative trauma/impairment scores, and ex vivo osteodensitometry, microcomputed tomography (CT), histology, static/fluorescence histomorphometry, and biomechanical testing.
Minimally invasive vertebroplasty resulted in short operation times (28±2 minutes; mean±standard error of the mean) and X-ray exposure (1.59±0.12 minutes), very limited local trauma (score 0.00±0.00 at 24 hours), short postoperative recovery (2.95±0.29 hours), and rapid decrease of the postoperative impairment score to 0 (3.28±0.36 hours). Reproducible defect creation and cement filling were documented by intraoperative X-ray and ex vivo conventional/micro-CT. Vertebral cement augmentation and osteoconductivity of the CPC was verified by osteodensitometry (CPC>control), micro-CT (CPC>control and empty defect), histology/static histomorphometry (CPC>control and empty defect), fluorescence histomorphometry (CPC>control; all p<.05 for 3 and 9 months), and compressive strength measurements (CPC numerically higher than control; 102% for 3 months and 110% for 9 months).
This first-time systematic clinical assessment of a minimally invasive, ventrolateral, lumbar vertebroplasty model in aged, osteopenic sheep resulted in short operation times, rapid postoperative recovery, and high experimental reproducibility. This model represents an optimal basis for standardized evaluation of future studies on vertebral augmentation with resorbable and osteoconductive CPC.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT:
Bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) may be suitable for vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. However, additional targeted de-
livery of osteoinductive bone morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) in the CPC may be required to counteract the augmented local bone catabolism and support complete bone regeneration.
PURPOSE:
This study aimed at testing an injectable, poly (l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) fiber-reinforced, brushite-forming cement (CPC) containing low-dose bone morphogenetic Protein BMP-2 in a sheep lumbar osteopenia model.
STUDY DESIGN/ SETTING:
This is a prospective experimental animal study.
METHODS:
Bone defects (diameter 5 mm) were generated in aged, osteopenic female sheep and filled with fiber-reinforced CPC alone (L4; CPC+ fibers) or with CPC containing different dosages of BMP-2 (L5; CPC+ fibers + BMP-2; 1, 5, 100, and 500g BMP-2; n=5 or 6 each). The results were
compared with those of untouched controls (L1). Three and 9 months after the operation, structural and functional effects of the CPC (±BMP-2) were analyzed ex vivo by measuring
(1) bone Mineral density (BMD);
(2) bone structure, that is, bone volume/total volume (assessed by micro-computed tomography [micro-CT] and histomorphometry), trabecular thickness, and trabecular number;
(3) bone formation, that is, osteoid volume/bone volume, osteoid surface/bone surface, osteoid thickness, mineralizing surface/bone surface, mineral Apposition rate, and bone formation rate/bone surface;
(4) bone resorption, that is, eroded surface/bone surface; and
(5) compressive strength.
RESULTS:
Compared with untouched controls (L1), CPC+ fibers (L4) and/or CPC+ fibers + BMP-2(L5) significantly improved all parameters of bone formation, bone resorption, and bone structure.
These effects were observed at 3 and 9 months, but were less pronounced for some parameters at 9 months. Compared with CPC without BMP-2, additional significant effects of BMP-2 were demonstrated for bone structure (bone volume/total volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number) and formation (osteoid surface/bone surface and mineralizing surface/bone surface), as well as for the compressive strength. The BMP-2 effects on bone Formation at 3 and 9 months were dose-dependent, with 5–100g as the optimal dosage.
CONCLUSIONS:
BMP-2 significantly enhanced the bone formation induced by a PLGA fiber-reinforced CPC in sheep lumbar osteopenia. A single local dose as low as ≤100g BMP-2 was sufficient
to augment middle to long-term bone formation. The novel CPC+ BMP-2 may thus represent an alternative to the bioinert, supraphysiologically stiff polymethylmethacrylate cement presently used to treat osteoporotic vertebral fractures by vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT:
Biodegradable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) represents a promising option for the surgical treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Because of augmented local bone catabolism, however, additional targeted delivery of bone morphogenetic proteins with the CPC may be needed to promote rapid and complete bone regeneration.
PURPOSE:
In the present study, an injectable, poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) fiber-reinforced, brushite-forming cement (CPC) containing the bone morphogenetic Protein GDF5 was tested in a sheep lumbar osteopenia model.
STUDY DESIGN/SETTING:
This is a prospective experimental animal study
METHODS:
Defined bone defects (diameter 5 mm) were placed in aged, osteopenic female sheep.
Defects were treated with fiber-reinforced CPC alone (L4; CPC+ fibers) or with CPC containing different dosages of GDF5 (L5; CPC+ fibers + GDF5; 1, 5, 100, and 500g GDF5; n =
5 or 6 each).
The results were compared with those of untouched controls (L1). Three and 9 months postoperation, structural and functional effects of the CPC (±GDF5) were assessed ex vivo by measuring
(1) bone mineral density (BMD);
(2) bone structure, that is, bone volume/total volume (assessed by micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry), trabecular thickness, and trabecular number;
(3) bone formation, that is, osteoid volume/bone volume, osteoid surface/bone surface, osteoid thickness, mineralized surface/bone surface, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate/bone surface;
(4) bone resorption, that is, eroded surface/bone surface; and
(5) compressive strength.
RESULTS:
Compared with untouched controls (L1), both CPC+ fibers (L4) and CPC+ fibers + GDF5 (L5) numerically or significantly improved all parameters of bone formation, bone resorption, and bone structure. These significant effects were observed both at 3 and 9 months, but for some parameters they were less pronounced at 9 months. Compared with CPC without GDF5, additional significant effects of CPC with GDF5 were demonstrated for BMD and parameters of bone formation and structure (bone volume/total volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number, as well as mineralized surface/bone surface). The GDF5 effects were dose-dependent (predominantly in the 5–100g range) at 3 and 9 months.
CONCLUSIONS:
GDF5 significantly enhanced the bone formation induced by a PLGA fiber-reinforced CPC in sheep lumbar osteopenia. The results indicated that a local dose as low as ≤100g
GDF5 may be sufficient to augment middle to long-term bone formation. The novel CPC+ GDF5 combination may thus qualify as an alternative to the bioinert, supraphysiologically stiff poly-(methyl methacrylate) cement currently applied for vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
Intumescent coatings have been used for fire protection of steel for decades, but there is still a need for improvement and adaptation. The key parameters of such coatings in a fire Scenario are thermal insulation, foaming dynamics, and cohesion. The fire resistance tests, large furnaces applying the standard time temperature (STT) curve, demand coated full‐scale components or intermediate‐scale specimen. The STT Mufu+ (standard time temperature muffle furnace+) approach is presented. It is a recently developed bench‐scale testing method to analyze the performance of intumescent coatings. The STT Mufu+ provides vertical testing of specimens with reduced specimen size according to the STT curve. During the experiment, the foaming process is observed with a high‐temperature endoscope. Characteristics of this technique like reproducibility and resolution are presented and discussed. The STT Mufu+ test is highly efficient in comparison to common tests because of the reduced sample size. Its potential is extended to a superior research tool by combining it with advanced residue analysis (μ‐computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy) and mechanical testing. The benefits of this combination are demonstrated by a case study on 4 intumescent coatings. The evaluation of all collected data is used to create performance‐based rankings of the tested coatings.
Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass sich ältere Schafe gut als Modell für die mi-nimalinvasive Behandlung von Osteoporose eignen [1]. Um einen Behandlungs-effekt nachzuweisen, wird dabei unter anderem die Belastungsfähigkeit des Kno-chens durch Druckversuche an kleinen Zylindern aus den behandelten und unbe-handelten Knochen bestimmt. Diese hatten hier einen Durchmesser von 10 mm und eine Höhe von 13 mm. Für den in-situ Druckversuch wurde eine Deben CT5000 verwendet. In einer Serie von Druckerhöhungen wurden die Proben je-weils tomographiert. Dabei ergab sich zunächst, dass mit der µCT innerhalb der Knochen im oberen und unteren Bereich schon Brüche nachgewiesen werden können, obwohl die gemessene Kraftaufnahmekurve keine Unstetigkeit zeigt. Deswegen wurden die starren Probenaufnehmer der Deben Anordnung durch bewegliche Aufnehmer ergänzt, die eine leichte Verkippung der belasteten Ober-flächen ausgleichen können. Ein Vergleich der gemessenen und der aus den µCT-Daten berechneten Verschiebungsfelder ergab trotz der komplexen Struktur der Knochen gute Übereinstimmungen. Diese Verschiebungen wurden dann mit den aus den µCT Daten simulierten mechanischen Druckversuchen, Von-Mise-Spannungen und daraus berechneten Verschiebungen verglichen. (VGStudioMax Simulation).
Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass sich ältere Schafe gut als Modell für die mi-nimalinvasive Behandlung von Osteoporose eignen [1]. Um einen Behandlungs-effekt nachzuweisen, wird dabei unter anderem die Belastungsfähigkeit des Kno-chens durch Druckversuche an kleinen Zylindern aus den behandelten und unbe-handelten Knochen bestimmt. Diese hatten hier einen Durchmesser von 10 mm und eine Höhe von 13 mm. Für den in-situ Druckversuch wurde eine Deben CT5000 verwendet. In einer Serie von Druckerhöhungen wurden die Proben je-weils tomographiert. Dabei ergab sich zunächst, dass mit der µCT innerhalb der Knochen im oberen und unteren Bereich schon Brüche nachgewiesen werden können, obwohl die gemessene Kraftaufnahmekurve keine Unstetigkeit zeigt. Deswegen wurden die starren Probenaufnehmer der Deben Anordnung durch bewegliche Aufnehmer ergänzt, die eine leichte Verkippung der belasteten Ober-flächen ausgleichen können. Ein Vergleich der gemessenen und der aus den µCT-Daten berechneten Verschiebungsfelder ergab trotz der komplexen Struktur der Knochen gute Übereinstimmungen. Diese Verschiebungen wurden dann mit den aus den µCT Daten simulierten mechanischen Druckversuchen, Von-Mise-Spannungen und daraus berechneten Verschiebungen verglichen. (VGStudioMax Simulation).
Mit Hilfe der Computertomographie können zerstörungsfrei Bilder des Bodengefüges gewonnen werden. Sowohl die verschiedene Dichte des Bodens als auch Hohlräume und Poren sowie Wurzeln und anderes organisches Material können dargestellt werden. Die Wurzeln werden dabei lagerichtig wiedergegeben. Begrenzt wird dieses durch die Ortsauflösung des jeweiligen Tomogramms.
Ist die Methode für eine Fragestellung aus der landwirtschaftlichen Praxis – Einfluss der Bodenbearbeitung auf das Wurzelbild von Raps – geeignet?
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Targeted delivery of osteoinductive bone morphogenetic Proteins (eg, GDF5) in bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement (CPC), potentially suitable for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, may be required to counteract augmented local bone catabolism and to support complete bone regeneration. The biologically optimized GDF5 Mutant BB-1 may represent an attractive drug candidate for this purpose.
PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to test an injectable, poly (l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) fiber-reinforced, brushite-forming CPC containing low-dose BB-1 in a sheep lumbar osteopenia model.
STUDY DESIGN/ SETTING: This is a prospective experimental animal study.
METHODS: Bone defects (diameter 5 mm) were generated in aged, osteopenic female sheep and were filled with fiber-reinforced CPC alone (L4; CPC+fibers) or with CPC containing different dosages.
X-ray computed microtomography for the study of the soil-root relationship in grassland soils
(2013)
We present results from the analysis of three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography images of undisturbed soil samples in grassland sites. A strong positive correlation between root parameters and the solid surface/solid volume ratio was found. Preliminary analyses suggest that the relationship between soil structure and root patterns is related to the intensity of land management at the grassland sites, with reduced root volumes at sites with increased land use intensity.
The exploration of soil structure and its consequences for ecological functions is of prime importance for understanding of the 'critical zone.' In soils, the relationship between soil structure and plant roots—which influences water dynamics in soil—deserves special interest. With X-ray computed microtomography (micro-CT), soil structure and roots may be visualized and quantified simultaneously. We analyzed undisturbed soil samples from three grassland sites. After scanning the soil cores with an X-ray micro-CT scanner (resolution 40 µm), roots were delineated from the soil material and soil pore space by means of their X-ray grey value characteristics followed by the use of space transformation during image analyses. To determine efficacy of the X-ray micro-CT to identify roots, root volumes and surfaces were quantified with a standard root washing method showing good correspondence. A strong positive correlation between root volume and surfaces and the solid surface/solid volume ratio was found, with greater root growth in a more aggregated and porous soil. Preliminary analyses suggest that the relationship between soil structure and root patterns is related to the intensity of land management at the grassland sites, with reduced root volumes and surfaces at sites with increased land use intensity. This methodology has substantial potential for further research on management influences on soil structure and root growth across landscapes.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread holds equally for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated. We shall show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. We will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
The effects of refraction (phase-contrast) are normally considered as disturbances in high-resolution μCT-measurements. We show that in the case of small objects with low absorption a single-distance phase-retrieval algorithm not only reduces the edge enhancement, but also raises the signal-to-noise ratio sufficiently to allow dimensional measurements. This is exemplified at an optical element for optical fibre connectors.
Minimally invasive injection of calcium phosphate cement into bone defects in aged sheep vertebrae has been used as a model for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. One of the therapeutic criteria is a compression test of non-treated or treated vertebral bodies. In the present study, an in situ compression test with a stepwise load increase was performed with small spongiosa cylinders from the vertebrae under continuous monitoring by μCT. This allows localization of bone cracks and the visualization of correct placement and form of the bone cylinder. In addition, the effects of an uneven load distribution on the sample due to an irregular shape and a subsequent underperformance of the test sample can be excluded by controlling its shape under increasing load. There was a good agreement between the measured data and those obtained by simulated load-dependent transformation on the basis of a digital volume correlation between consecutive compression tests on the bone surface under the assumption of homogeneous bone material. Mechanic simulation was executed by directly using structural voxel data, resulting in maps of Von Mise stresses and predicted displacements.
Injectable, brushite-forming calcium phosphate cements (CPC) show potential for bone replacement, but they exhibit low mechanical strength. This study tested a CPC reinforced with poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) fibers in a minimally invasive, sheep lumbar vertebroplasty model.
The study aimed to test the in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of a PLGA fiber-reinforced, brushite-forming CPC in a sheep large animal model.
Sollten CT Aufnahmen quantitativ und automatisch ausgewertet werden, ist die Qualität der Tomogramme ein wesentlicher Punkt. Außerdem steht bei Serienmessungen nur eine begrenzte Meßzeit für jede Probe. Es werden die verschiedenen Mikrofokusröhren in Bezug auf die Parameter Orts- und Dichteauflösung, sowie Meßzeit verglichen, CT Beispiele dazu gezeigt.
Haben Sie sich schon einmal überlegt, was unter Ihren Füßen
geschieht, wenn Sie über eine Wiese gehen? Könnten
Sie beschreiben, wie es im Boden aussieht? Wie ist die
Struktur des Bodens, wie breiten sich darin die Wurzeln
der Pflanzen aus und wie ist die Wasserverteilung im Porenraum,
welche die Umsatzprozesse im Boden bestimmt?
Diese Fragen können Sie beantworten, wenn sie die Möglichkeit
nutzen, den Boden mittels Computertomographie
visuell darzustellen und quantitativ zu analysieren. Dazu
müssen Sie aber zunächst nicht nur eine Probe, sondern statistisch
relevant viele Proben aus dem Boden entnehmen.
Eine Maschine zur zerstörungsfreien Bodenprobenahme
ist notwendig. Wir beschreiben hier den Aufbau und den
Einsatz eines solchen Gerätes und zeigen erste dadurch gewonnene
Makro- & Mikro-Computertomographiebilder.