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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.
A novel approach is suggested to strongly suppress artifacts in radiography and computed tomography caused by the effect of diffuse background signals 'backlighting' of 2D X-ray detectors. Depending on the detector geometry the mechanism may be different. Either based on the optical scattering of the fluorescent screen materials into the optical detection devices or Compton or X-ray fluorescence scattering by the detector components. Consequently, these erroneous intensity portions result in locally different violations of Lambert Beer's law in single projections (radiographs) as a function of the detector area coverage and the magnitude of the attenuation. The absorption of multiple metal sheets is investigated by monochromatic synchrotron radiation, thus excluding beam hardening. The proposed correction procedure simply requires the individual subtraction of one and the same fraction of the primary and transmitted mean intensity, as a constant (non-local) scattering mechanism is assumed.
We present an experimental approach to study the three-dimensional microstructure of gas diffusion layer (GDL) materials under realistic compression conditions. A dedicated compression device was designed that allows for synchrotron-tomographic investigation of circular samples under well-defined compression conditions. The tomographic data provide the experimental basis for stochastic modeling of nonwoven GDL materials. A plain compression tool is used to study the fiber courses in the material at different compression stages. Transport relevant geometrical parameters, such as porosity, pore size, and tortuosity distributions, are exemplarily evaluated for a GDL sample in the uncompressed state and for a compression of 30 vol.%. To mimic the geometry of the flow-field, we employed a compression punch with an integrated channel-rib-profile. It turned out that the GDL material is homogeneously compressed under the ribs, however, much less compressed underneath the channel. GDL fibers extend far into the channel volume where they might interfere with the convective gas transport and the removal of liquid water from the cell.
Analyser-based imaging expands the performance of X-ray imaging by utilizing not only the absorption properties of X-rays but also the refraction and scatter rejection (extinction) properties. In this study, analyser-based computed tomography has been implemented on imaging an articular cartilage sample, depicting substructural variations, without overlay, at a pixel resolution of 3.6 µm.
Tomography data obtained from transmission electron microscopes are especially attractive due to their unrivaled spatial resolution in the nanometer range or even less, but they require enormous efforts in sample preparation and suffer from a diverse accumulation of experimental restrictions, which unavoidably result in fundamental reconstruction artifacts. These restrictions refer to: partial opacity, a limited view (limited angle or missing wedge), very few angles (with respect to the detector size), limited to a region of interest (ROI; due to the sample size), variable angular increments as well as sample degradation due the interactions with the electron beam. An advanced version of the DIRECTT (Direct Iterative Reconstruction of Computed Tomography Trajectories) algorithm proves to cope with most of these severe deviations from ideal CT measuring conditions. However, careful data preprocessing is required in order to exploit the capabilities of the algorithm.
Nanometer sized Ruthenium catalyst particles for fuel cell applications are 3D imaged at a few Ångström resolution in order to estimate their partial free surface on carbon black supports, which rule the efficiency of the catalytic activity.
Comparisons of DIRECTT reconstructions to the conventional filtered back projection, prove the significant improvements.
The first hard X-ray beamline at BESSY II will be installed by BAM and PTB at a superconducting 7 T wavelength shifter. The main optical elements of the beamline are a Double-Multilayer-Monochromator and a Double-Crystal-Monochromator. The two devices can be used separately or in-line. Main applications of monochromatic radiation with photon energies up to 50 keV are X-ray fluorescence analysis, micro-computed tomography, X-ray topography, detector calibration and reflectometry. Calculable undispersed radiation up to 200 keV will be available for radiometric applications.
Modellrechnungen mit dem CT-Algorithmus DIRECTT (Direkte iterative Rekonstruktion computertomographischer Trajektorien) haben die Vorteile gegenüber anderen Ansätzen bezüglich Ortsauflösung und Dichte gezeigt, insbesondere auch für unvollständige Datensätze wie Limited View- und Region of Interest-Szenarien. Entsprechend dem Normalfall werden hier jedoch vollständige Datensätze von Modellen und Messungen und ihre Rekonstruktionen bewertet. Die Qualität von DIRECTT wird mit der Gefilterten Rückprojektion anhand der Modulations-Transfer-Funktion (MTF) sowie integraler Kenngrößen im Radon- und im Ortsraum verglichen. Zur Überprüfung der Rekonstruktionsgenauigkeit experimenteller Daten werden Mustermessungen einfacher Probengeometrien unter definierten physikalischen Bedingungen durchgeführt. Diese betreffen Monochromasie, Unterdrückung von Kantenartefakten und radiometrische Intensitätsbestimmung mit Einkanaldetektor.
Bikontinuierliche poröse Keramiken für Filteranwendungen weisen eine komplizierte Mikrostruktur auf, in der Poren und Festkörperphase 'vermischt' sind. Mechanische, thermische sowie Filtereigenschaften können nur präzise bestimmt werden, wenn die Morphologie beider Phasen quantitativ angegeben werden kann. Hier werden unter Anwendung von 3D Computertomographie (CT) und verschiedenen Techniken, die auf der Röntgenrefraktion basieren, die Porosität und die Porenorientierung in keramischen Cordierit-Dieselpartikelfiltern bewertet. Dabei werden zur Auswertung der Tomogramme die Fouriertransformierten sowie eine neu entwickelte richtungssensitive Bildanalyse (DIVA, directional interface variance analysis) angewandt. Sowohl die genannten Messtechniken als auch der statistische Ansatz gestatten die Extraktion optional ortsaufgelöster oder gemittelter Werte. Es ergeben sich sehr gute Übereinstimmungen der experimentell ermittelten Porositätswerte mit Ergebnissen aus Quecksilberintrusionsversuchen als auch der ermittelten Porenorientierung im Vergleich zu publizierten Angaben zur kristallographischen Textur. Dies legt den Schluss nahe, dass die Kenntnis der Grenzflächen (zwischen Poren und Materie) genügt, die morphologischen Eigenschaften solcher Materialien hinreichend zu beschreiben.
C-fibre degradation debonding and lamella buckling measurement in CMC by new X-ray topography
(1993)
Aiming at ceramic materials of low thermal radiation emittance titania yttrium oxide ceramics have been prepared by sintering in air at 1,100 and 1,400 °C, respectively, and characterised. Due to its high infrared refractive index, average pore sizes up to 1 µm for optimal Mie scattering cross sections and over 35% porosity the material is a promising candidate for elevated temperature insulations. The essentially in large pore growth is achieved by graphitic nano and micro particle additives.
The microstructure parameters of porosity, specific surface area, median and average pore sizes are determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry. Beyond this classical technique supplementary measurements by X-ray Absorption and X-ray refractometry reveal considerably larger average pore sizes due to closed pores not accessible for mercury. An additional advantage of the X-ray techniques is their non-destructive application, which allows other treatments afterwards. The combined application of both methods provides additional information and reliability in case of complex ceramic microstructures and may serve for improved developments of porous ceramics with optimised thermal scattering for energy savings in high temperature applications.
Charakterisierung von Katalysatormaterialien für Brennstoffzellen mittels Elektronentomografie
(2010)
Zur Optimierung moderner Katalysatoren für Brennstoffzellen werden diese elektronen-tomografisch charakterisiert. Die Elektronentomografie ermöglicht einzigartige Einblicke in die Nanometer-Strukturen der metallischen Katalysatorpartikel, die auf einem elektrisch leitenden, inerten Kohlenstoffträger abgeschieden werden. Die dreidimensional bildgebende Methode ermöglicht über qualitative Untersuchungen hinaus detaillierte quantitative Form- und Strukturanalysen der Katalysatormaterialien. So werden beispielsweise die Positionen der Katalysatorpartikel relativ zum Trägermaterial analysiert. Ihre Form und Einbettung in den Träger, welche die für die katalytische Reaktion maßgebliche "freie Oberfläche" definieren, werden bestimmt. Die Elektronentomografie ermöglicht somit quantitative Vergleiche zwischen verschiedenen Katalysatormaterialien und Herstellungsverfahren. Sie erweitert die Möglichkeiten der Korrelation gewünschter elektrochemischer Eigenschaften mit der Nanostruktur dieser Materialien und macht so weitere Optimierungen der Katalysatormaterialien möglich.
Als Alternative zur Neutronentomographie wird das Potenzial der Computertomographie (CT) mit inkohärenter Röntgen-Streustrahlung (Compton-Streuung) untersucht. Die gleichzeitige Abbildung von Materialien sehr unterschiedlicher Dichten (Ordnungszahlen) ist eine wiederkehrende Herausforderung für die Radiologie und die Computertomographie mit Röntgenstrahlung. Die Messungen ergeben asymmetrische Projektionsprofile für Sinogramme der Streuintensität. Am Beispiel verschiedener Polymere (Polyethylen, Polyamid, PVC), Glas und Holz wird in den Tomogrammen ein hochaufgelöster 'Comptonkontrast' vergleichbarer Dynamik erreicht, während der simultan gemessene 'Absorptionskontrast' ausschließlich die starken Absorber (Glas und PVC) zeigt. Der Vergleich mit ähnlich auflösender Neutronentomographie zeigt ähnliche Kontraste und eröffnet mithin die Möglichkeit, diese künftig durch Compton-Tomographie im Labormaßstab zu ersetzen.
A novel approach to strongly suppress artifacts in radiography and computed tomography caused by the effect of diffuse background Signals (backlight) of 2D X-ray detectors is suggested. Depending on the detector geometry the mechanism may be different, either based on the optical scattering of the fluorescent screen materials into optical detection devices or Compton or X-ray fluorescence scattering by the detector components. Consequently, these erroneous intensity portions result in locally different violations of Lambert Beers law in single projections (radiographs).
When used as input data for computed tomography these violations are directly observed via modulation of the projected mass as a function of the rotation Phase and the samples aspect ratio (dynamics). The magnitude of the diffuse Background signal depends on the detector area covered by the projected sample. They are more pronounced the smaller the shaded area and the stronger the total attenuation.
Moreover, the local intensity mismatch depends on the attenuation of the sample.
We present very basic reference data measured with multiple metal foils at a synchrotron radiation source. Beam hardening artifacts can be excluded due to the monochromatic radiation. The proposed correction procedure assumes a constant (non-local) scattering mechanism.
Micro damage structures of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) can be characterized nondestructively by X-ray refraction topography, which images inner surfaces. The damage accumulation after fatigue treatment of short glass fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT-GF) is correlated to the applied load and the number of cycles. Micro cracks and fiber/matrix debonding during fatigue can be detected separately due to their different direction of X-ray small angle scattering. The residual strength over the crack surface decreases by a linear decay as 30 %, 60 % and 90 % of the materials lifetime is passed.
High-density polyethylene becomes optically transparent during tensile drawing when previously saturated with diesel fuel. This unusual phenomenon is investigated as it might allow conclusions with respect to the material behavior. Microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, density measurements are applied together with two scanning X-ray scattering techniques: wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and X-ray refraction, able to extract the spatially resolved crystal orientation and internal surface, respectively. The sorbed diesel softens the material and significantly alters the yielding characteristics. Although the crystallinity among stretched regions is similar, a virgin reference sample exhibits strain whitening during stretching, while the diesel-saturated sample becomes transparent. The WAXS results reveal a pronounced fiber texture in the tensile direction in the stretched region and an isotropic orientation in the unstretched region. This texture implies the formation of fibrils in the stretched region, while spherulites remain intact in the unstretched parts of the specimens. X-ray refraction reveals a preferred orientation of internal surfaces along the tensile direction in the stretched region of virgin samples, while the sample stretched in the diesel-saturated state shows no internal surfaces at all. Besides from stretching saturated samples, optical transparency is also obtained from sorbing samples in diesel after stretching.
For the first time we present direct 2D imaging of refracted X-rays without any discrimination of the Primary radiation. X-refraction works in analogy to visible light optics: X-rays are entirely deflected at interfaces where discontinuities of (electron) density occur. This is demonstrated at the example of inner and outer surfaces of model samples of well-defined geometry (fibres, capillaries, and monodisperse micro particles). The samples are scanned through a 50 μm monochromatic (20 keV) pencil beam. In order to warrant a sufficient angular resolution a 2D detector (pixel size 7 μm) is placed 3 m downstream of the sample. Scanning the sample in micron steps allows for detecting local changes of interface / surface orientation directly in two dimensions. At the actual angular resolution of about 3 seconds of arc (scattering vector increments Δk = 10-3 nm-1) and 50 μm spatial resolution (scanning) the material’s inner surfaces (with nanometer separation) can be characterized even at sampling rates below 1 second per frame. Moreover, our technique is suited to directly determine particle diameters of up to 250 nm by means of diffraction fringes. Some potential applications to technical submicron structures are discussed.
Anhand von computertomografischen Messungen und Modellrechnungen werden DIRECTT-Rekonstruktionen im Vergleich mit gefilterten Rückprojektionen bewertet. Dazu wird die Rekonstruktionsqualität mittels einer zirkular erweiterten Modulations-Transfer-Funktion (MTF) und mit integralen Kenngrößen im Radon- und im Ortsraum verglichen. Zur Überprüfung der Rekonstruktionsgenauigkeit experimenteller Daten werden Mustermessungen einfacher Probengeometrien unter definierten physikalischen Bedingungen durchgeführt. Diese beinhalten die Monochromasie, die Unterdrückung von Kantenartefakten und die radiometrische Intensitätsbestimmung. Für die Qualität der Rekonstruktionen mittels DIRECTT erweisen sich sowohl unterschiedliche Rekonstruktionsfilter als auch der Verzicht auf jede Filterung als unerheblich, im Gegensatz zur gefilterten Rückprojektion.
Die durch Brechung an Mikrostrukturen abgelenkte Röntgenstrahlung wird direkt zweidimensional abgebildet. Dazu werden Modellproben einfacher Geometrie (Fasern, Kapillaren, monodisperse Nano- und Mikropartikel) mit einem auf 50 µm kollimierten Synchrotronstrahl (20 keV) gescannt. Die nach den Regeln der geometrischen Optik an prismatischen und linsenartigen Grenzflächen abgelenkte Strahlung wird in etwa 3 Metern Entfernung von einem Flächendetektor mit 7 µm Ortsauflösung zusätzlich zu der ungestörten Resttransmission des Primärstrahls registriert. In der Abfolge der Radiogramme werden die lokalen Orientierungsänderungen der Probekörper-Grenzflächen bei deren Abtastung mit wenigen Mikrometern Schrittweite bildhaft verfolgt. Mit der hier erreichten Winkelauflösung von etwa 3 Bogensekunden (Streuvektor-Inkremente Δk = 10-3nm-1) kann bei 50 µm Ortsauflösung das Materialvolumen bezüglich innerer Grenzflächen mit Nanometer-Separation auch bei hohen Abtastraten unterhalb einer Sekunde pro Bild charakterisiert werden.
We present transmission electron microscope (TEM) tomography investigations of ruthenium-based fuel cell catalyst materials as employed in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The digital three-dimensional representation of the samples not only enables detailed studies on number, size, and shape but also on the local orientation of the ruthenium particles to their support and their freely accessible surface area. The shape analysis shows the ruthenium particles deviate significantly from spherical symmetry which increases their surface to volume ratio. The morphological studies help to understand the structure formation mechanisms during the fabrication as well as the high effectiveness of these catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode side of fuel cells.
The relevance of nano sized structures and interfaces in upcoming technologies requires new non-destructive Xray
techniques exploiting attenuation as well as scattering. In the course of driving the resolution and the contrast
of modern radiography into micro and nano metre dimension the inevitable scattering effects require increased
attention. Several radiologists interpret the observed edge artefacts simply by 'phase contrast' due to different
X-ray path lengths within the sample and others refer to Fresnel scattering. The ultra small angle scattering is of
high intensity and may reach the level of the primary beam. We present monochromatic synchrotron
measurements on rather simply shaped objects (such as plates and cylinders) which prove clearly the dominance
of refraction intensity over total reflection and coherent small angle scattering. The refraction conditions hold for
angles of incidence of several degrees to the surface, but typical deflection angles range from several seconds to
minutes of arc. Additionally to the concept of 'phase contrast' of the primary beam its deflection becomes the
essential issue. The appropriate removal of the attenuation contribution enables the imaging of inner surfaces and
interfaces by refraction scanning topography. The presented measurements of reference particles demonstrate the
reliability of laboratory refraction scanners applying X-ray tubes.
Hinterleuchten stellt eine oft unerkannte Fehlweisung in der radiographischen Abbildung mit Flächendetektoren dar, die durch diffuse Umverteilung der Intensität verursacht wird. Dieser Effekt kann die korrekte Transmissions-Intensität eines Probekörpers gemäß dem Lambert-Beer'schen Gesetz erheblich verfälschen. Hinterleuchten wird sowohl mit Bremsstrahlung von Röntgenröhren als auch mit monochromatischer Synchrotronstrahlung beobachtet. Die fehlerhaft reduzierten Schwächungskoeffizienten von einigen 10 % korrelieren mit der Strahlschwächung und dem direkt bestrahlten Detektorbereich. Für eine einfache numerische Korrektur des Hinterleuchtens werden lediglich integrale Intensitätswerte benötigt.
Enhanced Spatial Resolution in 2D CT-Reconstruction without Filtered Back Projection: DIRECTT
(2008)
Computed tomography reconstructions of projected data usually assume an ideal point-like
focal spot. However, in practice, the actual finite focus size leads to blurred projections,
unavoidably. The elements (voxels) of the reconstruction array are smeared differently as a
function of their individual position relative to source and detector. Neglecting the focal
smearing generates considerably blurred reconstructions. Previous attempts were based on
directly deconvolving blurred projections from a constant kernel, which yields better results
but still exhibits artefacts. Iterative algorithms can be adopted to take into account focal
smearing as a function of position. However, this requires detailed prior knowledge of
quantitative smear functions. The DIRECTT (Direct Iterative Reconstruction of Computed
Tomography Trajectories) algorithm is a promising candidate to meet these requirements. It
has been demonstrated elsewhere that DIRECTT copes with limited data sets such as
limited view and region-of- interest data by tracing single sinusoidal-like trajectories in
Radon space, which are selected from the set of all possible trajectories by appropriate
criteria. Currently, position-dependent smearing is used in the projection part of iterations.
At the example of model reconstructions we demonstrate the gain of spatial resolution by
iterative variable desmearing according to the DIRECTT algorithm in comparison to the
standard filtered back-projection.
Evaluating porosity in cordierite diesel particulate filter materials, part 1 X-ray refraction
(2013)
Bi-continuous porous ceramics for filtration applications possess a particularly complicated microstructure, with porosity and solid matter being intermingled. Mechanical, thermal, and filtration properties can only be precisely estimated if the morphology of both solid matter and porosity can be quantitatively determined. Using x-ray absorption and refraction, we quantitatively evaluate porosity and pore orientation in cordierite diesel particulate filter ceramics. Porosity values turn out to agree with mercury intrusion measurements, while pore orientation factors agree with published crystallographic texture data.
Complementary to Part 1 of this work, the bi-continuous microstructure of porous synthetic cordierite ceramics for filtration applications was investigated using 3D x-ray computed tomography at different resolutions. Applying both Fast Fourier Transform and a newly developed image analysis algorithm, we quantitatively evaluated porosity and pore orientation. The statistical approach allows extraction of spatially resolved or average values. Porosity values based on x-ray absorption agree with mercury intrusion measurements, while pore orientation factors agree with x-ray refraction data (Part 1 of this work), and with published crystallographic texture data.
Bi-continuous porous ceramics for filtration applications possess a particularly complicated microstructure, whereby porosity and solid matter are intermingled. Mechanical, thermal, and filtration properties can only be precisely estimated if the morphology of both solid matter and porosity can be quantitatively determined. Using 3D computed tomography (CT) at different resolutions, and several X-ray refraction-based techniques, we quantitatively evaluated porosity and pore orientation in cordierite diesel particulate filter ceramics.Moreover, applying both Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and a newly developed image analysis algorithm (directional interface variance analysis, DIVA), we quantitatively evaluated porosity and pore orientation. Both the experimental techniques and the statistical approach allow extraction of spatially resolved or average values.Porosity values from synchrotron computed tomography used turn out to agree with mercury intrusion measurements, while pore orientation factors agree with published crystallographic texture data. This latter point also implies that the study of the pore/matter interface is sufficient to describe the morphological properties of these materials.
In order to demonstrate the challenging tasks in current R&D applications in the field of renewable energy
sources experimental neutron and electron tomographic data sets of PEM fuel cell components are processed by
an advanced version of the DIRECTT algorithm. The neutron measurements of the water distribution suffer from
several intrinsic limitations such as massive position dependent focal smearing due to the large primary neutron
beam aperture. Electron (TEM) tomography allows characterisation of nanometre sized catalyst particles but is
hampered by the following restrictions: partial opacity, a limited sector of projections (missing wedge), very few
projections, samples exceeding the detector size (region of interest) and improper angular alignment. Beyond the
capabilities of other algorithms DIRECTT proves to overcome these essential reconstruction problems, in
comparison to FBP and SIRT. Nevertheless, careful data pre-processing is an inevitable requirement in order to
fully exploit the algorithm's potentials.
The use of high brilliance and partial coherent synchrotron light for radiography and computed tomography (CT) allows to image micro-structured, multi-component specimens with different contrast modes and resolutions up to submicrometer range. This is of high interest for materials research, life science and non-destructive evaluation applications. An imaging setup for microtomography and radiography installed at BESSY II (a third generation synchrotron light source located in Berlin, Germany) as part of its first hard X-ray beamline (BAMline) can now be used for absorption, refraction as well as phase contrast dedicated to inhouse research and applications by external users. Monochromatic synchrotron light between 6 keV and 80 keV is attained via a fully automated double multilayer monochromator. For imaging applications the synchrotron beam transmitted by the sample is converted with a scintillator into visible light. By use of microscope optics this luminescence image is then projected onto, e.g., a CCD chip. Several scintillating materials are used in order to optimise the performance of the detector system. Different optical systems are available for imaging ranging from a larger field of view and moderate resolutions (macroscope up to 14 mm x 14 mm field of view) to high resolution (microscope down to 0.35 μm pixel size), offering magnifications from 1.8× to 40×. Additionally asymmetric cut Bragg crystals in front of the scintillator can be used for a further magnification in one dimension by a factor of about 20. Slow and fast cameras are available, with up to 16 bit dynamic range. We show the suitability of the setup for numerous applications from materials research and life science.
HYJECT
(2002)
Different very dilute suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite surrounded by an organic shell) in water (ferrofluids) were investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering. It is shown that the scattering originates not only from noncorrelated coreshell nanoparticles, but also from larger structures. By modelling, these structures can be identified as close-packed clusters consisting of coreshell particles (core diameter ~10 nm). The analysis of the radial distance distribution function, obtained by Fourier transformation of the scattered intensity, reveals a lower bound of the mean cluster size of about 40 nm. The formation of clusters is persistent, even in very dilute suspensions.
Die mitunter erhebliche Verschmierung von computertomograpischen Projektionen durch ausgedehnte Strahlenquellen wird durch eine neuartige Entschmierungsprozedur erheblich reduziert, um eine verbesserte Ortsauflösung der Rekonstruktion zu erreichen. Da die Breite der Verschmierungsfunktion der detektornahen und -fernen Objektelemente sich erheblich unterscheiden kann, muss die Entschmierung variabel sein. Im Gegensatz zu einer für alle Voxel-Positionen identischen Entfaltung, also einer grundsätzlich falschen Voraussetzung, wurde eine implizite Entschmierung entwickelt. Die vorab bekannte positionsabhängige Verschmierung wird auf die iterativ wiederholten Projektionen der Teilrekonstruktionen des DIRECTT-Algorithmus angewandt. Die variabel entschmierten Rekonstruktionen aus den Sinogrammen eines Pixelmodells mit Verschmierungen von 1 bis 5 Pixel erreichen eine Ortsauflösung von nahezu einem Pixel.
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.
In den unterschiedlichsten Methoden der Computertomographie tritt häufig ein diffuses Untergrundsignal in den Einzelprojektionen auf: im Falle der Parallelstrahl-CT mit Synchrotronstrahlung handelt es sich um ein Hinterleuchten durch den Fluoreszenzschirm, der vor der CCD-Kamera angeordnet ist. Dieses Hinterleuchten unterscheidet sich von dem bekannten Nachleuchten (Phosphoreszenz) durch zeitliche Konstanz.
Hier äußert sich das Hinterleuchten als Modulation der projizierten Masse und somit als Funktion der Phase (Projektionswinkel) und des Aspektverhältnisses des Objektes. Der Einfluss des Hinterleuchtens ist abhängig von der Größe des von der Probe abgeschatteten Detektorbereiches und des Objektumfangs (Dynamik). Dies hat u.a. zur Folge, dass Abweichungen vom Absorptionsgesetz auftreten, die umso
stärker ausgeprägt sind, je weniger Detektorfläche das Objekt abdeckt und je stärker das Objekt schwächt. Dabei können Aufhärtungseffekte wegen der monochromatischen Strahlung ausgeschlossen werden.
Mit Referenzmessungen und einem isotropen, homogenen Ansatz, der diese Abweichung als Hinterleuchten beschreibt, lassen sich die auftretenden Fehler deutlich verringern.
Beyond classical X-ray techniques are used for the purpose of preferably short-term applications, but some supplementary X-ray and synchrotron techniques for higher resolution microdiagnostics take advantage of scattering effects. In contrast to directly imaging methods their resolution is only limited by the diffraction limit of the X-ray wavelength, far below the atomic dimensions. These techniques of scanning topography and refraction synchrotron tomography may permit the systematic diagnostics for finding and exploiting structure/property relations like correlations among atomic, nano and microstructures with macroscopic properties. Their basic advantage over microscopic techniques is their potential for the non-destructive characterisation of materials, far from invasive sample treatments. They combine scattering and spatial resolution.
Microstructural characterization of porous materials by two-dimensional X-ray refraction topography
(2004)
X-ray refraction topography determines the internal surfaces and interfaces of non-metallic porous materials within the range of namometer to micrometer dimensions. The method is based on refraction of X-rays caused by interfaces of microstructures in heterogeneous materials.
Generally, it permits a non-destructive full volume characterization of the pore topology. The X-ray refraction scanning technique make possible to visualize integral interface properties up to 10 μm spatial resolution by two-dimensional topographic images. It detects the spatially resolved internal surfaces of both, open and closed pores. Comparison to a certified powder reference of uniform grain size and known packing density reveals a quantitative measure for calibration requirements. An investigation on SiC- and Al2O3-ceramics illustrate the quantitative characterization of the internal surface density, pore sizes and their spatial distribution as well as local porosity fluctuations.
Einleitung
Bei der Detektion von Mikrorissen und der Charakterisierung spezifischer Schädigungen von Polymer- und Kompositwerkstoffen kommt es neben quantitativen Bewertungen auch auf die Analyse von orientierungsabhängigen Struktureffekten an. Am Beispiel typischer Vertreter ausgewählter Materialien (PP/PE, CFK) wird dargestellt, inwieweit das Potential der Röntgen-Refraktions-Topographie vorteilhaft zur umfassenden Materialcharakterisierung genutzt werden kann. Die korrosiven Eigenschaften nichtmetallischer Werkstoffe werden maßgeblich vom mikrostrukturellen Aufbau der verwendeten Materialien bestimmt. Typische Versagens-mechanismen von Faser-Kompositen sind neben der Faserenthaftung vor allem durch Mikrorisse gekennzeichnet, die sich teils parallel, teils senkrecht zu den Fasern in der Matrix ausbreiten. Eine wichtige Anwendung der Röntgen-Refraktions-Topographie umfaßt die orientierungsselektive Detektion von Mikroriß-Oberflächen. Die Nachweisgrenze derartiger Schädigungen erstreckt sich bis zum Nanometerbereich. Definiert herbeigeführte Ermüdungsschäden an Kompositmaterialien lassen sich mit dieser Methode ausgezeichnet erfassen und gestatten eine quantitative Korrelation zu mechanischen Kenngrößen. Mittels schrittweiser Probenabtastung und der ortskorrelierten Speicherung von simultan erfassten Refraktions- bzw. Absorptionszählraten wird ein zweidimensionales Röntgen-Refraktions-Topogramm rekonstruiert, das u.a. die präzise Information der integralen Rissdichte enthält.
A strategy to mitigate typical reconstruction artefacts in missing wedge computed tomography is presented. These artefacts appear as elongations of reconstructed details along the mean direction (i.e. the symmetry centre of the projections). Although absent in standard computed tomography applications, they are most prominent in advanced electron tomography and also in special topics of X-ray and Neutron tomography under restricted geometric boundary conditions. We investigate the Performance of the DIRECTT (Direct Iterative Reconstruction of Computed Tomography Trajectories) algorithm to reduce the directional artefacts in standard procedures. In order to be sensitive to the anisotropic nature of missing wedge artefacts, we investigate isotropic substructures of metal foam as well as circular disc models. Comparison is drawn to filtered backprojection and algebraic techniques. Reference is made to reconstructions of complete data sets. For the purpose of assessing the reconstruction Quality, Fourier transforms are employed to visualize the missing wedge directly. Deficient reconstructions of disc models are evaluated by a length-weighted boundary orientations. The DIRECTT results are assessd at different signal-to-noise ratios by means of local and integral evaluation Parameters.
Die Computertomographie (CT) ist in der Medizin als Standardtechnik etabliert, in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung wird sie zunehmend angewendet, in einzelnen Fällen sogar als Referenzverfahren eingesetzt. Gegenwärtig ist eine starke Zunahme von Anwendungen der CT in der Materialcharakterisierung zu verzeichnen. Zudem werden weitere moderne 3D-Techniken für werkstoffwissenschaftliche Fragestellungen genutzt, um die Mikrostruktur - auch in situ (z.B. Druck, Temperatur) - aufzuklären. Hier werden neben der konventionellen Absorptions-CT auch die Potenziale der Refraktions-CT zur Beantwortung prozesstechnischer sowie werkstofflicher Fragestellungen aufgezeigt, die ein „ganzheitliches Bild“ des jeweiligen Werkstoffs zum Ziel haben.
NDE of micro structured materials by X-ray diffraction and refraction topography, Keynote Lecture
(2007)
Neutron tomography was applied to study the 3D water distribution in full polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks. The water distribution after switch-off of the fuel cell was analyzed over a period of 36 h. We found a slowly increasing water amount in the fuel cell, but only few changes within a time period of 5 h, which is about the time necessary for neutron tomography. In this way, the requirement for successful tomography was obtained. It is demonstrated how the quasi in-situ tomography technique enables us to study the water content in individual flow field channels of three-fold stacks. Flow field as well as stack design issues are addressed by this visualization method showing weak points due to a non-uniform water distribution that can be identified by means of neutron imaging.