8.5 Röntgenbildgebung
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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).
In this work, the structural integrity of LBM fabricated IN625 small cylinders (d = 1 mm, h = 6 mm) was investigated regarding the porosity and the surface roughness by means of computed tomography. The measurements were carried out on a GE v|tome|x L 300/180 with a reconstructed voxel size of 2 µm. The pores were analyzed for size, shape and spatial distribution. The correlation between compactness C and spatial distribution showed that elongated pores (C < 0.2) appear exclusively within a distance of 80 µm to the sample surface. The reconstructed surface was digitally meshed and unwrapped to evaluate the mean roughness Ra. Since the gravity correlates linearly with the sine of the build angle, the influence of gravity on porosity and surface roughness was determined.
µCT is used to validate the capability of online monitoring for in-situ detection of defects during the L-PBF build process, which is a focus of the TF project ProMoAM.
Our first experiments show that online monitoring using thermography and optical tomography cameras are able to detect defects in the built part. But further research is needed to understand root cause of the correlation.
The quantification of experimental and data analysis errors is most of the times jeopardised by the presence of surface roughness, waviness, as well as by typical measurement artefacts of the XCT technique (for instance refraction at sharp edges). One way to at least estimate the influence of those factors on dimensional measurements and on tolerances is to simulate them using Monte-Carlo method. An alternative strategy is to use independent knowledge (e.g. CMM data) to smoothen/calibrate/correct XCT data.
Microstructural changes in porous cordierite for diesel particulate filter applications caused by machining were characterized using microtensile testing and X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Young’s modulus was determined on ~215-380 m thick machined samples by digital image correlation. Results show a decrease of Young’s modulus due to machining of the thin samples. Explanation of this phenomenon was provided by XCT: the presence of debris due to machining and the variation of porosity due to removal of the outer layers were quantified and correlated with the introduction of further microcracking.
X-ray refraction is analogous to visible light deflection by matter; it occurs at boundaries between different media. The main difference between visible light and X-rays is that in the latter case deflection angles are very small, from a few seconds to a few minutes of arc (i.e., the refraction index n is near to 1). Trivially but importantly, deflection of X-rays is also sensitive to the orientation of the object boundaries. These features make X-ray refraction techniques extremely suitable to a) detect defects such as pores and microcracks and quantify their densities in bulk (not too heavy) materials, and b) evaluate porosity and particle properties such as orientation, size, and spatial distribution (by mapping). While X-ray refraction techniques cannot in general image single defects, their detectability is simply limited by the wavelength of the radiation.
We thereby show the application of X-ray refraction 2D mapping (topography) and tomography to different sorts of problems in materials science and technology: 1) Sintering of SiC green bodies; 2) Porosity analysis in additively manufactured alloys; 3) Fiber de-bonding in metal and polymer matrix composites.
Such techniques, especially at the Synchrotron BESSY II, Berlin, Germany, can be used in-situ, i.e. when the specimen is subjected to temperatures or external loads. Applications of in-situ X-ray refraction radiography on aluminum alloys and composites are also shown.
The use of X-ray refraction analysis yields quantitative information, which can be directly input in kinetics, mechanical and damage models.
This study is shown as an example of the potential of synchrotron X-ray refraction technique to determine the evolution of damage in brittle (microcracked) materials. The strength of X-ray refraction resides in its high detectability of features (e.g., cracks, pores) within large volumes, enabling a macroscopic characterization of the microstructure. The case study is a Zirconia-based cast refractory, which is aimed to function at high temperatures (even in excess of 1700°C) in industrial furnaces to enable the production of special glasses. Therefore, this material must withstand severe in-service conditions (both thermomechanical and chemical). X-ray refraction technique is used to monitor the microcracking evolution of the material, which was previously subjected to thermal cycles (crossing the martensitic phase transformation around 1000°C) at two different stress levels.
Fibre-Matrix-Debonding in glass fibre reinforced dental posts can play an important role for their mechanical performance and long term stability… We show that synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography (SXRR) allows analysis of large samples (up to several millimetres) without compromising the detectability of sub micrometer defects.
For the first time, X-ray refraction techniques are proven for the identification of void formation in Ti-6Al-4V parts produced by selective laser melting. The topology and volume fraction of pores are measured in samples produced with different laser energy density. Unique X-ray refraction methods identify different kinds of defects, characteristic to the regions below and above the Optimum laser energy density, namely unprocessed powder (unmolten powder particles, balling effect, and Fusion defects) from empty keyhole pores. Furthermore, it is possible to detect small inhomogeneities (voids or cracks) with sizes below the spatial resolution of optical microscopy and X-ray computed tomography.
X-ray refraction is analogous to visible light deflection by matter; it occurs at boundaries between different media. The main difference between visible light and X-rays is that in the latter case deflection angles are very small, from a few seconds to a few minutes of arc (i.e., the refraction index n is near to 1). Importantly, deflection of X-rays is also sensitive to the orientation of the object boundaries. These features make X-ray refraction techniques extremely suitable to a) detect defects such as pores and microcracks and quantify their densities in bulk (not too heavy) materials, and b) evaluate porosity and particle properties such as orientation, size, and spatial distribution (by mapping). While X-ray refraction techniques cannot in general image single defects, they can detect objects with size above a few wavelengths of the radiation.
Such techniques, especially at the Synchrotron BESSY II, Berlin, Germany, can be used in-situ, i.e. when the specimen is subjected to temperatures or external loads.
The use of X-ray refraction analysis yields quantitative information, which can be directly input in kinetics, mechanical and damage models.
We hereby show the application of non-destructive X-ray refraction radiography (SXRR, 2D mapping also called topography) to problems in additive manufacturing:
1) Porosity analysis in PBF-LM-Ti64. Through the use of SXRR, we could not only map the (very sparse) porosity distribution between the layers and quantify it, but also classify, and thereby separate, the filled porosity (unmolten powder) from the keyhole and gas pores (Figure 1).
2) In-situ heat treatment of laser powder bed fusion PBF-LM-AlSi10Mg to monitor microstructure and porosity evolution as a function of temperature (Figure 2). By means of SXRR we indirectly observed the initial eutectic Si network break down into larger particles as a function of increasing temperature. We also could detect the thermally induced porosity (TIP). Such changes in the Si-phase morphology upon heating is currently only possible using scanning electron microscopy, but with a much smaller field-of-view. SXRR also allows observing the growth of some individual pores, usually studied via X-ray computed tomography, but again on much smaller fields-of-view.
Our results show the great potential of in-situ SXRR as a tool to gain in-depth knowledge of the defect distribution and the susceptibility of any material to thermally induced damage and/or microstructure evolution over statistically relevant volumes.
Using magnetic materials for energy conversion as an example, this lecture shows how X-ray tomography investigations can contribute to structure elucidation in composites and solid samples. The components are tested non-destructively in order to characterize cracks, pores and other defects and their influence on the functional properties three-dimensionally and in good time in the life cycle of the material. If you combine microtomography with other methods of magnetic material characterization, you can make unique statements about the structure and the functional properties.
Using magnetic materials for energy conversion as an example, this lecture shows how X-ray tomography investigations can contribute to structure elucidation in composites and solid samples. The components are tested non-destructively in order to characterize cracks, pores and other defects and their influence on the functional properties three-dimensionally and in good time in the life cycle of the material. If you combine microtomography with other methods of magnetic material characterization, you can make unique statements about the structure and the functional properties.
Functional materials for energy conversion are important technology drivers needed for the implementation of low carbon energy. Therefore, researchers commonly focus on improving the intrinsic properties of a functional material. However, for applications, the extrinsic properties are at least as important as the intrinsic ones. Consequently, it is important to investigate and understand the external and internal structure of semi-finished products and especially defect dependent properties. The extrinsic properties may change during application and the life cycle of the material as well as through processing and molding steps.
Our studies show how X-ray tomographic (XCT) investigations can contribute to structure investigations in composites and massive samples using the example of magnetic materials for energy conversion. The components are tested non-destructively in 3D in order to localize and characterize cracks, pores, inclusions as well as other defects and their influence on the functional properties and also “in-time” during the life cycle of the material. Exsitu and in-situ experiments performed with non-destructive XCT are predestinated to follow damaging mechanisms of materials under certain load conditions, atmospheres or liquids, e.g. went through several working cycles of a functional material. By combining microtomography with other methods of magnetic and classical material characterization, unique statements about the structure and the functional properties can be made.
From the applications point of view, sometimes complex, three-dimensional geometries are needed to fully exploit the functional properties of the materials, e.g. to ensure a high surface area for heat exchange. Since many functional materials are brittle and difficult to form, shaping is often a big challenge. In principle, additive manufacturing processes offer the possibility to produce complex, porous components from poorly formable alloys.
If all stages of additive manufacturing are accompanied by X-ray tomographic imaging, the process of finding the optimal parameters for material processing can be significantly accelerated.
Based on the quality control of the initial powder material used and also investigations of the shape and arrangement of defects within the molten structure and their relationship with the melting path scanning strategy, Xray tomography has proven to be an ideal tool for additive manufacturing, even for functional materials. Overall, tomographic methods are important tools for the development of functional materials to application maturity.
Functional materials for energy conversion are important technology drivers needed for the implementation of low carbon energy. Therefore, researchers commonly focus on improving the intrinsic properties of a functional material. However, for applications, the extrinsic properties are at least as important as the intrinsic ones. Consequently, it is important to investigate and understand the external and internal structure of semi-finished products and especially defect dependent properties. The extrinsic properties may change during application and the life cycle of the material as well as through processing and molding steps. Our studies show how X-ray tomographic (XCT) investigations can contribute to structure investigations in composites and massive samples using the example of magnetic materials for energy conversion.
3D structural investigations are described by X-ray laminography studies of sandwich shell segments, made of a PVC foam core, covered by non-crimp fabric glass fibre composite lay-ups processed by vacuum assisted resin infusion of epoxy. The specific scope of this study is to image transversal flaws within the foam core (joints) and of single ply overlaps. Test flaws were purposely implemented in order to simulate typical failure under cyclic load. In a dedicated test rig for shell structures, the flaw evolution/propagation is monitored by thermography and optical 3D inspection of deformation. Due to the unfavourable preconditions for classical computed tomography as of large aspect ratio, the samples were investigated by coplanar translational laminography. Its limited range of observation angles of ± 45°, results in anisotropic artefacts about the normal to the sample surface, but the typical flaws are well visualized in the as-prepared state, in a state of early damage, and in the repaired state.
3D structural investigations are described by X-ray laminography studies of sandwich shell segments, made of a PVC foam core, covered by non-crimp fabric glass fibre composite lay-ups processed by vacuum assisted resin infusion of epoxy. The specific scope of this study is to image transversal flaws within the foam core (joints) and of single ply overlaps. Test flaws were purposely implemented in order to simulate typical failure under cyclic load. In a dedicated test rig for shell structures, the flaw evolution/propagation is monitored by thermography and optical 3D inspection of deformation. Due to the unfavourable preconditions for classical computed tomography as of large aspect ratio, the samples were investigated by coplanar translational laminography. Its limited range of observation angles of ± 45°, results in anisotropic artefacts about the normal to the sample surface, but the typical flaws are well visualized in the as-prepared state, in a state of early damage, and in the repaired state.
The literature has shown that the application of laminography provides advantages as 3D radiographic imaging with depth information for in house and mobile testing. This permits to distinguish between overlapping indications, measure the extension along radiation direction and classify indications as surface open or subsurface
ones as required in critical engineering assessment. This work provides a comparative study and measurements of the three techniques Digital Radiography (DR) with Digital Detector Arrays (DDA), Coplanar Translational Laminography (CTL) and Computed Tomography (CT), applied for composite pipeline inspection. It is demonstrated that CTL and CT provide advantages for the evaluation of pipe-to-pipe connections and the evaluation of adhesive applications. They show indications of discontinuities with higher contrast sensitivity than radiography.
Beyond it, two specimen, namely Phantom 1 and Phantom 2, were developed and manufactured by additive manufacturing to analyze the preferential detection sensitivity and the direction of features and depth information for laminographic measurements. Another goal was to show the laminographic capabilities to distinguish between overlapping discontinuities. CTL is especially suitable for mobile inspection. Special glass fiber reinforced polymer samples (GRP) were manufactured for further analysis and comparisons between the abovementioned techniques. Finally, Phantoms 1 and 2 show the capability of laminography to detect overlapping indications and also show that discontinuities oriented perpendicular to the scan direction have the highest contrast sensitivity for laminographic measurements.
Additively manufactured (AM) metallic sheet-based Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures (TPMSS) meet several requirements in both bio-medical and engineering fields: Tunable mechanical properties, low sensitivity to manufacturing defects, mechanical stability, and high energy absorption. However, they also present some challenges related to quality control, which can prevent their successful application. In fact, the optimization of the AM process is impossible without considering structural characteristics as manufacturing accuracy, internal defects, as well as surface topography and roughness. In this study, the quantitative non-destructive analysis of TPMSS manufactured from Ti-6Al-4V alloy by electron beam melting was performed by means of X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Several advanced image analysis workflows are presented to evaluate the effect of build orientation on wall thicknesses distribution, wall degradation, and surface roughness reduction due to the chemical etching of TPMSS. It is shown that the manufacturing accuracy differs for the structural elements printed parallel and orthogonal to the manufactured layers. Different strategies for chemical etching show different powder removal capabilities and both lead to the loss of material and hence the gradient of the wall thickness. This affects the mechanical performance under compression by reduction of the yield stress. The positive effect of the chemical etching is the reduction of the surface roughness, which can potentially improve the fatigue properties of the components. Finally, XCT was used to correlate the amount of retained powder with the pore size of the functionally graded TPMSS, which can further improve the manufacturing process.
In this paper we report on the characterization by X-ray computed tomography of calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy scaffolds used as a material for medical implants. The cylindrical scaffold has greater porosity of the inner part than the external part, thus, mimicking trabecular and cortical bone, respectively. The prismatic scaffolds have uniform porosity. Surface of the scaffolds was modified with calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) by dip-coating to improve biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Computed tomography performed with X-ray and synchrotron radiation revealed the defects of structure and morphology of CaP and PCL coatings showing small platelet-like and spider-web-like structures, respectively.
In this paper we report on the characterization by X-ray computed tomography of calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy scaffolds used as a material for medical implants. The cylindrical scaffold has greater porosity of the inner part than the external part, thus, mimicking trabecular and cortical bone, respectively. The prismatic scaffolds have uniform porosity. Surface of the scaffolds was modified with calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) by dip-coating to improve biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Computed tomography performed with X-ray and synchrotron radiation revealed the defects of structure and morphology of CaP and PCL coatings showing small platelet-like and spider-web-like structures, respectively.
X-Ray computed tomography and traditional analysis of a capillary absorption test in cement pastes
(2020)
Water absorption testing has the attraction of being simple, relatively quick and use water as a fluid which is the key substance in the possible concrete deterioration. However, in spite of the advantages its application has remained empirical, except for the testing of resistance to frost, through the identification of the critical degree of saturation. Rilem TC-116 studied this test, among others, for the characterization of concrete resistance against transport through the concrete pore network. Results indicated a low discriminating ability of the absorbency for qualifying concrete resistance and then, it seemed necessary to try to move forward by making the link between the absorption testing and the concrete pore microstructure. In the present work, thanks to the X-Ray computed tomography, it is described the evolution of the water front in three paste-specimen with different w/c ratios (different pore radius distributions). The observations allowed us to deduce that all the pores start to fill simultaneously, but the bigger ones fill quicker and rise less. The saturation degree is measured along the height of the sample, showing that each pore size has a different rate which becomes constant after the first hour. Washburn’s equation was applied to the progressive advance of the water front, resulting in a pore radius much smaller than the one expected.
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 equally holds for industrial and academic research and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will 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. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
Additionally, I will show how Neutron Diffraction, which is extremely well suited to the study of internal stresses, both residual and under external load, can well be coupled to the microstructural framework gained by CT, allowing understanding the microstructure-property relationships in materials.
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?
The BAMline at the synchrotron X-ray source BESSY II (Berlin, Germany) is supporting researchers especially in materials science. As a non-destructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography with hard X-Rays, plays an important role in structural 3D characterization. The imaging capabilities allow for in-situ and operando experiments. In this presentation the data handling pipeline is presented.
After a general presentation of the beamline, specifically the workflow for ex-situ CT at BAMline is presented. Although being used in a broad variety of research fields the usual workflow for CT experiments is in most cases similar in terms of sample mounting, tomographic scan and reconstruction. Specific scanning schemes allow for a preview reconstruction carried out during the scan. A detailed description of the used hardware as well as the self-coded programs applied in the data pipeline will be given. This will be accompanied by a practical demonstration of the software involved in the entire process.
After a general presentation of the beamline, specifically the workflow for ex-situ CT at BAMline is presented. Although being used in a broad variety of research fields the usual workflow for CT experiments is in most cases similar in terms of sample mounting, tomographic scan and reconstruction. Specific scanning schemes allow for a preview reconstruction carried out during the scan. A detailed description of the used hardware as well as the self-coded programs applied in the data pipeline will be given. This will be accompanied by a practical demonstration of the software involved in the entire process.
In this study, nanoscopic particles of magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) and calcium fluoride (CaF2) also known as nano metal fluorides (NMFs), were evaluated for their potential to improve wood durability. Even though these fluorides are sparingly soluble, their synthesis in the form of nano-sized particles turns them into promising candidates for wood preservation. Their distinct property of low-water solubility is proposed to maintain long-lasting protection of treated wood by reducing the leaching of fluoride. Analytical methods were used to characterize the synthesized NMFs and their distribution in treated wood specimens. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that these fluoride particles are smaller than 10 nm. In nano metal fluoride (NMF) treated specimens, aggregates of these particles are uniformly distributed in the wood matrix as confirmed with scanning electron microscopy images and their corresponding energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy maps. The fluoride aggregates form a protective layer around the tracheid walls and block the bordered pits, thus reducing the possible flow path for water absorption into wood. This is reflected in the reduced swelling and increased hydrophobicity of wood treated with NMFs. The biocidal efficacy of NMFs was tested against brown-rot fungi (Coniophora puteanaand Rhodonia placenta), white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor), and termites (Coptotermes formosanus). The fungal and termite tests were performed in accordance with the EN 113 (1996) and EN 117 (2012) standards, respectively. Prior to fungal tests, the NMF treated wood specimens were leached according to the EN 84 (1997)standard. Compared to untreated specimens, the NMF treated wood specimens have a higher resistance to decay caused by brown-rot fungi, white-rot fungus, and termites. Although all NMF treatments in wood reduce the mass loss caused by fungal decay, only the combined treatment of MgF2 and CaF2 has efficacy against both brown-rot fungi and white-rot fungus. Similarly, wood treated with the combined NMF formulation is the least susceptible to attack by C. formosanus.It is proposed that combining MgF2 and CaF2changes their overall solubility to promote the release of fluoride ions at the optimal concentration needed for biocidal efficacy against fungi and termites. In this thesis, it was proven that even after leaching, sufficient fluoride was present to protect NMF treated wood from fungal decay. This shows that NMFs are robust enough for above ground contact outdoor applications of wood, where permanent wetness cannot be avoided according to Use Class 3.2, as per the EN 335 (2013) standard. Also, they pose a low risk to human health and the environment because they are sparingly soluble. Since NMFs significantly reduce the decay of wood, the CO2 fixed in it will be retained for longer than in unpreserved wood. Overall, the novel results of this study show the potential of NMFs to increase the service life of building materials made from non-durable wood.
Water migration in one-side heated concrete: 4D in-situ CT monitoring of the moisture-clog-effect
(2019)
Explosive spalling due to fire exposure in concrete structures can lead severe damage and, in the worst case, to premature component failure. For this reason, an in situ investigation of water Migration in concrete due to surface heating was undertaken.
During these experiments, a miniaturized concrete specimen within a confining and insulating double-hull was subjected to surface heating during simultaneous X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning. Through the use of subtraction-based Image analysis techniques, it was possible to observe and quantify not only drying within areas of the concrete matrix close to the heated surface, but also the migration of moisture to both pore and matrix regions deeper within the specimen. It was also discovered that the correction of CT images for specimen deformation using DVC and variable detector performance using calibrated image filters significantly improved the quality of the results. This clearly demonstrates the potential of X-ray CT for evaluation of other rapid-density-change phenomena in concrete and other building materials.
Water Migration in One-Side Heated Concrete: 4D In-Situ CT Monitoring of the Moisture-Clog-Effect
(2018)
In order to study damage in concrete exposed to fire, a series of continuous X-ray computed tomography (CT) measurements were performed on a concrete sample heated, in-situ, on one side. The water migration relative to time and 3D space and, in particular, the dynamic condensation and vaporization of water droplets in the pores was quantified. This approach shows significant potential for further investigation of fire-related concrete damage.
Vertebrate bones are made of a nanocomposite consisting of water, mineral and organics. Water helps bone material withstand mechanical stress and participates in sensation of external loads. Water diffusion across vertebrae of medaka (bone material lacking osteocytes) and zebrafish (bone material containing osteocytes) was compared using neutron tomography. Samples were measured both wet and following immersion in deuterated-water (D2O). By quantifying H+ exchange and mutual alignment with X-ray lCT scans, the amount of water expelled from complete vertebra was determined. The findings revealed that anosteocytic bone material is almost twice as amenable to D2O diffusion and H2O exchange, and that unexpectedly, far more water is retained in osteocytic zebrafish bone. Diffusion in osteocytic bones (only 33 % – 39 % water expelled) is therefore restricted as compared to anosteocytic bone (~ 60 % of water expelled), presumably because water flow is confined to the lacunar-canalicular network (LCN) open-pore system. Histology and Raman spectroscopy showed that anosteocytic bone contains less proteoglycans than osteocytic bone. These findings identify a previously unknown functional difference between the two bone materials. Therefore, this study proposes that osteocytic bone retains water, aided by non-collagenous proteins, which contribute to its poroelastic mechano-transduction of water flow confined inside the LCN porosity.
Behälter aus hochdichtem Polyethylen (PE-HD) werden zur Lagerung und für den Transport von Kraftstoffen eingesetzt. Beim Kontakt beider Medien diffundiert der Kraftstoff in das Polymer, erhöht dessen Volumen und Duktilität und ändert damit das Fließverhalten des Polymers unter Zugbelastung. Zudem weist PE-HD in Luft im verstreckten Bereich das sogenannte strain-whitening (Lichtstreuung) auf, während in Diesel gelagertes PE-HD optisch transparent wird. Zur Untersuchung dieses Phänomens wurden ortsaufgelöste Röntgenrefraktion und –diffraktion (Topographie) eingesetzt. Aus Sicht der molekularen Struktur (Diffraktion) weisen die beiden Probentypen keine Unterschiede auf: im verstreckten Bereich liegt eine „Fasertextur“ der Polymerketten in Belastungsrichtung vor, im unverstreckten Bereich nahezu ideale Isotropie. Die für mikroskopische Strukturen empfindliche Röntgenrefraktion zeigt außerdem für die Probe in Luft im verstreckten Bereich eine ausgeprägte Orientierung von Grenzflächen in Zugrichtung, während die in Diesel gelagerte Probe keine Grenzflächen zeigt. In Analogie zum optischen Verhalten bewirken die ähnlichen Brechungsindizes beider Medien im Röntgenbereich, dass eindiffundierter Diesel als Immersionsflüssigkeit die Brechungseigenschaften herabsetzt.
Behälter aus hochdichtem Polyethylen (PE-HD) werden zur Lagerung und für den Transport von Kraftstoffen eingesetzt. Beim Kontakt beider Medien diffundiert der Kraftstoff in das Polymer, erhöht dessen Volumen und Duktilität und ändert damit das Fließverhalten des Polymers unter Zugbelastung. Zudem weist PE-HD in Luft im verstreckten Bereich das sogenannte strain-whitening (Lichtstreuung) auf, während in Diesel gelagertes PE-HD optisch transparent wird. Zur Untersuchung dieses Phänomens wurden ortsaufgelöste Röntgenrefraktion und –diffraktion (Topographie) eingesetzt. Aus Sicht der molekularen Struktur (Diffraktion) weisen die beiden Probentypen keine Unterschiede auf: im verstreckten Bereich liegt eine „Fasertextur“ der Polymerketten in Belastungsrichtung vor, im unverstreckten Bereich nahezu ideale Isotropie. Die für mikroskopische Strukturen empfindliche Röntgenrefraktion zeigt außerdem für die Probe in Luft im verstreckten Bereich eine ausgeprägte Orientierung von Grenzflächen in Zugrichtung, während die in Diesel gelagerte Probe keine Grenzflächen zeigt. In Analogie zum optischen Verhalten bewirken die ähnlichen Brechungsindizes beider Medien im Röntgenbereich, dass eindiffundierter Diesel als Immersionsflüssigkeit die Brechungseigenschaften herabsetzt.
Die Entwicklung von Werkzeugen zur realitätsnahen Nachbildung eines industriellen CT-Systems in einer Simulationssoftware ist derzeit Hauptaufgabe des WIPANO Forschungsprojektes CTSimU2 Realistische Simulation realer Röntgencomputertomografie - Systeme mit basisqualifizierter Simulationssoftware. Als Voraussetzung dienen dabei Simulationssoftwares, die durch das Testframework aus dem Vorprojekt CTSimU1 basisqualifiziert wurden. Das Testframework testet die hinreichende physikalische Korrektheit und Funktionalität einer Simulationssoftware (Basisqualifizierung der Software). Für eine realitätsnahe Nachbildung ist nicht nur die Güte der Simulationssoftware, sondern insbesondere die Güte der Parametrisierung des realen CT-Systems in der Simulationssoftware ausschlaggebend. Dabei kann das Vorgehen der Parametrisierung in vier Schritte unterteilt werden: die Datenaufnahme am realen CT-System (Schritt 1), die Auswertung der aufgenommenen Daten für die Generierung allgemeiner Parameterangaben (Schritt 2), die Übertragung der Parameter in die spezifischen Simulationssoftwares (Schritt 3) und die Validierung der resultierenden Simulationsparameter durch einen geeigneten Test (Schritt 4). Ziel des Projektes ist es daher neben der Erarbeitung eines Werkzeugkastens mit allgemeinen Methoden zur Datenaufnahme und Auswertung der Daten, die Entwicklung eines Tests, auf dessen Basis die ausreichend korrekte Simulation einer realen Anlage beurteilt werden kann. Die erarbeiteten Ergebnisse sollen wie bereits im Vorprojekt CTSimU1 in einen Richtlinienentwurf für die Richtlinienreihe VDI/VDE 2630 übertragen werden. Dieser Beitrag soll einen Überblick über das Projekt und die ersten Ergebnisse geben.
Due to their increasing energy density, lithium-ion-batteries (LIBs) play a key role in the traffic energy transition. Regarding their safety behavior, the main challenge of LIB-cells remains the thermal runaway (TR) process. In situ/operando investigations of the TR on commercial cells is possible with radiographic and computer tomographic measurements. Nonetheless, high resolution visualization of the TR persists as a challenge due to the high progression speed of the TR-process itself. Generally, performing abuse tests at cryogenic temperatures allows to slow down or even prevent the TR. Nevertheless, not all abuse methods are suitable for TR investigations at low temperatures. Nail penetration is an appropriate option, however, contains numerous unknown parameters and therefore suffers regarding reproducibility.
Herein, a self-developed high precision nail-penetration-setup is introduced, approaching the necessary mechanically reproducibility with controlled temperatures down to -190°C. The setup allows the preparation of critically abused, however, at cryogenic temperatures stable LIB-cells. These cells were controlled rethermalized to room temperature during synchrotron x-ray computer tomography (SXCT) with a pixel size up to 0.7 μm. During this measurement, the temperature and voltage of the cell is monitored allowing the visualization of the initial internal cell reactions. This study reveals the relation between internal reactions and cell voltage. Finally, the developed set-up enables in-depth analysis of thermal runaway behavior down to material level for various commercial battery cells in the future.
Abstract While classically used to visualise the magnetic microstructure of functional materials (e.g., for magnetic applications), in this study, the Bitter technique was applied for the first time to visualise macroscopic deformation gradients in a polycrystalline low-carbon steel. Spherical indentation was chosen to produce a multiaxial elastic–plastic deformation state. After removing the residual imprint, the Bitter technique was applied, and macroscopic contrast differences were captured in optical microscopy. To verify this novel characterisation technique, characteristic “hemispherical” deformation zones evolving during indentation were identified using an analytical model from the field of contact mechanics. In addition, near-surface residual stresses were determined experimentally using synchrotron radiation diffraction. It is established that the magnetic domain distribution contrast provides deformation-related information: regions of different domain wall densities correspond to different “hemispherical” deformation zones (i.e., to hydrostatic core, plastic zone and elastic zone, respectively). Moreover, the transitions between these three zones correlate with characteristic features of the residual stress profiles (sign changes in the radial and local extrema in the hoop stress). These results indicate the potential of magnetic domain distribution imaging: visualising macroscopic deformation gradients in fine-grained ferromagnetic material with a significantly improved spatial resolution as compared to integral, mean value-based measurement methods.
Virtuelle CT
(2020)
Das Computerprogramm aRTist ist ein praktisches Simulationswerkzeug zur Erzeugung realistischer Radiographien virtueller Durchstrahlungsaufbauten. Mit Durchstrahlungssimulationen können Bauteile, repräsentiert durch STL-Geometrien, wie in einem Computertomografen gescannt werden. Dabei werden verschiedenste Parameter gezielt und exakt berücksichtigt.
Die Virtuelle Computertomografie bietet neue Möglichkeiten der Untersuchung von Parametereinflüssen. Neben der Möglichkeit, physikalische Effekte an- und abzuschalten, z.B. die Streustrahlung, können auch Scanbewegungen getestet werden, bevor diese technisch realisiert werden.
Das für die Forschung entwickelte Simulationsprogramm aRTist bietet mit seiner intuitiven grafischen Benutzeroberfläche vielfältige Anwendungsmöglichkeiten auch in Praxis und Entwicklung, beispielsweise zur Parameteroptimierung, für Machbarkeitsstudien oder zur Abschätzung der Unsicherheit dimensioneller Messungen.
The simulator aRTist combines analytical and Monte Carlo methods to efficiently model the radiographic process of industrial radiology. In this contribution we focus on virtual computer tomography, the simulation of tomographic scans. The possibilities to simulate complex scanning trajectories are shown in combination with the tomographic reconstruction using individual projection matrices.
Virtual CT with aRTist
(2021)
Simulation becomes more and more important in modern CT imaging. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for educational purposes. The radiographic simulator aRTist is a modelling tool which simulates X-ray imaging using a hybrid analytical and Monte Carlo method to efficiently model the radiation transport. In addition to the relevant physical effects such as absorption, scattering and fluorescence, simplified fast models are employed to describe the characteristics of the X-ray source and the detector. aRTist is well equipped to model realistic X-ray imaging setups due to the ability to load exported CAD object descriptions. A simple CT scan module is contained in aRTist which allows the simulation of standard (circular cone beam) scanning trajectories.
This training session starts with a general introduction to aRTist and will highlight its basic usage. Furthermore, the focus is on the configuration of scan trajectories and batch simulations for virtual CT. The aim is to enable the audience to use the aRTist software for their own experiments in virtual CT.
Virtual CT with aRTist
(2023)
The software aRTist is a simulation tool for the generation of realistic radiographs of virtual radiographic superstructures.
With radiographic simulations, virtual component models can be scanned as in a computer tomograph.
Industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) enables the non-destructive detection of internal and external surfaces as well as inhomogeneities of technical objects. Virtual CT offers new possibilities for the investigation of parameter influences of this complex testing and measuring technique. In addition to the option of switching physical effects on and off, scanning movements can also be tested before their technical realization.
The virtual CT generates projection images from different directions for the subsequent reconstruction of a volume model of the examined object. The reconstruction of the simulated scans is carried out with the algorithms and programs for real scans. Tomographic scans consist of a large number of projections, which practically cannot be generated individually by the user of a simulation. The software offers various options for the automated simulation of tomographic scans. These range from standard CT to scans on free trajectories or with individual projection matrices.
Virtual CT acquisition and reconstruction of complex and noisy scanning trajectories in aRTist
(2019)
In modern CT imaging, simulation has become an important tool to minimize cost- and time-intensive measurements. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for educational purposes. We extended the CT simulation software ‘aRTist’ with a module to set-up arbitrary trajectories including disturbing influences during the scan. Moreover, such geometric deviations can be compensated by the internal reconstruction tool.
Validation of a fast and traceable radiographic scale calibration of dimensional computed tomography
(2022)
A fast and highly precise method of determining the geometrical scale factor of computed tomography (CT) measurements has been validated successfully by Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) within the scope of AdvanCT (Advanced Computed Tomography for dimensional and surface measurements in industry), a project funded in the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR). The method has been developed by PTB and requires only two radiographic images of a calibrated thin 2D standard (hole grid standard) from two opposite directions. The mean grid distance is determined from both radiographs. From this and with the help of the calibration result, the radiographic scale and therefore the voxel size is determined. The procedure takes only a few minutes and avoids a time-consuming CT scan. To validate the method, the voxel sizes determined via this method were compared with voxel sizes determined from CT scans of calibrated objects. Relative deviations between the voxel sizes in the range of 10−5 were
achieved with minimal effort using cone-beam CT systems at moderate magnifications.
Using SXRR to Probe the Nature of Discontinuities in SLM Additive Manufactured Inconel 718 Specimens
(2020)
The utilization of additive manufacturing (AM) to fabricate robust structural components relies on understanding the nature of internal anomalies or discontinuities, which can compromise the structural integrity. While some discontinuities in AM microstructures stem from similar mechanisms as observed in more traditional processes such as casting, others are unique to the AM process. Discontinuities in AM are challenging to detect, due to their submicron size and orientation dependency. Toward the goal of improving structural integrity, minimizing discontinuities in an AM build requires an understanding of the mechanisms of formation to mitigate their occurrence. This study utilizes various techniques to evaluate the shape, size, nature and distribution of discontinuities in AM Inconel 718, in a non-hot isostatic pressed (HIPed) as-built, non-HIPed and direct age, and HIPed with two step age samples. Non-destructive synchrotron radiation refraction and transmission radiography (SXRR) provides additional information beyond that obtained with destructive optical microscopy. SXRR was able to distinguish between voids, cracks and lack of melt in, due to its sensitivity to the orientation of the discontinuity.
The BAMline at the BESSY II synchrotron X-ray source has enabled research for more than 20 years in widely spread research fields such as materials science, biology, cultural heritage and medicine. As a nondestructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography, plays a particularly important role in structural characterization. A recent upgrade of key equipment of the BAMline widens its imaging capabilities: shorter scan acquisition times are now possible, in situ and operando studies can now be routinely performed, and different energy spectra can easily be set up. In fact, the upgraded double-multilayer monochromator brings full flexibility by yielding different energy spectra to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. The upgraded detector (based on an sCMOS camera) also allows exploiting the higher flux with reduced readout times. Furthermore, an installed slip ring allows the sample stage to continuously rotate. The latter feature enables tomographic observation of processes occurring in the time scale of a few seconds.
Rechargeable sodium–oxygen batteries (NaOBs) are receiving extensive research interests because of their advantages such as ultrahigh energy density and cost efficiency. However, the severe failure of Na metal anodes has impeded the commercial development of NaOBs. Herein, combining in situ synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) and other complementary characterizations, a novel electro-chemo-mechanical failure mechanism of sodium metal anode in NaOBs is elucidated. It is visually showcased that the Na metal anodes involve a three-stage decay evolution of a porous Na reactive interphase layer (NRIL): from the initially dot-shaped voids evolved into the spindle-shaped voids and the eventually-developed ruptured cracks. The initiation of this three-stage evolution begins with chemical-resting and is exacerbated by further electrochemical cycling. From corrosion science and fracture mechanics, theoretical simulations suggest that the evolution of porous NRIL is driven by the concentrated stress at crack tips. The findings illustrate the importance of preventing electro-chemo-mechanical degradation of Na anodes in practically
rechargeable NaOBs.
Die Integrität der Verstärkungsfasern in Komposit-Zahnstiften ist entscheidend für die Biegefestigkeit und die langfristige Haftung am Zement in den Wurzelkanälen. Es wurde vermutet, dass die Integrität von glasfaserverstärkten Zahnstiften durch das Beschleifen während der zahnmedizinischen Behandlung beeinträchtigt wird. Eine Beschädigung der Fasern führt zu einer erheblichen strukturellen Schwächung über den gesamten Stiftdurchmesser. Glasfragmente, die durch den Kontakt mit dem Zahnbohrer entstehen, können sich vom Stift lösen und die Haftfähigkeit erheblich verringern. Mit Hilfe hochauflösender Synchrotron-Röntgen-Refraktions-Radiographie (SXRR) konnte das Ausmaß der Schäden zuverlässig identifiziert und charakterisiert werden.
Dazu wurden die Glasfaserstifte sowohl im Herstellungszustand als auch nach der Bearbeitung mit einem Diamantbohrer untersucht. Die Datensätze wurden zur Visualisierung und Quantifizierung der morphologischen Charakteristika intakter und durch das Beschleifen beschädigter Regionen analysiert. Sie zeigen Schäden im bearbeiteten Bereich (z. B. Brüche, Splitter und Risse) sowie herstellungsbedingte Inhomogenitäten der Fasern mit einer signifikanten Zunahme der inneren Oberflächen in Probenregionen, die durch das Beschleifen beschädigt wurden.
Die Integrität der Verstärkungsfasern in Komposit-Zahnstiften ist entscheidend für die Biegefestigkeit und die langfristige Haftung am Zement in den Wurzelkanälen. Es wurde vermutet, dass die Integrität von glasfaserverstärkten Zahnstiften durch das Beschleifen während der zahnmedizinischen Behandlung beeinträchtigt wird. Eine Beschädigung der Fasern führt zu einer erheblichen strukturellen Schwächung über den gesamten Stiftdurchmesser. Glasfragmente, die durch den Kontakt mit dem Zahnbohrer entstehen, können sich vom Stift lösen und die Haftfähigkeit erheblich verringern. Mit Hilfe hochauflösender Synchrotron-Röntgen-Refraktions-Radiographie (SXRR) konnte das Ausmaß der Schäden zuverlässig identifiziert und charakterisiert werden.
Dazu wurden die Glasfaserstifte sowohl im Herstellungszustand als auch nach der Bearbeitung mit einem Diamantbohrer untersucht. Die Datensätze wurden zur Visualisierung und Quantifizierung der morphologischen Charakteristika intakter und durch das Beschleifen beschädigter Regionen analysiert. Sie zeigen Schäden im bearbeiteten Bereich (z. B. Brüche, Splitter und Risse) sowie herstellungsbedingte Inhomogenitäten der Fasern mit einer signifikanten Zunahme der inneren Oberflächen in Probenregionen, die durch das Beschleifen beschädigt wurden.
Das selektive Laserschmelzen (SLM) ist eine pulverbasierte, additive Fertigungsmethode, welche die Herstellung von komplex und individuell geformten Bauteilen ermöglicht. Im Laufe der vergangenen Jahre haben verschiedene Branchen, unter anderem die Luft- und Raumfahrt Industrie, begonnen diese Technologie intensiv zu erforschen. Insbesondere die Titanlegierung Ti-6Al-V4, welche aufgrund ihrer Kombination von mechanischen Eigenschaften, geringer Dichte und Korrosionsbeständigkeit häufig in der Luft- und Raumfahrt eingesetzt wird, eignet sich für die Herstellung mittels SLM. Allerdings können durch nicht optimal gewählte Prozessparameter, welche für gewöhnlich in einer Energiedichte zusammengefasst werden, Defekte in den Bauteilen entstehen.
In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, in wie weit Röntgen-Refraktionsradiographie geeignet ist diese Defekte zu detektieren und zu charakterisieren. Bei der Röntgen-Refraktionsradiographie wird die Röntgenstrahlung, nachdem sie die Probe transmittiert hat, über einen Analysatorkristall gemäß der Bragg-Bedingung in den 2D-Detektor reflektiert und dabei nach ihrer Ausbreitungsrichtung gefiltert. Dadurch wird neben der Schwächung auch die Ablenkung der Röntgenstrahlung durch Refraktion im inneren der Probe zur Bildgebung ausgenutzt. Aus den aufgenommen Refraktionsradiogrammen kann der Refraktionswert berechnet werden. Dieser ist ein Maß für die Menge an inneren Oberflächen in der Probe.
Zum einen konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Röntgen-Refraktionsradiographie Defekte detektieren kann, die kleiner sind als die Ortsauflösung des verwendeten 2D-Detektors. Zum anderen können zwei verschiedene Typen von Defekten unterschieden werden. Bei dem ersten Typ handelt es sich um runde Poren mit geringer innerer Oberfläche. Diese, sogenannten „keyhole pores“ sind charakteristisch für eine zu hohe Energiedichte während des SLM Prozesses. Bei dem zweiten Typ handelt es sich um nicht komplett aufgeschmolzenes Pulver. Diese Defekte zeichnen sich durch eine hohe innere Oberfläche aus und sind charakteristisch für eine zu geringe Energiedichte. Vergleichende Messungen mit hochauflösender Synchrotron CT und optischer Mikroskopie bestätigen die charakteristischen Formen der verschiedenen Defekte.
Das selektive Laserschmelzen (SLM) ist eine pulverbasierte, additive Fertigungsmethode, welche die Herstellung von komplex und individuell geformten Bauteilen ermöglicht. Im Laufe der vergangenen Jahre haben verschiedene Branchen, unter anderem die Luft- und Raumfahrt Industrie, begonnen diese Technologie intensiv zu erforschen. Insbesondere die Titanlegierung Ti-6Al-V4, welche aufgrund ihrer Kombination von mechanischen Eigenschaften, geringer Dichte und Korrosionsbeständigkeit häufig in der Luft- und Raumfahrt eingesetzt wird, eignet sich für die Herstellung mittels SLM. Allerdings können durch nicht optimal gewählte Prozessparameter, welche für gewöhnlich in einer Energiedichte zusammengefasst werden, Defekte in den Bauteilen entstehen.
In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, in wie weit Röntgen-Refraktionsradiographie geeignet ist diese Defekte zu detektieren und zu charakterisieren. Bei der Röntgen-Refraktionsradiographie wird die Röntgenstrahlung, nachdem sie die Probe transmittiert hat, über einen Analysatorkristall gemäß der Bragg-Bedingung in den 2D-Detektor reflektiert und dabei nach ihrer Ausbreitungsrichtung gefiltert. Dadurch wird neben der Schwächung auch die Ablenkung der Röntgenstrahlung durch Refraktion im inneren der Probe zur Bildgebung ausgenutzt. Aus den aufgenommen Refraktionsradiogrammen kann der Refraktionswert berechnet werden. Dieser ist ein Maß für die Menge an inneren Oberflächen in der Probe.
Zum einen konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Röntgen-Refraktionsradiographie Defekte detektieren kann, die kleiner sind als die Ortsauflösung des verwendeten 2D-Detektors. Zum anderen können zwei verschiedene Typen von Defekten unterschieden werden. Bei dem ersten Typ handelt es sich um runde Poren mit geringer innerer Oberfläche. Diese, sogenannten „keyhole pores“ sind charakteristisch für eine zu hohe Energiedichte während des SLM Prozesses. Bei dem zweiten Typ handelt es sich um nicht komplett aufgeschmolzenes Pulver. Diese Defekte zeichnen sich durch eine hohe innere Oberfläche aus und sind charakteristisch für eine zu geringe Energiedichte. Vergleichende Messungen mit hochauflösender Synchrotron CT und optischer Mikroskopie bestätigen die charakteristischen Formen der verschiedenen Defekte.
The manufacturability of metallic alloys using laser-based additive manufacturing methods such as laser powder bed fusion has substantially improved within the last decade. However, local melting and solidification cause hierarchically structured and crystallographically textured microstructures possessing large residual stress. Such microstructures are not only the origin of mechanical anisotropy but also pose metrological challenges for the diffraction-based residual stress determination. Here we demonstrate the influence of the build orientation and the texture on the microstructure and consequently the mechanical anisotropy of as-built Inconel 718. For this purpose, we manufactured specimens with [001]/[011]-, [001]- and [011]/[111]-type textures along their loading direction. In addition to changes in the Young’s moduli, the differences in the crystallographic textures result in variations of the yield and ultimate tensile strengths. With this in mind, we studied the anisotropy on the micromechanical scale by subjecting the specimens to tensile loads along the different texture directions during in situ neutron diffraction experiments. In this context, the response of multiple lattice planes up to a tensile strain of 10% displayed differences in the load partitioning and the residual strain accumulation for the specimen with [011]/[111]-type texture. However, the relative behavior of the specimens possessing an [001]/[011]- and [001]-type texture remained qualitatively similar. The consequences on the metrology of residual stress determination methods are discussed.
In the present study, in-situ observation of Hot Isostatic Pressure (HIP) procedure of laser powder bed fusion manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts was performed to quantitatively estimate the densifcation rate of the material and the infuence of the defect initial size and shape on such rate. The observations were performed in-situ using the Ultrafast Tomography Paris-Edinburgh Cell and the combination of fast phase-contrast synchrotron X-ray tomography and energy dispersive difraction. With this strategy, we could quantify how the efectiveness of HIP depends on the characteristics of a defect. Smaller defects showed a higher densifcation rate, while the defect shape did not have signifcant efect on such rate.
The Stone Age site Riņņukalns, Latvia, is the only well-stratified shell midden in the Eastern Baltic. In this paper, we present new interdisciplinary results concerning its dating, stratigraphy, features, and finds to shed light on the daily life of a fisher population prior to the introduction of domesticated animals. The undisturbed part of the midden consists of alternating layers of unburnt mussel shell, burnt mussel shell and fish bone, containing artefacts, some mammal and bird bones, and human burials. Two of them, an adult man and a baby, are discovered recently and date to the calibration plateau between 3350 and 3100 cal BC, and to the later 4th millennium, respectively. Stable isotopes suggest a diet based heavily on freshwater fish, and this is supported not only by ten thousands of identified fish remains, but also by a fish bone concentration nearby the skull of the man, which is interpreted as remain of a grave gift (possible fish soup). Of special interest are the baby’s stable isotope values. It shows that the mother’s diet was atypical (perhaps because she was non-local), and/or that dietary stress during pregnancy increased fractionation between the mother’s diet and her bloodstream
Most knowledge about the structure, function, and evolution of early compound eyes is based on investigations in trilobites. However, these studies dealt mainly with the cuticular lenses and little was known about internal anatomy. Only recently some data on crystalline cones and retinula cells were reported for a Cambrian trilobite species. Here, we describe internal eye structures of two other trilobite genera. The Ordovician Asaphus sp. reveals preserved crystalline cones situated underneath the cuticular lenses. The same is true for the Devonian species Archegonus (Waribole) warsteinensis, which in addition shows the fine structure of the rhabdom in the retinula cells. These results suggest that an apposition eye with a crystalline cone is ancestral for Trilobita. The overall similarity of trilobite eyes to those of myriapods, crustaceans, and hexapods corroborates views of a phylogenetic position of trilobites in the stem lineage of Mandibulata.
Most knowledge about the structure, function, and evolution of early compound eyes is based on investigations in trilobites. However, these studies dealt mainly with the cuticular lenses and little was known about internal anatomy. Only recently some data on crystalline cones and retinula cells were reported for a Cambrian trilobite species. Here, we describe internal eye structures of two other trilobite genera. The Ordovician Asaphus sp. reveals preserved crystalline cones situated underneath the cuticular lenses. The same is true for the Devonian species Archegonus (Waribole) warsteinensis, which in addition shows the fine structure of the rhabdom in the retinula cells. These results suggest that an apposition eye with a crystalline cone is ancestral for Trilobita. The overall similarity of trilobite eyes to those of myriapods, crustaceans, and hexapods corroborates views of a phylogenetic position of trilobites in the stem lineage of Mandibulata.
The triaxial distribution of the residual stress in laser powder bed fused austenitic steel 316L was determined by X-ray and neutron diffraction. The residual stress analysis results were linked to the thermal history of the specimens, which were manufactured with varying inter-layer-times and scanning velocities. A clear link between the in-process temperature of the specimens and the residual stress was found, based on in-situ monitoring data.
Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion-manufactured (E-PBF) porous components with narrow pores or channels and rough walls or struts can be filled with trapped powder after the manufacturing process. Adequate powder removal procedures are required, especially for high-density porous structures. In the present research, sheetbased porous structures with different thicknesses based on triply periodic minimal surfaces fabricated by EPBF were subjected to different post-processing methods, including a traditional powder recovery system for EPBF, chemical etching and ultrasound vibration-assisted powder removal. Wall thickness, internal defects, microstructure and morphology features, powder distribution inside the specimens, mechanical properties and deformation modes were investigated. A powder recovery system could not remove all residual powder from dense structures. In turn, chemical etching was effective for surface morphology changes and subsurface layers elimination but not for powder removal, as it affected the wall thickness, considerably influencing the mechanical properties of the whole structure. The ultrasound vibration method was quite effective for the removal of residual powder from sheet-based TMPS structures and without a severe degradation of mechanical properties. 10.1016/j.msea.2022.144479 Ultrasound vibration also caused grain refinement.
Explosive spalling is caused by, among others, the thermohydraulic spalling mechanism. During this process, vaporization, dehydration, moisture-transport and condensation processes interact. As a result, a drying and dehydration zone as well as a saturated zone, known as a moisture clog, are observed inside the unilaterally-heated concrete. The presented research is focused on the experimental investigation of the underlying thermohydraulic processes.
To investigate these, a test methodology based on X-ray computed tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was developed. Thereby, the X-ray CT scans are carried out simultaneously during the application of a defined unilateral-heating regime on a specially-constructed specimen. This miniaturized specimen, equipped with a double-layer casing, reproduces the condition within a planar, unilaterally-heated building component.
A preliminary test methodology and the first experimental results were presented at the 5th International Workshop on Concrete Spalling in Borås, Sweden (2017). The contribution for the upcoming workshop presents an improved version of this test methodology and new results for a high-performance concrete (HPC) mixture exposed to temperatures up to 500 °C. Regarding the CT measurements, a higher time-resolution of 15 min was achieved and a quantification of the moisture changes was implemented. Due to an increase in signal quality of the NMR measurements, a pore-size specific moisture distribution can now be resolved. This allows to conclude about the moisture reconfiguration between small gel pores and larger interhydrate pores. Additionally, the NMR measurement are no longer limited to first 2.5 cm below the heated surface but a one-dimensional moisture distribution can now be estimated over the whole 10 cm long specimen.
The presented results demonstrate that the combination of X-ray CT and NMR measurements enables to image and quantify the thermally-induced moisture transport and reconfiguration from small gel pores up to macro pores. This provides important insights into the thermohydraulic damage mechanism and leads to a better understanding of spalling avoidance strategies, like the addition of polypropylene fibres.
Explosive spalling is caused by, among others, the thermohydraulic spalling mechanism. During this process, vaporization, dehydration, moisture-transport and condensation processes interact. As a result, a drying and dehydration zone as well as a saturated zone, known as a moisture clog, are observed inside the unilaterally-heated concrete. The presented research is focused on the experimental investigation of the underlying thermohydraulic processes.
To investigate these, a test methodology based on X-ray computed tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was developed. Thereby, the X-ray CT scans are carried out simultaneously during the application of a defined unilateral-heating regime on a specially-constructed specimen. This miniaturized specimen, equipped with a double-layer casing, reproduces the condition within a planar, unilaterally-heated building component.
A preliminary test methodology and the first experimental results were presented at the 5th International Workshop on Concrete Spalling in Borås, Sweden (2017). The contribution for the upcoming workshop presents an improved version of this test methodology and new results for a high-performance concrete (HPC) mixture exposed to temperatures up to 500 °C. Regarding the CT measurements, a higher time-resolution of 15 min was achieved and a quantification of the moisture changes was implemented. Due to an increase in signal quality of the NMR measurements, a pore-size specific moisture distribution can now be resolved. This allows to conclude about the moisture reconfiguration between small gel pores and larger interhydrate pores. Additionally, the NMR measurement are no longer limited to first 2.5 cm below the heated surface but a one-dimensional moisture distribution can now be estimated over the whole 10 cm long specimen.
The presented results demonstrate that the combination of X-ray CT and NMR measurements enables to image and quantify the thermally-induced moisture transport and reconfiguration from small gel pores up to macro pores. This provides important insights into the thermohydraulic damage mechanism and leads to a better understanding of spalling avoidance strategies, like the addition of polypropylene fibres.
The water management in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is strongly influenced by the design of the gas diffusion layers (GDL). Limiting current measurements in small-scale cells operating at high stoichiometries are useful to determine the oxygen transport resistance. The oxygen transport resistance increases, once water condenses inside the GDL. In this study a new electrochemical method for voltage loss estimation of GDL induced oxygen transport losses are presented. This new method, referred to as “transient limiting current” (TLC), is compared with the literature method. TLC allows a direct estimation of oxygen transport resistance at an arbitrarily conditioned state. This study also presents a case study of liquid water visualization of a PEM fuel cell with varying GDLs types.
With the help of quasi in-situ synchrotron X-ray computed tomography and time resolved radiography measurements we investigate appearance and distribution of liquid water inside the GDLs under limiting current conditions.
The stress-induced tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m) zirconia phase transformation can provide a certain degree of plasticity to Ceria-stabilized (Ce-TZP) zirconia-based composites. Characterizing and monitoring this phase transition on a millimeter-size range, within the bulk and in-situ remains a challenge. In this work, the mechanical behavior of Ce-TZP based composite was studied in tension, combining microscopy and synchrotron Xray refraction techniques. In contrast with microscopy methods, which only provide surface information, X-ray refraction radiography (SXRR) allowed the visualization of all the transformation bands, over the entire length and thickness of tested specimens, opening up new avenues for in-situ stress-induced t-m transformation studies.
Traceable determination of non-static XCT machine geometry: New developments and case studies
(2022)
It is fundamental to determine the machine geometry accurately for dimensional X-ray computed tomography (XCT) measurements. When performing high-accuracy scans, compensation of a non-static geometry, e.g. due to rotary axis errors or drift, might become necessary. Here we provide an overview of methods to determine and account for such deviations on a per projection basis. They include characterisation of stage error motions, in situ geometry measurements, numerical simulations, and reconstruction-based optimization relying on image quality metrics and will be discussed in terms of their metrological performance. Since a radiographic calibration is always required to provide an initial absolute geometry, this method will be presented as well. The improvements of the XCT geometry correction methods are presented by means of case studies. The methods can be applied individually or in combination and are intended to provide a toolbox for XCT geometry compensation.
This study reports on the stress relaxation potential of stress-relieving heat treatments for laser powder bed fused 316L. The residual stress is monitored non-destructively using neutron diffraction before and after the heat treatment. Moreover, the evolution of the microstructure is analysed using scanning electron microscopy. The results show, that a strong relaxation of the residual stress is obtained when applying a heat treatment temperature at 900°C. However, the loss of the cellular substructure needs to be considered when applying this heat treatment strategy.
The laser powder bed fusion of 316L leads to the formation of large residual stress. In this presentation, different stress relieve treatments were employed to assess their potential to relax the residual stress. The residual stress was determined by X-ray and neutron diffraction. The results give insights on the range of relaxation one can obtain by employing low and high temperature heat treatments and relates the relaxation to changes in the microstructure.
The formation of high magnitude residual stresses is inherent in laser powder bed fused processed austenitic steel 316L. Post-process heat treatments to relieve these stresses are necessary. In this study, heat treatment temperatures of 450°C, 800°C and 900°C were applied in order to avoid excessive sensitization. This temperature range thereby encompassed the upper and lower bounds for stress relieving treatment of this material. The residual stresses were determined by neutron diffraction and the evolution of the microstructure was monitored using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction. The results show that a full relaxation of the residual stresses is achieved when applying 900°C for 1 hour, which seems to be closely related to the dissolution of the subgrain solidification cellular structure.
The safe fatigue design of metallic components fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) is still a largely unsolved problem. This is primarily due to (a) a significant inhomogeneity of the material properties across the component; (b) defects such as porosity and lack of fusion as well as pronounced surface roughness of the asuilt components; and (c) residual stresses, which are very often present in the as‐built parts and need to be removed by post‐fabrication treatments. Such morphological and microstructural features are very different than in conventionally manufactured parts and play a much bigger role in determining the fatigue life. The above problems require specific solutions with respect to the identification of the critical (failure) sites in AM fabricated components. Moreover, the generation of representative test specimens characterized by similar temperature cycles needs to be guaranteed if one wants to reproducibly identify the critical sites and establish fatigue assessment methods taking into account the effect of defects on crack initiation and early propagation. The latter requires fracture mechanics‐based approaches which, unlike common methodologies, cover the specific characteristics of so‐called short fatigue cracks. This paper provides a discussion of all these aspects with special focus on components manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF). It shows how to adapt existing solutions, identifies fields where there are still gaps, and discusses proposals for potential improvement of the damage tolerance design of L‐PBF components
We show that the equation proposed by Takeuchi and Argon to explain the creep behavior of Al–Mg solid solution can be used to describe also the creep behavior of pure aluminum. In this frame, it is possible to avoid the use of the classic pre-exponential fitting parameter in the power law equation to predict the minimum creep strain rate. The effect of the fractal arrangement of dislocations, developed at the mesoscale, must be considered to fully explain the experimental data. These ideas allow improving the recently introduced SSTC model, fully describing the primary and secondary creep regimes of aluminum alloys without the need for fitting. Creep data from commercially pure Al99.8% and Al–Mg alloys tested at different temperatures and stresses are used to validate the proposed ideas.
Toughening mechanisms and enhanced damage tolerant fatigue behaviour in laminated metal composites
(2022)
In the present study, fatigue crack growth (FCG) in a laminated metal composite (LMC) consisting of Al-based constituents with dissimilar strength was studied. Additionally, the FCG in both monolithic constituent materials was determined and a linear elastic rule of mixture (ROM) concept was calculated as a reference for the FCG of the laminated composite. Crack networks in the laminates were analyzed post-mortem by means of light microscopy and synchrotron X-Ray tomography (SXCT). Significantly reduced FCG rates for the LMC were found at elevated stress intensity ranges compared to both the monolithic constituents as well as the ROM concept. This is the result of the formation of a complex 3D crack network in the laminated architecture caused by the appearance of the two different toughening mechanisms a) crack deflection and b) crack bifurcation at the vicinity of the interfaces.
The mechanisms controlling the fatigue response of an A357-T6 cast aluminium alloy under cyclic torsional loading are investigated. Surface crack monitoring coupled with Electron BackScattering Diffraction (EBSD) analysis is used to study crack initiation. Determination of S-N curve combined with interrupted in situ fatigue testing using synchrotron tomography allows the study of the propagation behaviour. It is observed that fractographic morphologies depend on the stress level. At intermediate-low stress levels ( τmax < 100 MPa), the grain structure controls the crack initiation and propagation periods. Cracks are usually nucleated in mode II from slip planes close to the specimen axis or perpendicular to it. Mode II crack growth dominates the early stages of crack propagation as mode III inward crack growth is rapidly decelerated. This behaviour leads to the formation of characteristic shallow surface cracks. Once the crack is long enough for the mode II driving force to be overtaken by mode III, propagation branches into ~45 ◦mode I.
Metastable austenitic stainless steel (304L) samples with a rectangular cross-section were plastically deformed in torsion during which they experienced multiaxial stresses that led to a complex martensitic phase distribution owing to the transformation induced plasticity effect. A three-dimensional characterization of the phase distributions in these cm-sized samples was carried out by wavelength-selective neutron tomography. It was found that quantitatively correct results are obtained as long as the samples do not exhibit any considerable preferential grain orientation. Optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and finite element modeling were used to verify and explain the results obtained by neutron tomography. Altogether, neutron tomography was shown to extend the range of microstructure characterization methods towards the meso- and macroscale.
Metastable austenitic stainless steel (304L) samples with a rectangular cross-section were plastically deformed in torsion during which they experienced multiaxial stresses that led to a complex martensitic phase distribution owing to the transformation induced plasticity effect. A three-dimensional characterization of the phase distributions in these cm-sized samples was carried out by wavelength-selective neutron tomography. It was found that quantitatively correct results are obtained as long as the samples do not exhibit any considerable preferential grain orientation. Optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and finite element modeling were used to verify and explain the results obtained by neutron tomography. Altogether, neutron tomography was shown to extend the range of microstructure characterization methods towards the meso- and macroscale.
Different scientific questions in battery research can be addressed by synchrotron X-Ray imaging. The BAMline at the 3rd generation synchrotron X-ray source BESSY II has been supporting researchers in a wide range of research areas for over 20 years. Being a non-destructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, in particular tomography (SXCT), plays a particularly important role in structural characterization. This poster gives few examples from battery research conducted at BAMline.
As a non-destructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography with hard X-Rays, plays an important role in structural 3D characterization. The upgraded dual multilayer monochromator offers flexibility by providing different energy spectra to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. The upgraded detector (in white beam configuration, equipped with an sCMOS camera) allows the higher flux to be exploited with reduced readout times. Shorter tomographic acquisition times in the range of seconds are now possible. Hence, in-situ and operando examinations are routinely available. An integrated slip ring allows continuous rotation of the sample stage for ease of wiring. The pink beam option allows tomographic observation of processes occurring in the time domain of a few seconds with a resolution down to ~ 1 µm. The in-situ capabilities include electrochemical cycling, mechanical load (tension and compression) and heating up to 1100°C.
Ergebnisse
The method, equipment, data handling pipeline as well as various examples from battery research conducted at BAMline are presented and discussed. In particular, the 3D morphology and distribution of deposited Li within the widely used Celgard® 2325 polyolefin separator are visualized in situ, thus promoting the understanding of the short-circuiting process of Li metal batteries. In addition, we also visualized and quantified the spatial distribution of Li depositions inside a porous carbon host to unravel the deposition behavior that can hardly be probed by surface imaging techniques.
The Li electrodeposition behavior found here could help to promote the understanding and development of surface modifications related to Li anodes, separators as well as novel 3D geometry electrode designs for accommodation of Li depositions and alleviation of volumetric changes.
The BAMline at the synchrotron X-ray source BESSY II (Berlin, Germany) is supporting researchers in a wide range of research areas since more than 20 years. These fields include biology, cultural heritage, medicine, and also materials science. As a non-destructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography with hard X-Rays, plays an important role in structural 3D characterization. A recent upgrade of key equipment at the BAMline expands the imaging capabilities towards shorter acquisition times. Therefore, in-situ and operando experiments can now be routinely conducted. Also, different energy resolutions can be set up to optimize flux and energy resolution as desired. This requires an adaptation of the used reconstruction methods in order to perform necessary analyses also during the experiment. In this presentation the equipment, data handling pipeline as well as various examples from material science are presented.
The BAMline at the synchrotron X-ray source BESSY II (Berlin, Germany) is supporting researchers especially in materials science. As a non-destructive characterization method, synchrotron X-ray imaging, especially tomography with hard X-Rays, plays an important role in structural 3D characterization. The imaging capabilities allow for in-situ and operando experiments. In this presentation the equipment, data handling pipeline as well as various examples from material science are presented.
To see and not to see - Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Schadensanalyse mit CT an Kompositmaterialien
(2020)
Anhand von drei Beispielen (Datenfusion an CFK; Machine Learning an Metall-Matrix-Kompositen sowie Refraktion an CFK) wird gezeigt, wie die BAM mit neuen Analysemethoden mehr Informationen aus CT-Datensätzen extrahieren kann, sowie mit der Refraktion eine Analysemethode besitzt, die in Fällen eingesetzt werden kann, bei denen klassische Durchstrahlungsmethoden kein Ergebnis liefern.
Time-dependent in situ measurement of atmospheric corrosion rates of duplex stainless steel wires
(2018)
Corrosion rates of strained grade UNS S32202 (2202) and UNS S32205 (2205) duplex stainless steel wires have been measured, in situ, using time-lapse X-ray computed tomography. Exposures to chloride-containing (MgCl2) atmospheric environments at 50 °C (12–15 M Cl− and pH ~5) with different mechanical elastic and elastic/plastic loads were carried out over a period of 21 months. The corrosion rates for grade 2202 increased over time, showing selective dissolution with shallow corrosion sites, coalescing along the surface of the wire. Corrosion rates of grade 2205 decreased over time, showing both selective and pitting corrosion with more localised attack, growing preferentially in depth. The nucleation of stress corrosion cracking was observed in both wires.
Two biopolyol-based foams derived from banana leaves (BL) or stems (BS) were produced, and their compression mechanical behavior and 3D microstructure were characterized. Traditional compression and in situ tests were performed during 3D image acquisition using X-ray microtomography. A methodology of image acquisition, processing, and analysis was developed to discriminate the foam cells and measure their numbers, volumes, and shapes along with the compression steps.
The two foams had similar compression behaviors, but the average cell volume was five times larger for the BS foam than the BL foam. It was also shown that the number of cells increased with increasing compression while the average cell volume decreased. Cell shapes were elongated and did not change with compression. A possible explanation for these characteristics was proposed based on the possibility of cell collapse. The developed methodology will facilitate a broader study of biopolyol-based foams intending to verify the possibility of using these foams as green alternatives to the typical petrol-based foams.
The synthesis route and thermoelectric characterization of n-type Fe2-xTi1+xO5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) and Fe1.75(Ti1-yNby)1.25O5 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.05) are presented. Their electrical conductivity obeys the small polaron model and their Seebeck coefficient is weakly dependent on temperature. The carrier concentration is increased with increasing Ti content in Fe2-xTi1+xO5, thus improving the electrical conductivity and decreasing the absolute values of the Seebeck coefficient. The composition with x = 0.5 shows reduced electrical conductivity contradicting the change in the carrier concentration, as it contains more microcracks than the other compositions. Fe2-xTi1+xO5 exhibits extremely low thermal conductivity. Fe2-xTi1+xO5 with x = 0.25 exhibits the highest ZT, ~ 0.014 at 1000 K. Therefore, a limited extent microcracks are beneficial to thermoelectric properties; however, when they are too extended they can be detrimental. On the contrary to Fe2TiO5, Nb substitution into Fe1.75Ti1.25O5 does not obviously improve its thermoelectric properties.
Thermoelectric properties of doubly substituted La0.95Sr0.05Co1-xCrxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics
(2018)
Dense La0.95Sr0.05Co1-xCrxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction and conventional sintering. Room-temperature crystal structure and microstructure were investigated and the thermoelectric properties were measured in the temperature range 323 K – 1020 K. All compositions are single phase with rhombohedral structure, and the lattice parameter of La0.95Sr0.05Co1-xCrxO3 increases with increasing Cr content.
La0.95Sr0.05Co1-xCrxO3 is a p-type small polaron conductor. The charge carrier concentration is determined by both substitution of La3+ with Sr2+ and thermally-activated charge disproportionation of Co3+ and / or Cr3+. Above 550 K, the substitution of Co with Cr increases the Seebeck coefficient and reduces the electrical conductivity. Below 550 K, the trend of Seebeck coefficient with Cr content is not clear due to the thermally activated charge disproportionation. At low temperature, the electrical conductivity shows a minimum with Cr content of x = 0.4, as a result of trapped polarons in the Cr sites. By substituting Co with Cr, the power factor below 800 K is reduced and that above 800 K is improved.
The thermal conductivity is effectively reduced by doping Cr. The highest ZT value of 0.053 at 373 K is achieved for x = 0, but it decreases rapidly with increasing temperature. Substitution of Co with Cr can effectively improve the ZT values at high temperatures. In the temperature range 700 K – 1000 K, ZT increases with increasing Cr content, the highest being 0.04 at 1000 K for the composition with x = 0.5, more than 4 times the value of the La0.95Sr0.05CoO3 compound.
Thermally-induced moisture transport in high-performance concrete studied by X-ray-CT and 1H-NMR
(2019)
The thermohydraulic damage mechanism is one of the primary causes for explosive spalling of highperformance concrete. This paper presents the spatially- and temporally-resolved analysis of the thermally-induced moisture transport and reconfiguration processes by means of X-ray-CT and 1HNMR.
Thermal testing results for a high-performance concrete, which is sensitive to explosive spalling and which was prepared with and without added polypropylene fibres, are presented in this paper. These results indicate that the addition of fibres leads to a faster and deeper migration of the drying front and, thus, to a lower likelihood of vapour-pressure induced explosive spalling.
Pure and Al-doped ZnO powders have been sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering. Al doping allows the ceramics to reach a relative density greater than 90% at a sintering temperature of 500°C. The morphology of powder nanoparticles impacts the final grain size of the sintered bulk compounds. A ceramic sintered from isotropic nanoparticles of 30 nm in diameter can reach an average grain size of 110 nm, whereas a ceramic sintered from platelets and isotropic nanoparticles exhibits an average grain size in the submicrometric range. The influence of ceramic grain size on the thermal conductivity has been investigated. It shows that substantial decrease of the grain size from several microns down to 100 nm reduces the thermal conductivity from 29.5 to 7.8 W/m K at 100°C. The stability of nanostructured ceramic has also been checked. After SPS, an annealing at 500°C in air also leads to grain growth.
Simulation becomes more and more important in modern CT imaging. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for educational purposes. The radiographic simulator aRTist is a modelling tool which simulates X-ray imaging using a hybrid analytical and Monte Carlo method to efficiently model the radiation transport. In addition to the relevant physical effects such as absorption, scattering and fluorescence, simplified fast models are employed to describe the characteristics of the X-ray source and the detector. aRTist is well equipped to model realistic X-ray imaging setups due to the ability to load exported CAD object descriptions. A simple CT scan module is contained in aRTist which allows the simulation of standard (circular cone beam) scanning trajectories.
TomoSynth is a module for aRTist which allows to set up more complex scanning trajectories by attaching geometrical modification functions to the objects in the radiographic scene. In this way, advanced scanning modes can be realized, for instance helical CT as an overlay of a rotation and a linear motion, or laminography as a motion of the source point. In addition to deterministic motion, also random variations can be introduced. By combining random variations with deterministic motion, non-ideal (realistic) CT scan geometries can be simulated, e.g. focal spot drift and mechanical instability of the axis of rotation. The TomoSynth module conveniently allows to construct these scenarios in a graphical interface and provides a preview before starting the (potentially long running) batch job. Therefore, deviations from ideal CT scan trajectories can be easily adjusted which is a necessary step towards uncertainty determination from simulation.
The stress–strain behavior of ceramics, such as aluminum titanate, has certain features that are unusual for brittle materials—in particular, a substantial nonlinearity under uniaxial tension, and load–unload hysteresis caused by the sharp increase of the incremental stiffness at the beginning of unloading. These features are observed experimentally and are attributed to microcracking. Here we compare different degrees of stress–strain nonlinearity of aluminum titanate materials and quantitatively model them. We use advanced mechanical testing to observe the mechanical response at room and high temperature; electron microscopy, and X-ray refraction radiography to observe the microstructural changes. Experiments show that two types of microcracks can be distinguished: (i) microcracks induced by cooling from the sintering temperature (due to heterogeneity and anisotropy of thermal expansion), with typical sizes of the order of grain size, and (ii) much larger microcracks generated by the mechanical loading. The two microcrack types produce different effects on the stress–strain curves. Such microcracks and the features of the stress–strain behavior depend on the density of the cooling-induced microcracks and on the distribution of grain sizes. They are modeled analytically and numerically.
Load partitioning between phases in a cast AlSi12CuMgNi alloy was investigated by in-situ compression test during neutron diffraction experiments. Computed tomography (CT) was used to determine volume fractions of eutectic Si and intermetallic (IM) phases, and to assess internal damage after ex-situ compression tests. The CT reconstructed volumes showed the interconnectivity of IM phases, which build a 3D network together with eutectic Si. Large stresses were found in IMs, revealing their significant role as a reinforcement for the alloy. An existing micromechanical model based on Maxwell scheme was extended to the present case, assuming the alloy as a three-phase composite (Al matrix, eutectic Si, IM phases). The model agrees well with the experimental data.
Moreover, it allows predicting the principal stresses in each phase, while experiments can only determine stress differences between the axial and radial sample directions. Finally, we showed that the addition of alloying elements not only allowed developing a 3D interconnected network, but also improved the strength of the Al matrix, and the ability of the alloy constituents to bear mechanical load.
The effect of two types of scanning strategies on the grain structure and build-up of Residual Stress (RS) has been investigated in an as-built IN718 alloy produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). The RS state has been investigated by X-ray diffraction techniques. The microstructural characterization was performed principally by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), where the application of a post-measurement refinement technique enables small misorientations (< 2°) to be resolved. Kernel average misorientation (KAM) distributions indicate that preferably oriented columnar grains contain higher levels of misorientation, when compared to elongated grains with lower texture. The KAM distributions combined with X-ray diffraction stress maps infer that the increased misorientation is induced via plastic deformation driven by the thermal stresses, acting to self-relieve stress. The possibility of obtaining lower RS states in the build direction as a consequence of the influence of the microstructure should be considered when envisaging scanning strategies aimed at the mitigation of RS.
The relaxation of macroscopic residual stresses in laser powder bed fused stainless steel 316L
(2021)
The processing of stainless steel 316L using the additive manufacturing process Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) can widen its field of application due to a strong increase in Yield strength, without making major compromises on the ductility nor its outstanding corrosion and oxidation properties. Furthermore, improved designs that either reduce the weight or optimise the function of a part can be obtained using LPBF. These benefits are however counterbalanced by the proneness of LPBF to inducing high Residual Stresses (RS) during manufacturing. The characterisation and monitoring of these RS are of paramount importance for the wider acceptance of the LPBF process. This study focuses on the relaxation of the initial macroscopic RS present in an LPBF 316L as-built prism that undergoes various routes of manufacturing steps to achieve different specimen geometries and stress relieving treatments. The RS are determined using Angle-Dispersive (AD) and Time-of-Flight (TOF) neutron diffraction. The results reveal high tensile RS close to the surfaces and compressive RS near the centre of the as-built parts. The reduction in size and change of geometry heavily impact the stress ranges of the remaining RS, with lower stress ranges in cylindrical shaped compared to rectangular shaped specimens. Also, the application of different stress relieving heat treatments showed that heat-treating temperatures above 800 °C are necessary to obtain a strong relaxation in LPBF 316L.
The neutron imaging instrument CONRAD was operated as a part of the user program of the research reactor BER‐II at Helmholtz‐Zentrum Berlin (HZB) from 2005 to 2020. The Instrument was designed to use the neutron flux from the cold source of the reactor, transported by a curved neutron guide. The pure cold neutron spectrum provided a great advantage in the use of different neutron optical components such as focusing lenses and guides, solid‐state polarizers, Monochromators and phase gratings. The flexible setup of the instrument allowed for implementation of new methods including wavelength‐selective, dark‐field, phase‐contrast and imaging with polarized neutrons. In summary, these developments helped to attract a large number of scientists and industrial customers, who were introduced to neutron imaging and subsequently contributed to the Expansion of the neutron imaging community.
The Influence of the Temperature Gradient on the Distribution of Residual Stresses in AM AISI 316L
(2019)
Steep temperature gradients and solidification shrinkage are the main contributors to the formation of residual stresses in additively manufactured metallic parts produced by laser beam melting. The aim of this work was to determine the influence of the temperature gradient.
Diffraction results show a similar pattern for both specimens, indicating the shrinkage to be more dominant for the distribution of residual stresses than the temperature gradient. Thermography results imply that a higher energy input result in higher compressive residual stresses in the bulk.
The influence of the support structure on residual stress and distortion in SLM Inconel 718 parts
(2018)
The effect of support structure and of removal from the base plate on the residual stress state in selective laser melted IN718 parts was studied by means of synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The residual stresses in subsurface region of two elongated prisms in as-built condition and after removal from the base plate were determined. One sample was directly built on a base plate and another one on a support structure. Also, the distortion on the top surface due to stress release was measured by contact profilometry. High tensile residual stress values were found, with pronounced stress gradient along the hatching direction. In the sample on support, stress redistribution took place after removal from the base plate, as opposed to simple stress relaxation for the sample without support. The sample on support structure showed larger distortion compared to sample without support. We conclude that the use of a support decreases stress values but stress-relieving heat treatments are still needed.
The residual stress (RS) in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) IN718 alloy samples produced using a 67°-rotation scan strategy is investigated via laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction (ND). The location dependence of the strain-free (d₀) lattice spacing in ND is evaluated using a grid array of coupons extracted from the far-edge of the investigated specimen. No compositional spatial variation is observed in the grid array. The calculated RS fields show considerable non-uniformity, significant stress gradients in the region from 0.6 to 2 mm below the surface, as well as subsurface maxima that cannot be accounted for via XRD. It is concluded that failure to determine such maxima would hamper a quantitative determination of RS fields by means of the stress balance method.
An ultrasonic vibration post-treatment procedure was suggested for additively manufac-tured lattices. The aim of the present research was to investigate mechanical properties andthe differences in mechanical behavior and fracture modes of Ti6Al4V scaffolds treated withtraditional powder recovery system (PRS) and ultrasound vibration (USV). Scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the strut surface and the fracture surface mor-phology. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was employed to evaluate the inner structure,strut dimensions, pore size, as well as the surface morphology of additively manufacturedporous scaffolds. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted to obtain elastic modulus,compressive ultimate strength and yield stress. Finite element analysis was performedfor a body-centered cubic (BCC) element-based model and for CT-based reconstructiondata, as well as for a two-zone scaffold model to evaluate stress distribution during elasticdeformation. The scaffold with PRS post treatment displayed ductile behavior, while USVtreated scaffold displayed fragile behavior. Double barrel formation of PRS treated scaffoldwas observed during deformation. Finite element analysis for the CT-based reconstructionrevealed the strong impact of surface morphology on the stress distribution in comparisonwith BCC cell model because of partially molten metal particles on the surface of struts,which usually remain unstressed.
The interest to additively manufacture Nickel-based superalloys has substantially grown within the past decade both academically and industrially. More specifically, additive manufacturing processes such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) offer the ability to produce dense parts within a single manufacturing step. In fact, the exceptional freedom in design associated with the layer-based nature of the processes is of particular interest for the complex shapes typically required in turbine applications. In certain cases, the overall part performance can be achieved by tailoring the microstructure and the crystallographic texture to the specific application. However, these advantages must be paid at a price: the large local temperature gradients associated with the rapid melting and solidification produce parts that inherently contain large residual stress in the as-manufactured state. In addition, the presence of pores in the final part may further affect the in-service part failure. As among Nickel-based alloys Inconel 718 exhibits excellent weldability, this alloy has been widely studied in open research in the domain of LPBF. However, significant microsegregation of the heavier alloying elements such as Niobium and Molybdenum accompanied by dislocation entanglements may preclude the application of conventional heat treatment schedules. Therefore, different post processing heat treatments are required for laser powder bed fused Inconel 718 as compared to conventional variants of the same alloy.
In this study, we investigated two different heat treatment routes for LPBF Inconel 718. In a first routine, the samples were stress relieved and subsequently subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP) followed by a solution heat treatment and a two-step age (referred to as FHT). In a second routine, the samples were subjected to a single-step direct age post stress relieving heat treatment (referred to DA). We investigated the consequences of such heat treatment schedules on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical behavior. We show that by applying a DA heat treatment the typical columnar microstructure possessing a crystallographic texture is retained, while an equiaxed untextured microstructure prevails in case of an FHT heat treatment. We further evaluate how these heat treatments affect the mechanical behaviour on the macroscopic and microscopic scale.
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.
Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials have been identified by the European Commission as one of six Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), the full exploitation of which will create advanced and sustainable economies. Metrology is a key enabler for progress of these KETs. EURAMET, which is the association of metrology institutes in Europe, has addressed the vital importance of Metrology for these KETs through the support for the creation of a European Metrology Network for Advanced Manufacturing. The EMN for Advanced Manufacturing (AdvanceManu) was approved in June 2021 and held the formal kick-of meeting in October 2022. The EMN comprises both National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) from across Europe and other designated Institutes (Dis). The EMN is organized in three sections; Advanced Materials, Smart Manufacturing Systems and Manufactured components and products. The aim of the EMN is to engage with stakeholders in the field of Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials (Large & SMEs, industry organisations, existing networks and academia) with the aim to prepare a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for Metrology for Advanced Manufacturing. In the shorter term, an orientation paper is aimed to be produce to in the context of the European Partnership for Metrology. In addition to the SRA, the EMN will establish knowledge and technology transfer and promotion plan. This includes leveraging the existing research results from the completed and running EMPIR JRP projects funded through EURAMET.
This presentation will outline the EMN for Advanced Manufacturing, describing the structures and goals, the route to the production of the SRA and the progress made to date identifying the key metrology challenges across the related Key Industrial Sectors (KICs). In particular, the presentation aims to inform the community on how to be involved in the shaping of the strategic research agenda for the future of Metrology for Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials.
The DIRECTT (Direct Iterative REconstruction of Computed Tomography Trajectories) algorithm represents a promising alternative to conventional algorithms, such as the Filtered Backprojection (FBP) or the Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART), by overcoming restrictions associated with them. Such restrictions include the limited spatial resolution achieved through FBP due to Nyquist‘s sampling theorem, the inability of FBP to perform a quality reconstruction when projections are missing, and the excessive computing time needed for ART.
A software toolbox is introduced that addresses several needs common to computed tomography (CT). Built for the WIPANO CTSimU project to serve as the reference implementation for its image processing and evaluation tasks, it provides a Python 3 interface that is adaptable to many conceivable applications. Foremost, the toolbox features a pipeline architecture for sequential 2D image processing tasks, such as flat field corrections and image binning, and enables the user to create their own processing modules. Beyond that, it provides means to measure line profiles and image quality assessment algorithms to calculate modulation transfer functions (MTF) or to determine the interpolated basic spatial resolution (iSRb) using a duplex wire image. It can also be used to calculate projection matrices for the reconstruction of scans with arbitrary industrial CT geometries and trajectories. The CTSimU project defined a framework of projection- and volume-based test scenarios for the qualification of radiographic simulation software towards its use in dimensional metrology. The toolbox implements the necessary evaluation routines and generates reports for all projection-based tests.
Porous ceramic diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are extruded products that possess macroscopic anisotropic mechanical and thermal properties. This anisotropy is caused by both morphological features (mostly the orientation of porosity) and crystallographic texture. We systematically studied those two aspects in two aluminum titanate ceramic materials of different porosity using mercury porosimetry, gas adsorption, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray refraction radiography. We found that a lower porosity content implies a larger isotropy of both the crystal texture and the porosity orientation. We also found that, analogous to cordierite, crystallites do align with their axis of negative thermal expansion along the extrusion direction. However, unlike what found for cordierite, the aluminium titanate crystallite form is such that a more pronounced (0 0 2) texture along the extrusion direction implies porosity aligned perpendicular to it.
Alternative to conventional transmission-based radiography and computed tomography, X-ray refraction techniques are being increasingly used to detect damage in light materials. In fact, their range of application has been recently extended even to metals. The big advantage of X-ray refraction techniques is that they are able to detect nanometric defects, whose size would lie below the resolution of even state-of-the-art synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography (SXCT). The superiority of synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography and tomography (SXRR and SXRCT) has been shown in the case of light materials, in particular composites. X-ray refraction techniques also yield a quantitifaction of the amount of damage (the so-called relative internal specific surface) and can well be compared with damage models. At the same time, it is impossible for SXRR and SXRCT to image single defects. We show that the combination of refraction- and transmission-based imaging techniques yields an impressive amount of additional information about the type and amount of defects in microstructured materials such as additively manufactured metals or metal matrix composites. We also show that the use of data fusion techniques allows the classification of defects in statistically significant representative volume elements.
Alternative to conventional transmission-based radiography and computed tomography, X-ray refraction techniques are being increasingly used to detect damage in light materials. In fact, their range of application has been recently extended even to metals. The big advantage of X-ray refraction techniques is that they are able to detect nanometric defects, whose size would lie below the resolution of even state-of-the-art synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography (SXCT). The superiority of synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography and tomography (SXRR and SXRCT) has been shown in the case of light materials, in particular composites. X-ray refraction techniques also yield a quantitifaction of the amount of damage (the so-called relative internal specific surface) and can well be compared with damage models. At the same time, it is impossible for SXRR and SXRCT to image single defects. We show that the combination of refraction- and transmission-based imaging techniques yields an impressive amount of additional information about the type and amount of defects in microstructured materials such as additively manufactured metals or metal matrix composites. We also show that the use of data fusion techniques allows the classification of defects in statistically significant representative volume elements.