Petr Zlámal

X-ray and finite element analysis of deformation response of closed-cell metal foam subjected to compressive loading

Time-lapse X-ray computed microtomography was employed to quantify the deformation behaviour of closed-cell aluminium foam. The specimen was incrementally loaded and tomographically scanned using a custom X-ray tomographic device to capture the deforming microstructure. Because of the very small thickness of the cell walls and the high ratio between pore size and cell wall thickness cone-beam reconstruction procedure was applied. A finite element (FE) model was developed based on the reconstructed three-dimensional data. The FE model was used for two purposes: i) the nodal points were used for tracking the displacements of the deforming structure, ii) verification of the material model for description of the foams deformational behaviour. Digital volumetric correlation (DVC) algorithm was used on data obtained from the time-lapse tomography to provide a detailed description of the evolution of deformation in the complex structure of aluminium foam. The results from DVC demonstrate the possibility to use the complex microstructure of the aluminium foam as a random pattern for the correlation algorithm. The underlying FE model enables easy comparison between experimental results and results obtained from numerical simulations used for evaluation of proposed constitutive models.

Dual-energy X-ray micro-CT imaging of hybrid Ni/Al open-cell foam

In this paper, we employ dual-energy X-ray microfocus tomography (DECT) measurement to develop high-resolution finite element (FE) models that can be used for the numerical assessment of the deformation behaviour of hybrid Ni/Al foam subjected to both quasi-static and dynamic compressive loading. Cubic samples of hybrid Ni/Al open-cell foam with an edge length of [15]mm were investigated by the DECT measurement. The material was prepared using AlSi7Mg0.3 aluminium foam with a mean pore size of [0.85]mm, coated with nanocrystalline nickel (crystallite size of approx. [50]nm) to form a surface layer with a theoretical thickness of [0.075]mm. CT imaging was carried out using state-of-the-art DSCT/DECT X-ray scanner developed at Centre of Excellence Telc. The device consists of a modular orthogonal assembly of two tube-detector imaging pairs, with an independent geometry setting and shared rotational stage mounted on a complex 16-axis CNC positioning system to enable unprecedented measurement variability for highly-detailed tomographical measurements. A sample of the metal foam was simultaneously irradiated using an XWT-240-SE reflection type X-ray tube and an XWT-160-TCHR transmission type X-ray tube. An enhanced dual-source sampling strategy was used for data acquisition. X-ray images were taken using XRD1622 large area GOS scintillator flat panel detectors with an active area of [410 × 410]mm and resolution [2048 × 2048]pixels. Tomographic scanning was performed in 1,200 projections with a 0.3 degree angular step to improve the accuracy of the generated models due to the very complex microstructure and high attenuation of the investigated material. Reconstructed data was processed using a dual-energy algorithm, and was used for the development of a 3D model and voxel model of the foam. The selected parameters of the models were compared with nominal parameters of the actual foam and showed good correlation.

Real-time X-ray microradiographic imaging and image correlation for local strain mapping in single trabecula under mechanical load

X-ray microradiography was employed to quantify the strains in loaded human trabecula. Samples of isolated trabeculae from human proximal femur were extracted and glued in a loading machine specially designed and manufactured for testing small specimens. The samples were then tested in tension and three-point bending until complete fracture of the specimen occured. To assess the deformation in the very small samples (thickness 100?m, length 1?2mm) a real-time microradiography in conjunction with digital image correlation (DIC) has been employed. Loaded samples were irradiated continuously by X-rays (Hamamatsu L8601-01 with 5?m spot) during the test. Radiographs were acquired using 0.25s exposure time with hybrid single-photon counting silicon pixel detector Medipix2. The distance between the source and detector was kept small to ensure radiographs of good quality for such a short exposure time. Design of the experimental loading device enables for precise control of the applied displacement which is important for the post-yield behavior assessment of trabeculae. Large dynamic range, high sensitivity and high contrast of the Medipix2 enables measuring even very small strains with DIC. Tested experimental setup enables to combine micromechanical testing of the basic building block of trabecular bone with time-lapse X-ray radiography to measure the strains and to assess the mechanical properties of single human trabecula as well as to capture the softening curve with sufficient precision.

High resolution micro-CT of low attenuating organic materials using large area photon-counting detector

To overcome certain limitations of contemporary materials used for bone tissue engineering, such as inflammatory response after implantation, a whole new class of materials based on polysaccharide compounds is being developed. Here, nanoparticulate bioactive glass reinforced gelan-gum (GG-BAG) has recently been proposed for the production of bone scaffolds. This material offers promising biocompatibility properties, including bioactivity and biodegradability, with the possibility of producing scaffolds with directly controlled microgeometry. However, to utilize such a scaffold with application-optimized properties, large sets of complex numerical simulations using the real microgeometry of the material have to be carried out during the development process. Because the GG-BAG is a material with intrinsically very low attenuation to X-rays, its radiographical imaging, including tomographical scanning and reconstructions, with resolution required by numerical simulations might be a very challenging task. In this paper, we present a study on X-ray imaging of GG-BAG samples. High-resolution volumetric images of investigated specimens were generated on the basis of micro-CT measurements using a large area flat-panel detector and a large area photon-counting detector. The photon-counting detector was composed of a 010× 1 matrix of Timepix edgeless silicon pixelated detectors with tiling based on overlaying rows (i.e. assembled so that no gap is present between individual rows of detectors). We compare the results from both detectors with the scanning electron microscopy on selected slices in transversal plane. It has been shown that the photon counting detector can provide approx. 3× better resolution of the details in low-attenuating materials than the integrating flat panel detectors. We demonstrate that employment of a large area photon counting detector is a good choice for imaging of low attenuating materials with the resolution sufficient for numerical simulations.

Verification of Numerical Model for Trabecular Tissue Using Compression Test and Time-Lapse X-Ray Radiography Based on Material Model Determined from Three-Point Bending Test of Single Trabecula

The aim of this study is to determine constitutive constants for elasto-plastic material model with damage for single trabecula based on the indirect simulation of micromechanical testing and its verification at macro level using compression test of the cylindrical sample of the trabecular tissue. Three-point bending test of isolated trabeculae was performed in a shielding box and deflection of the sample was acquired using X-ray microradiography. Measured values (displacements of markers) were used for indirect identification of the material model for single trabecula using finite element (FE) method. The bending test was simulated and results were fitted to experimentally obtained values and the appropriate set of material constants was determined. To verify the applicability of the identified material model the compression test of the complex sample was carried out. Cylindrical sample was incrementally loaded and each loading state was captured using the micro-computed tomography. Material model identified from three-point bending test was applied to the model of complex sample and the simulation of the compression test was performed.

Instrumentation for Micromechanics Research in Trabecular Bone

This article deals with description of instrumentation required for micromechanical testing of isolated trabeculae, the basic structural elements of cancellous bone. Process of tensile and bending tests is described in terms of development of the testing devices, challenges connected with the micro-scale testing and precision of the measurements. The paper covers the whole testing procedure from tissue harvesting, sample preparation, experimental procedure and data evaluation. Inverse finite element identification of elasto-plastic material model with damage based on threepoint bending for simulation of deformation behaviour of trabecular bone is shortly discussed as well.

Testing of Energy Absorption Capability of Sandwich Structures Based on Metal Foams for Design of Protective Helmets

Purpose of this study is investigation of energy absorption capability of the sandwich structures composed of combination of polystyrene and metal foam element and their suitability as new structure for design of protective helmets. Two types of the metal foams were experimentally tested and evaluated: Alporas (Shinko Wire Ltd., Japan) and Aluhab (Aluinvent Plc., Hungary). Samples of the sandwich structure are composed of two layers: bottom expanded polystyrene (EPS 200S) layer and upper metal foam layer which are glued together. Prepared samples are tested using a drop tower experiment to measure sample response (acceleration, reaction force) at different strain rates and energies. From acceleration/time history the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) is calculated as significant parameters in terms of protective helmets. Moreover, measured and derived characteristics are compared with pure EPS samples to obtain comparison of deformation behaviour between conventional structure for protective helmets and designed sandwich structures.

Inspection of Local Influenced Zones in Micro-Scale Aluminium Specimens

This study is focused on detection and characterisation of influenced zones in micro-scale specimens of aluminium foam after thermal and mechanical loading induced by preparation process for three-point bending test. Two cell-wall specimens were prepared from a slab of aluminium foam and influences of preparation process (machining) and thermal load on local mechanical properties were investigated using nanoindentation. Although the nanoindentation is powerful method for investigation of material properties of small zones, it can be reliably used only to obtain information about elastic properties. Due to limitation of the nanoindentation for reliable measurement of inelastic properties, plastic properties were determined using a set of indirect finite element simulations of nanoindentation tests. The procedure is based on fitting numerical results to experimentally measured force-depth curves.

High-resolution time-lapse tomography of rat vertebrae during compressive loading: deformation response analysis

This paper is focused on investigation of mechanical properties of rat vertebrae during compressive loading in the longitudinal direction of rats spine. High-resolution time-lapse micro-tomography was used as a tool to create models of the inner structure and deformed shape in pre-defined deformation steps. First, peripheral areas of vertebra specimen were embedded in polymethyl methacrylate to obtain proper boundary conditions of contact between specimen and loading plattens. Experimental loading device designed for application in X-ray setups was utilized to compress the vertebrae in several deformation steps. High-resolution micro-tomography scanning was carried out at each deformation step. Specimen was irradiated in tomography device equipped with microfocus X-ray tube with 5μm focal spot size and large area flat panel detector. Spatial resolution of reconstructed three-dimensional images was approximately 10μm. Digital volume correlation algorithm was utilized in order to assess displacements in the microstructure in every loading increment. Finite element model of vertebra was created from volumetric data reconstructed from tomography of the undeformed specimen. Simulated compressive test of the developed finite element model was performed in order to compare stiffness and displacements obtained by digital volume correlation and finite element simulation.

Micro-Mechanical Testing of Metal Foam Cell Walls Using Miniature Three-Point Bending

This paper is focused on determination of micro-mechanical material properties of aluminium metal foam at level of single cell wall. For the purpose of homogenization, complex and heterogenous inner structure of metal foams requires deep understanding of its deformation mechanisms and local mechanical properties. Therefore, a series of micro-scale bending tests of specimens prepared from foams cells wall were performed. Initially, a technique of specimen preparation was developed. Dimensions and geometry of the specimens were inspected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Custom-designed three-point bending device suitable for testing at micro-scale was used for loading. Thin pure aluminium metal sheets were used for calibration of the described method. Six single cell wall specimens were tested. It can be concluded that the developed specimen preparation technique and loading method are suitable to determine local mechanical properties of thin walled metal foams.