Tomáš Fíla

X-ray dynamic observation of the evolution of the fracture process zone in a quasi-brittle specimen

The aim of this work is the evaluation of the fracture process zone while loading a quasi-brittle concrete compound. The regularly used optical observation of the specimen surface does not provide accurate information regarding the fracture zone shape, particularly when this zone is tunnelled inside of the specimen body. Therefore, X-ray dynamic defectoscopy and computed tomography were employed as tools for an extended investigation of process zone evolution. A notched specimen manufactured from silicate composite was subjected to the three-point bending test in a special table-top loading device. On-line radiographic observation of the process zone during the loading experiment serves for overall evaluation, while a tomographic measurement - which is conducted during temporal loading interruption - provides information about the spatial distribution of the newly developed cracks.

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.

Utilization of dual-source X-ray tomography for reduction of scanning time of wooden samples

We present a novel dual-source/dual energy (DSCT/DECT) micro-tomography system including results of high-resolution DSCT reconstruction. The DSCT micro-tomography setup was designed as a multi-purpose X-ray imaging device equipped with two pairs of X-ray tubes and detectors in orthogonal arrangement with independent control of beam parameters. Both pairs (tube-detector) are mounted on a computer numerical control positioning system and can be independently set up to different geometries (e.g. with different magnification of each pair). In this work the simultaneous scanning of the object by two tube-detector pairs was used for approximately half reduction of tomography scanning time. The developed imaging procedure was applied for scanning of a wooden sample locally damaged during a semi-destructive test for assessment of wood quality. Prior to the tomography measurements the setup geometry was precisely adjusted in terms of magnification, horizontal and vertical tube-specimen-detector alignment of both pairs. DSCT measurements were carried out in sequence (2 × 90° for each tube) with identical 100μm image resolution. It was proven that the presented experimental setup combined with appropriate control technique significantly reduces tomography scanning time of materials with complex micro-structure.

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.

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.

Identification of strain fields in pure Al and hybrid Ni/Al metal foams using X-ray micro-tomography under loading

Hybrid foams are materials formed by a core from a standard open cell metal foam that is during the process of electrodeposition coated by a thin layer of different nanocrystalline metals. The material properties of the base metal foam are in this way modified resulting in higher plateau stress and, more importantly, by introduction of strain-rate dependence to its deformation response. In this paper, we used time-lapse X-ray micro-tomography for the mechanical characterization of Ni/Al hybrid foams (aluminium open cell foams with nickel coating layer). To fully understand the effects of the coating layer on the materials effective properties, we compared the compressive response of the base uncoated foam to the response of the material with coating thickness of 50 and 75 μm. Digital volume correlation (DVC) was applied to obtain volumetric strain fields of the deforming micro-structure up to the densification region of the deforming cellular structure. The analysis was performed as a compressive mechanical test with simultaneous observation using X-ray radiography and tomography. A custom design experimental device was used for compression of the foam specimens in several deformation states directly in the X-ray setup. Planar X-ray images were taken during the loading phases and a X-ray tomography was performed at the end of each loading phase (up to engineering strain 22%). The samples were irradiated using micro-focus reflection type X-ray tube and images were taken using a large area flat panel detector. Tomography reconstructions were used for an identification of a strain distribution in the foam using digital volumetric correlation. A comparison of the deformation response of the coated and the uncoated foam in uniaxial quasi-static compression is summarized in the paper.

DEFORMATION RESPONSE OF GELLAN GUM BASED BONE SCAFFOLD SUBJECTED TO UNIAXIAL QUASI-STATIC LOADING

This study is focuses on an investigation of the reinforcement effect of the bioactive glass nano-particles in the gellan gum (GG) scaffolds used in bone tissue engineering. The investigated material was synthesized as the porous spongy-like structure improved by the bioactive glass (BAG) nano-particles. Cylindrical samples were subjected to a uniaxial quasi-static loading in tension and compression. Very soft nature of the material, which makes the sample susceptible to damage, required employment of a custom designed experimental device for the mechanical testing. Moreover, as the mechanical properties are significantly influenced by testing conditions the experiment was performed using dry samples and also using samples immersed in the simulated body fluid. Material properties of the pure GG scaffold and the GG-BAG reinforced scaffold were derived from a set of tensile and compression tests under dry and simulated physiological conditions. The results are represented in the form of stress-strain curves calculated from the acquired force and displacement data.

Inspection of Post Impact Fatigue Damage in Carbon Fibre Composite Using Modulus Mapping Technique

This study is focused on inspection of damage extent induced into C/PPS composite material by fatigue and impact loading. Initial damage to specimens was induced by drop-weight out-of-plane impact damage. Several levels of damage states (intact specimen, fatigued and impacted specimen, ruptured specimen) were inspected using modulus mapping (MM) technique. Quantification of the damage level was based on comparison of results from MM obtained in distinct locations on the specimens. Regions of interest were selected in order to determine magnitude of damage after impact and to assess remaining loading capabilities of the material. For this purpose, material maps provided information about location where matrix had been inflicted by the damage. Results show that impact loading has no measurable influence on mechanical properties of the matrix. However, gradient in mechanical properties was detected in the vicinity of crack. Results were validated using quasi-static nanoindentation and constant strain rate continuous measurement that showed depth profile of mechanical properties.

Novel Device for 4-Point Flexural Testing of Quasi-Brittle Materials During 4D Computed Tomography

This paper deals with development and validation of a novel device for investigation of the crack behavior in quasi-brittle materials using radiographically observed flexural testing. Instead of standard horizontal arrangement of three-point bending devices, a novel approach consisting in a vertically oriented four-point bending setup is proposed. In the paper, technical description of the proposed device together with its advantages over existing methods and results of validation experiments with natural rocks are presented. The validation experiments were concentrated on the ability of the device to capture the fracture behavior of the samples using X-ray transmission radiography and 4D X-ray micro-tomography. Particular attention was paid to evaluate the ability to perform tomographic scans during post-peak softening, i.e. on intermittent loading of samples after formation of the crack. The acquired results showed very good performance in terms of both the mechanical characteristics of the device (stiffness and loading precision) and the X-ray imaging properties.

3D Digitization of Selected Collection Items Using Photometric Stereo

Digitization of exhibits and the creation of virtual exhibitions is undergoing a period of stormy development and is a dynamic area of care for museum collections. The availability of digital models has a major share in the growing trend of on-line access to collections. At the same time, digitization can improve the protection of items and increase their availability for the public as well as for professionals. It can be performed using procedures based on different physical principles and their technical implementation, with different requirements for the captured objects and different quality levels of the achieved outputs. This paper introduces a technique of 3D digitization based on the principle of photometric stereo. First, it describes typical objects, followed by the physical fundamentals of the method and the selected technical solution. A section on the examples of results introduces the application of this method for creating digital models of various objects and, finally, the conclusion contains contemplations on further development of this method in the future.