Papers by Keyword: Micro-CT

Abstract: Carbon and glass fabric reinforced polymer (C/GFRP) composites are extensively used in aerospace and sports industry because of their exceptional properties. However, during service, static and dynamic bending loads can ensue damage in composites affecting their strength, stiffness and energy absorption. Carbon fiber composites, being inherently brittle, are prone to sudden catastrophic fracture without ductile-like behavior of metals. This study investigates mechanical behavior and damage mechanisms of woven C/GFRP composites in on- and off-axis orientations during bending. Initially, bending tests with quasi-static loading were performed, followed by dynamic ones using an Izod impact testing apparatus. Results showed distinct behavior in on-axis CFRP laminates with brittle fracture. Off-axis CFRP samples and both on- and off-axis GFRP laminates showed signs of damage and non-linear behavior, yet they retained their ability to bear loads. Significantly, off-axis specimens of both types and on-axis GFRP laminates exhibited enhanced energy absorption capabilities without experiencing fracture, undergoing pseudo-ductile deformation. CFRP specimens were analyzed with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), provided insights into prevalent damage modes such as matrix mircocracking, debonding of tows, delamination and breakage of fabric. While on-axis CFRP laminates experienced brittle fracture, off-axis specimens exhibited a ductile-like response attributed to matrix plasticity, cracking and fiber trellising before eventual failure.

Abstract: In order to better understand the failure mechanism of C/SiC composites, the tensile behavior of notched C/SiC composites was investigated by the in-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the micro-CT technique. Surface morphologies of the C/SiC sample during tensile loading were in-situ observed by SEM, while the three-dimensional microscopic images of the C/SiC sample before loading and after failure were obtained by micro-CT. The results showed that no cracks formed in the initial elastic stage corresponding to the linear part of the load-displacement curve. However, corresponding to the following non-linear part of the load-displacement curve, matrix crack initiation, fiber pull-out, crack propagation and deflection appeared consecutively in the notched region of the sample. What’s more, different crack growth paths existed in different directions of the sample during tensile failure. In general, approximately flat fracture formed in the plying direction and serrated or stepped fracture were observed in the needling direction. It indicated that the in-situ observation method combining SEM and micro-CT can obtain the micro-structure images of the material in different states, which is helpful to analyze the fracture failure mechanism of composites.

Abstract: This pilot study aims to define a protocol for optimizing the micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) settings to evaluate in the future research the root canal filling in oval shaped canals. Thirty distal canals of mandibular molars were used. After preparation of the canals, the roots were randomly divided into five groups. The canals were filled with two types of sealers (Endosequence BC Sealer or AH Plus) and two types of gutta percha (Protaper Next cones and Endosequence BC cones), using thermal obturation in comparison with a single cone obturation technique. Each specimen was scanned three times using a micro-CT device at a resolution of 30,1 μm. The first scan was done for selecting the specimen according the inclusion criteria, the second one post-instrumentation and the last micro-CT scan after obturation the specimens. For the present study, the images were only evaluated with qualitative criteria and the settings for acquisition, reconstruction and analysis of micro-CT images were tested.

Abstract: This article is related to the unique application of fly ash-based stabilizer in the track bed of a railway line. In detail, it is focused on following analysis methods of samples structure and properties. The long-term observation of the stabilizer layer is based on the periodical sampling which is done once per year for the following compression strength test. Results collected over one decade showed the increasing tendency of the compression strength which is attributed to formatting the C-A-S-H gel. It is assumed it is done within structural conversion caused by the alkali activation of aluminosilicate components. This phenomenon was proved using electron microscopy. The statistical analysis of the compression strength resulted significant deviations the presence of which may be based on grains, poor stirring the mixture during placing, predisposed surfaces or micro cracks created during sampling in the railway track bed. The main outcomes of the paper are findings from non-destructive methods of Micro-CT and of electron microscopy, which were performed on specimens for the purpose of displaying their microstructure and identifying non-homogeneities of the specimens.

Abstract: The extent of the use of asphalt concrete in track bed layers is minimal in contrast to the application of granular materials mostly represented by coarse/fine crushed stone mixture. This article summarizes advantages and disadvantages of the use of asphalt concrete in the track bed construction and provides relevant literature research. The main part of this article focuses on the application of recycled asphalt concrete (so called R-material) in the track bed layer and its following non-destructive X-ray Micro Computed Tomography Method (Micro-CT) for the description of its structural parameters. The contribution of this research is based on the evaluation of the air void and soluble binder content of chosen recycled asphalt concrete. First, it was obtained from laboratory geotechnical models of a railway track, and then from the following implementation in a trial section of an operating railway track. The conclusion contains results of the R-material practical application and findings from Micro-CT.

Abstract: Metal foams have a cellular structure consisting of a solid metal containing a large volume fraction of pores. In particular, open, penetrable pores are necessary for industrial applications such as in high temperature filters and as support for catalysts. In this study, Fe foam with greater than 90% porosity, 2-mm pore size was successfully fabricated using a slurry coating process and the pore properties were characterized. The Fe and Fe₂O₃ powder mixing ratios were controlled to produce Fe foam samples with different pore sizes and porosity. First, the slurry was prepared through the uniform mixing of powders, distilled water, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The amount of slurry coated on the PU foam increased with theFe₂O₃ mixing powder ratio, but the shrinkage and porosity of the Fe foams decreased, respectively, with increasing Fe₂O₃ mixing powder ratio.

Abstract: Titanium foams are widely used as biomaterials and potentially as a twin skinned, sandwich, structures for aerospace structures, filter or a catalyst or catalysts carrier for chemical reactions. The porosity is particularly important for tissues ingrowth and vascularity. Open porosity is essential in the case of flow-on machines. The distribution and size of pores is significant to achieve a uniform material effort and ensure to receive an appropriate hydraulic properties.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of titanium particle size and the amount of porogen on the microstructure and the size of pore interconnections in titanium foams made using saccharose as the space holder material.The paper characterizes titanium foam, made from the Grade 1 Ti powders (Alfa Aesar) with a particle sizes of 0.150 mm and 0.044 mm (separately) and spherical particles of saccharose (Pfeifer & Langen) having an average size of 0.7 ÷ 0.9 mm, as a porogen. There was prepared a mixture of powders of the proposed porosity of 50, 60 and 70%. Summarizing 6 mixtures were prepared. After sintering there were received specimens having a diameter of 8 mm and a height of 5 mm. Microstructure analysis was performed using the microtomography Skyscan 1172 (Bruker microCT) and the CTAn software (Bruker microCT).The results indicate the uniform pore distribution and size of the interconnections allowing high permeability.

Abstract: Fe foam with above 90% porosity and 2 millimeter pore size was successfully fabricated by a slurry coating process. In this study, the binder contents were controlled to produce the Fe foam with different pore size, strut thickness and porosity. Firstly, the slurry was prepared by uniform mixing with Fe powders, distilled water and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as initial materials. After slurry coating on the polyurethane (PU) foam the sample was dried at 80°C. The PVA and PU foams were then removed by heating at 700°C for 3 hours. The debinded samples were subsequently sintered at 1250°C with holding time of 3 hours under hydrogen atmosphere. The three dimensional geometries of the obtained Fe foams with open cell structure were investigated using X-ray micro CT(computed tomography) as well as the pore morphology, size and phase.

Abstract: Digital Volumetric Speckle Photography (DVSP), which is the extension of 2D digital speckle photography, is applied to measure the interior deformation and strain of the object by 2-step 3D FFT. For using FFT, DVSP has some advantages in computational efficiency. With the special loading setup for Micro-CT, the coal specimen under different uniaxial loadings is scanned, and the volumetric images are acquired. By using DVSP, the interior 3D displacements of the specimen are obtained, and then the equivalent strains and volumetric strains are estimated. Based on the interior displacement and strain mappings, the process of deformation or strain localization in the coal specimen is studied.

Abstract: X-ray micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) is a non-destructive technique that can provide information on the internal structure of materials. The purpose of micro-CT is to assess the presence of defects as well as characterizing internal structures and potential damage present in the produced part. Simple shear is an interesting deformation mechanism for woven fabric draping. The internal structure change of the carbon fibre twill fabric after shear deformation is chosen as a subject of this paper. Parameters of the mesoscopic internal structure of the woven fabric like cross section, shape, area, and middle line coordinates can be obtained from micro-CT images through image processing procedures. Details of the image data processing for sheared fabric cross sections are discussed. This paper illustrates the possibilities of micro-focus computer tomography in materials research, namely for defining geometrical properties of textile. Image processing is also used for the recognition of fibre direction in the yarns. Described methodology can be applied for determining structure of a fabric, and the results can be used for further micromechanical modelling. Identification of the fibres orientation is important for estimation of the mechanical properties of composites and can be achieved with image processing techniques.