TY - JOUR
T1 - Development of a lab-scale, high-resolution, tube-generated X-ray computed-tomography system for three-dimensional (3D) materials characterization
AU - Mertens, J. C E
AU - Williams, J. J.
AU - Chawla, Nikhilesh
N1 - Funding Information:
We would like to gratefully acknowledge the funding and support from the Security and Defense Systems Initiative Arizona State University (ASU), the Semiconductor Research Corporation, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research through a collaboration with NextGen Aeronautics. We would like to acknowledge the support of Dr. Werner Dahm and Mr. Mark Giddings at ASU, Dr. Mario Pacheco (Intel Corporation, Chandler, AZ, USA) and Dr. Stephanie O'Keefe (Next Gen Aeronautics, Torrance, CA, USA). We would also like to acknowledge the support of X-RAY WorX and their staff. Our gratitude is also expressed for the peer review process for extracting informative details which would have been omitted otherwise.
PY - 2014/6
Y1 - 2014/6
N2 - The design and construction of a modular high resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) system is highlighted in this paper. The design approach is detailed for meeting a specified set of instrument performance goals tailored towards experimental versatility and high resolution imaging. The XCT tool is unique in the detector and X-ray source design configuration, enabling control in the balance between detection efficiency and spatial resolution. The system package is also unique: The sample manipulation approach implemented enables a wide gamut of in situ experimentation to analyze structure evolution under applied stimulus, by optimizing scan conditions through a high degree of controllability. The component selection and design process is detailed: Incorporated components are specified, custom designs are shared, and the approach for their integration into a fully functional XCT scanner is provided. Custom designs discussed include the dual-target X-ray source cradle which maintains position and trajectory of the beam between the two X-ray target configurations with respect to a scintillator mounting and positioning assembly and the imaging sensor, as well as a novel large-format X-ray detector with enhanced adaptability. The instrument is discussed from an operational point of view, including the details of data acquisition and processing implemented for 3D imaging via micro-CT. The performance of the instrument is demonstrated on a silica-glass particle/hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene (HTPB) matrix binder PBX simulant. Post-scan data processing, specifically segmentation of the sample's relevant microstructure from the 3D reconstruction, is provided to demonstrate the utility of the instrument.
AB - The design and construction of a modular high resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) system is highlighted in this paper. The design approach is detailed for meeting a specified set of instrument performance goals tailored towards experimental versatility and high resolution imaging. The XCT tool is unique in the detector and X-ray source design configuration, enabling control in the balance between detection efficiency and spatial resolution. The system package is also unique: The sample manipulation approach implemented enables a wide gamut of in situ experimentation to analyze structure evolution under applied stimulus, by optimizing scan conditions through a high degree of controllability. The component selection and design process is detailed: Incorporated components are specified, custom designs are shared, and the approach for their integration into a fully functional XCT scanner is provided. Custom designs discussed include the dual-target X-ray source cradle which maintains position and trajectory of the beam between the two X-ray target configurations with respect to a scintillator mounting and positioning assembly and the imaging sensor, as well as a novel large-format X-ray detector with enhanced adaptability. The instrument is discussed from an operational point of view, including the details of data acquisition and processing implemented for 3D imaging via micro-CT. The performance of the instrument is demonstrated on a silica-glass particle/hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene (HTPB) matrix binder PBX simulant. Post-scan data processing, specifically segmentation of the sample's relevant microstructure from the 3D reconstruction, is provided to demonstrate the utility of the instrument.
KW - 3D materials science
KW - Composite
KW - Multiscale
KW - X-ray microtomography
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U2 - 10.1016/j.matchar.2014.03.002
DO - 10.1016/j.matchar.2014.03.002
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84897845840
SN - 1044-5803
VL - 92
SP - 36
EP - 48
JO - Materials Characterization
JF - Materials Characterization
ER -