MRI: Acquisition of a Desktop, High-Resolution, Three-Dimensional X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) System

该提案寻求获得SkyScan 1072紧凑型台式X射线显微断层摄影系统的支持，用于物体的非破坏性高空间分辨率（1.8毫米/像素）三维重建。研究应用包括颗粒表征（沙子、墨粉等）和天然气管道中应力腐蚀裂纹的成像。拟议的收购增强了罗文大学无损评估实验室（NDE实验室）现有的成像能力。目前，我们能够使用以下传感器模式对测试对象进行成像-磁性，超声波，热，声学，光学和2-D X射线。我们正在开发用于预测3D对象轮廓的数字图像处理和人工智能（AI）算法。然后使用虚拟现实（VR）系统将这些配置文件可视化。然而，目前，我们还没有能力验证传感器方法和人工智能算法在预测这些3D轮廓方面的准确性。拟议的X射线计算机断层扫描（CT）系统将为我们提供正是这种能力;所提出的活动的智力价值提供物体形状的3-D重建作为验证“金”标准的CT系统的获得和使用显著有益于人工神经网络算法的设计，所述人工神经网络算法用于预测物体形状的3-D重建。从传统的和紧急的2-D成像技术的三维形状。这个过程使我们能够开发新的无损检测成像方法，可以明确地证明各种权衡，在准确的3-D表征的对象shapes.Broader的影响，拟议activityThe无损检测实验室在罗文大学工程学院是一个多学科，合作研究和教学实验室，支持研发工作的教师，学生（包括研究生和本科生）和工业合作伙伴。拟议的收购将积极影响研究活动之间的其他教师不仅在工程学院，而且在整个校园。正在进行的合作包括智能传感器和生物传感器的开发-这些设备的可靠性将使用拟议的CT扫描仪进行测试。NDE实验室以前资助的研究项目已经证明了显着的教育影响。到目前为止，实验室已雇用了32名本科生研究助理和10名研究生研究助理。自1999年秋季以来，该实验室平均每学期支持三个多学科工程诊所项目，影响约120名学生。到目前为止，来自三个工程学科（ECE，ME，CEE）的9个学院已经在研究和教育项目上进行了合作。我们预计，10名本科生和2名研究生将使用拟议的仪器每学期。

This proposal seeks support to acquire the SkyScan 1072 compact, desk-top X-Ray microtomograph system for the non-destructive, high spatial resolution (1.8mm/pixel), three-dimensional reconstruction of objects. Research applications include particle characterization (sand, toner, etc.) and imaging of stress-corrosion cracks in gas pipelines.The proposed acquisition enhances the existing imaging capabilities in the nondestructive evaluation laboratory (NDE Lab) at Rowan University. Presently, we are able to image test objects using the following sensor modalities - magnetic, ultrasonic, thermal, acoustic, optical and 2-D X-Ray. We are developing digital image processing and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for predicting 3-D object profiles. These profiles are then visualized using the Virtual Reality (VR) system. However, currently, we do not have the capability to validate the accuracy of the sensor methods and the AI algorithms in predicting these 3-D profiles. The proposed X-Ray computed tomography (CT) system will provide us with exactly that capability; and serve as a validation "gold" standard.Intellectual merit of the proposed activityThe acquisition and use of a CT system that provides 3-D reconstruction of object shapes as a validation "gold" standard significantly benefits the design of artificial neural network algorithms that are employed to predict 3-D shapes from conventional and emergent 2-D imaging techniques. This procedure allows us to develop novel NDE imaging methods that can explicitly demonstrate the various trade-offs that are involved in accurate 3-D characterization of object shapes.Broader impacts of the proposed activityThe NDE Lab in the Rowan University College of Engineering is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research and teaching laboratory that supports the R&D efforts faculty, students (both graduate and undergraduate) and industrial partners. The proposed acquisition will positively impact research activities among other faculty not only in the College of Engineering, but also across Campus. Collaborations that are underway include the development of smart-sensors and bio-sensors -the reliability of these deviceswill be tested using the proposed CT scanner.Previously funded research projects in the NDE Lab have demonstrated significant educational impact. To date, the Lab has employed 32 undergraduate research assistants and 10 graduate research assistants. The Lab has supported an average of three multidisciplinary Engineering Clinic projects every semester since Fall 1999, impacting approximately 120 students. So far, 9 Faculty from three engineering disciplines (ECE, ME, CEE) have collaborated on research and education projects. We anticipate that 10 undergraduate students and 2 graduate students will use the proposed instrument every semester.