MRI: Acquisition of a High Resolution X-ray Tomography Unit

该项目的目的是获得一种高分辨率的X射线显微断层成像系统，以满足包括材料科学与工程、机械、土木与生物医学工程和医学院在内的多个系的大量教职员工的研究项目的特征需求。X射线微层析成像是一种非破坏性的表征技术，它通过部件在平面上提供横截面图像。带有微焦点X射线的商用计算机断层扫描(CT)系统为同步加速器源的高质量微断层扫描提供了一种可行的替代方案。这类商用CT系统提供了前所未有的灵活性，因为它们价格实惠、占地面积小、操作简单。该仪器将为以下领域的大量现有项目和新项目提供无损的、三维的、定量的表征能力：(A)材料(包括药物压制品、纸张、环保复合材料、采石场细粉、疏浚材料、研磨橡胶轮胎)的加工和表征；(B)骨的微结构和性能；(C)生物医学应用的支架设计、评估和快速原型制作；(D)微结构敏感设计方法的基础研究；(E)土木工程中的新型材料。事实上，除了这一奖项中的5名PI和5名高级人员外，还设想了一个非常广泛的用户基础。该系统的特点是分辨率高，在低对比度分辨率(10%MTF)下最小细节可达1 mm，像素尺寸在最大放大倍数为0.9 mm时。它配备了一个1000万像素的12位数字冷却电荷耦合器件。一个四节点网络集群将用于快速图像重建和分析。建议将该仪器安置在新的博索内工程研究大楼的材料表征实验室，并由中央材料表征设施管理。CMCF拥有一系列全面的最先进的材料表征仪器，能够满足大学、其他学术机构和地区行业内的研究人员的需求。收购这一工具的更广泛影响包括加强德雷克塞尔大学在本科生和研究生层面的教育活动，以及分别通过动手演示和用户小组会议向高中生和行业提供更多外联活动的可能性。

The purpose of this project is to acquire a high resolution X-ray microtomography system that will fulfill the characterization needs for research projects of a large group of faculty spanning several departments including Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical, Civil and Biomedical Engineering and the College of Medicine. X-ray microtomography is a non-destructive characterization technique that provides cross-sectional images in planes through a component. Commercial computerized tomography (CT) systems with a microfocus X-ray provide a viable alternative of the high quality microtomography at Synchrotron sources. Such commercial CT systems offer an unprecedented level of flexibility due to their affordable price, small footprint and ease of operations. This instrument will provide non-destructive, three dimensional, quantitative characterization capability for a large variety of current and new projects in the areas of: (a) processing and characterization of materials (including pharmaceutical compacts, paper, environmentally conscious composite materials, quarry fines, dredged materials, ground rubber tires), (b) bone microstructure and properties, (c) scaffold design, evaluation and rapid prototyping for biomedical applications, (d) fundamental studies in the microstructure sensitive design methodologies, (e) novel materials in civil engineering. In fact, a very wider user base in envisioned beyond the 5 PIs and 5 senior personnel in this award. This system is characterized by high resolution with smallest detail at low contrast resolution (10% MTF) up to 1mm and pixel size at maximum magnification 0.9 mm. It is equipped with a 10 Megapixel 12-bit digital cooled CCD. A four-node network cluster will be used for rapid image reconstruction and analysis. It is proposed that the instrument be housed in the Materials Characterization Laboratory in the new Bossone Engineering Research Building and administrated by the Centralized Materials Characterization Facility (CMCF). CMCF houses a comprehensive array of state-of-the art materials characterization instruments capable of meeting the needs of researchers within the university, other academic institutions and regional industries. Broader impacts from the acquisition of this instrument include the enhancement the educational activities of Drexel University at both undergraduate and graduate level, and the potential for additional outreach activities to high school students and industry via hands on demonstrations and user group meetings respectively.