MRI: Acquisition of a High-Resolution 3D X-Ray Microscopy System

此重大研究仪器（MRI）奖的目的是购买高分辨率3D X射线显微镜系统（微X射线CT）。 各种各样的研究将通过收购这个微型X射线CT系统，包括：在纳米技术，NSF赞助的行业/大学合作研究中心（I/UCRC）的摩擦搅拌加工，和NSF赞助的本科生（REU）网站的研究经验，一个基础广泛的校园研究合作得到加强。此外，微型X射线CT采集将增强单个研究者的研究。具体的研究将受到设备收购的积极影响包括以下领域：柔性电子设备的直写打印;古环境重建和化石资源的无损分析;混凝土表征;生物分离和生物可再生材料处理的先进膜;爆炸和冲击的个人防护设备;土壤和岩石芯评估;和纳米能量材料研究。 该设备将对跨学科研究产生深远影响，除了能够进行科学研究外，还将为教育和培训提供重要机会。在这方面，所要求的工具将用于至少八门课程，这些课程通常每年招收250多名学生。 此外，SDSM T主办了一个夏季NSF REU网站（回到未来！）将在研究中心的研究项目中使用该设备。微型X射线CT将用于各种各样的高中生夏令营工程。 SDSM T地质博物馆是众多联邦和州政府机构以及地区部落机构的正式化石储存库。这个微型X射线CT设施将极大地增强对这些化石进行的分析研究，并为博物馆每年接待的24，000名游客提供新的展品。网络使能将使SDSM T和其他南达科他州的regental和部落高等教育机构之间的合作更大。

The objective of this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award is to purchase a high resolution 3D X-Ray microscopy system (Micro X-Ray CT). A wide variety of research will be enhanced by acquisition of this Micro X-Ray CT system including: a broad-based campus research collaboration in nanotechnology, an NSF-sponsored Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) on friction stir processing, and an NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. In addition, single investigator research will be enhanced by the Micro X-Ray CT acquisition. Specific research to be positively impacted by the equipment acquisition includes the following areas: Direct Write Printing of Flexible Electronic Devices; Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions and Nondestructive Analysis of Fossil Resources; Concrete Characterization; Advanced Membranes for Bioseparations and Biorenewables Processing; Personal Protective Equipment for Blast and Impact; Soil and Rock Core Evaluation; and Nanoenergetic Materials Research. The equipment will provide far-reaching impacts across disciplinary research.In addition to the scientific research to be enabled, significant education and training opportunities will be invigorated with this instrument. In this regard, the requested instrument would be utilized in at least eight courses that typically enroll more than 250 students/year. In addition, SDSM&T hosts a summer NSF REU site (Back to the Future!) which will utilize this equipment within the Site's research projects. The Micro X-Ray CT will be utilized in a wide variety of summer engineering camps for high school students. The SDSM&T Museum of Geology serves as a formal fossil repository for a plethora of federal and state governmental agencies and regional tribal agencies. This Micro X-Ray CT facility will greatly enhance the analytical research performed on these fossils and provide new exhibits for the 24,000 visitors the Museum hosts yearly. Cyber-enabling will allow greater collaboration between SDSM&T and the other South Dakota regental and tribal institutions of higher learning.