MRI: Acquisition of a 4D Microtomography Apparatus for Nano/microstructured Materials and in-situ Nano/Micromechanics Research

该主要研究仪器奖将支持采购一种4维（4D）微型计算机断层扫描系统，该系统能够对不同长度尺度的三维（3D）内部结构进行快速时间分辨观察。虽然存在大量的设备用于纳米和微观尺度的形态表征，但德克萨斯大学达拉斯分校缺乏用于观察原位内部3D微结构的仪器，特别是在变形情况下。该系统将通过提供非破坏性的时间分辨3D结构，提高该机构的研究能力，这对新材料的开发至关重要，并了解关键承重应用在服务条件下的机械行为。4D微断层扫描系统的收购将使广泛的新研究活动产生影响，从航空航天到生物医学应用，包括低密度高强度复合材料，生物启发机器人和3D打印形状记忆聚合物。这些设备将加强对研究生和本科生的培训，包括大量代表性不足的少数民族和女性学生，并将支持附近高中的学生科学项目。拟议中的系统将提高大学的研究能力，从而促进快速增长的达拉斯/沃斯堡大都会地区和全国的经济发展。4D计算机微断层扫描系统可用于软聚合物、复合材料、金属泡沫和陶瓷等多种材料。大的扫描区域允许加载框架在原位扫描期间对样品施加高载荷。一台快速的计算机可以控制系统，对样品进行定位，并从x光片中重建三维体积图像。该系统提供了前所未有的能力，无需连续切片即可以极高的分辨率观察内部结构，从而允许在样品变形时进行原位微断层扫描。该系统将支持基础研究，从使用碳纳米管片的低密度和高强度复合材料的可扩展纳米制造工艺，到更轻、更强的仿生机器人，以及嵌入微或纳米颗粒的3D打印聚合物复合材料，以远程触发局部加热和形状记忆效应。

This Major Research Instrumentation award will support the acquisition of a 4-dimensional (4D) micro-computed tomography system with capability for fast time-resolved observation of three-dimensional (3D) internal structures at different length scales. While extensive equipment exists for morphology characterization at nano- and microscales, the University of Texas at Dallas lacks instrumentation to observe in-situ internal 3D microstructures, particularly under deformation. The proposed system will advance the institution's research capabilities by providing non-destructive time-resolved 3D structures, critical for development of new materials, and understanding the mechanical behavior under service conditions for critical load-bearing applications. The acquisition of the 4D micro-tomography system will enable a wide range of new research activities with impacts from aerospace to biomedical applications, including low-density high strength composites, bioinspired robots, and 3D printed shape memory polymers. This equipment will enhance the training of graduate and undergraduate students, including a substantial number of underrepresented minority and women students, and will support student science projects at nearby high schools. The proposed system will advance university research capabilities, leading to enhanced economic development in the fast growing Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area and the nation. The 4D computed micro-tomography system can be used on a range of materials from soft polymers, composites, metallic foams, to ceramics. The large scanning area allows a loading frame to apply high loads to a sample during in-situ scanning. A fast computer allows control of the system, positioning of a sample, and 3D volumetric image reconstruction from radiographs. The system provides unprecedented capability to observe internal structures with exceptionally high resolution without serial sectioning--allowing in-situ micro-tomography while a sample is deformed. The system will enable fundamental research ranging from scalable nanomanufacturing processes for low-density and high strength composites using carbon nanotube sheets, to lighter, stronger bioinspired robots, and 3D printed polymer composites embedded with micro or nanoparticles to remotely trigger local heating and shape memory effects.