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

这项重大研究仪器奖将支持收购一种4维(4D)微型计算机断层扫描系统，该系统具有在不同长度尺度上对三维(3D)内部结构进行快速时间分辨观测的能力。虽然已经有了大量的纳米和微米尺度的形态表征设备，但达拉斯的德克萨斯大学缺乏原位观察内部3D微观结构的仪器，特别是在变形下。拟议的系统将通过提供对开发新材料至关重要的非破坏性时间分辨3D结构，并了解关键承载应用的使用条件下的机械行为，来提高该机构的研究能力。收购4D微层析成像系统将使一系列新的研究活动成为可能，从航空航天到生物医学应用，包括低密度高强度复合材料、生物灵感机器人和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，包括大量代表不足的少数族裔和女性学生，并将支持附近高中的学生科学项目。拟议的系统将提高大学的研究能力，促进快速增长的达拉斯/沃斯堡大都市区和全国的经济发展。4D计算机显微断层扫描系统可以用于从软聚合物、复合材料、金属泡沫到陶瓷的一系列材料上。较大的扫描面积允许加载框架在原位扫描期间对样品施加高负载。一台快速的计算机可以控制系统，定位样本，并根据射线照片重建3D体积图像。该系统提供了前所未有的能力，可以在不连续切片的情况下以极高的分辨率观察内部结构--允许在样品变形时进行原位微断层成像。该系统将使基础研究得以实现，范围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、更强大的生物启发机器人，以及嵌入微型或纳米颗粒的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.