MRI: Dynamic Micro-Computed Tomography for Multidisciplinary Research and Foundational Education of the Sciences

这一重大研究仪器(MRI)奖支持收购一种动态微型计算机断层扫描仪器。动态测试对于随时间推移评估功能至关重要。微型计算机断层成像技术是非破坏性的，可以提供微米级的3D信息。该项目旨在将先进的科学和工程研究仪器与少数民族学生的教育培训相结合。这种微型计算机断层扫描仪将由佛罗里达农工大学(FAMU)收购，该大学是一所历史悠久的黑人学院和大学。该仪器的能力为研究许多微结构系统提供了一个有效的表征工具。它将用于一系列研究项目，以在新型聚合物-金属-陶瓷复合材料、驱动机制、生物复合材料和宏观生物以及生物化石方面进行重要工作。该仪器还将帮助培训来自多个学科的学生材料的行为，以培养下一代STEM少数民族劳动力。该仪器还将在新设立的材料科学与工程研究生课程中发挥重要作用。此外，该仪器将帮助FAMU建立X射线成像科学中心，并成为美国同步加速器设施培训网络的一部分。采购Rigaku计算机层析成像(CT Lab HX)系统提供了新的研究机会，通过非破坏性3D成像扩大实验规模，这对识别关键的微结构动态特征至关重要。CT500是一个500N的原位拉伸/压缩阶段。CT现有的开放式框架内的集成机械测试单元可以分别在压缩模式和拉伸模式下达到10-20 mm。这将支持跨多学科的特定于应用程序的测试，包括从几秒钟、几分钟到一个小时的不同扫描时间。FAMU将担任管理人员，并将协调新的跨学科挑战的基础研究。使用该仪器的基础研究项目满足了跨校园的需求，包括1)用于功能纤维生产和4D打印的多架构聚合物材料流；2)食物-水关系中常见害虫的生理和形态生长；以及3)增强的计算图像处理。通过在可以检测到关键特征的长度尺度上系统地调查材料结构，该仪器允许研究界研究跨越结构、环境、化学和有机相关过程的一系列问题的内在机制。该项目还将吸引与区域行业、国家实验室和市政实体的合作，以开展公共STEM活动。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award supports the acquisition of a dynamic micro-computed tomography instrument. Dynamic testing is essential for evaluating functionality over time. Micro-computed tomography techniques are non-destructive and provide 3D information at the micrometer scale. This project aims to integrate advanced research instrumentation in science and engineering with educational training for minority students. The micro-computed tomography instrument will be acquired by Florida A&M University (FAMU), a historically black college and university. The capability of the instrument provides an efficient characterization tool for examining many microstructured systems. It will be used in a range of research projects to conduct significant work in novel polymer-metal-ceramic composites, actuation mechanisms, bio-composites and macro-organisms, and fossilized creatures. The instrument will also help train students from multiple disciplines in the behavior of materials to produce the next generation of a STEM minority workforce. The instrument will also play an important role in the newly established Materials Science and Engineering graduate program. Additionally, this instrument will help FAMU establish the X-Ray Imaging Science Center and be part of the training network for the United States synchrotron facilities.The procurement of a Rigaku Computed Tomography (CT Lab HX) system provides new research opportunities by scaling experimentation through nondestructive 3D imaging, critical for identifying key microstructural dynamic features. The CT500 is a 500N in-situ tensile/compressive stage. The integrated mechanical testing unit within the CT's available open-frame can achieve 10-20 mm, respectively, for compression or tension modes. This will enable application-specific testing across a multidiscipline basis to encompass varying scan times from seconds, minutes and processes occurring over an hour. FAMU will be the steward and will coordinate fundamental studies of novel interdisciplinary challenges. Fundamental research projects using the instrument address cross-campus needs that encompass studies of 1) multiarchitectured polymer material flow for functional fiber production and 4D printing; 2) physiological and morphological growth of common pests for the food-water nexus; and 3) enhanced computational image processing. By systematically investigating material structures at length scales where critical features can be detected, this instrument allows the research community to study innate mechanisms of a range of problems spanning structural, environmental, chemical, and organic-related processes. This project will also attract collaborations with regional industry, national laboratories, and municipal entities for public STEM engagement.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.