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

该主要研究仪器（MRI）奖支持购置动态微型计算机断层扫描仪器。随着时间的推移，动态测试对于评估功能是必不可少的。微计算机断层扫描技术是非破坏性的，并提供微米尺度的三维信息。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。这台微型计算机断层扫描仪将被佛罗里达农工大学（FAMU）收购，这是一所历史悠久的黑人学院和大学。该仪器的功能为检查许多微结构系统提供了有效的表征工具。它将用于一系列研究项目，在新型聚合物-金属-陶瓷复合材料、驱动机制、生物复合材料、大型生物和化石生物等领域开展重要工作。该仪器还将帮助培训来自多个学科的学生，以培养下一代STEM少数族裔劳动力。该仪器也将在新成立的材料科学与工程研究生项目中发挥重要作用。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。Rigaku计算机断层扫描（CT Lab HX）系统的采购为通过非破坏性3D成像缩放实验提供了新的研究机会，这对于识别关键的微观结构动态特征至关重要。CT500为500N的原位拉伸/压缩阶段。在CT的开放式框架内，集成的机械测试单元可以分别达到10- 20mm的压缩或拉伸模式。这将使特定应用程序的测试能够跨越多学科的基础，包括从秒到分钟的不同扫描时间，以及发生在一个小时以上的过程。FAMU将是管理者，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解决了跨校园的需求，包括：1)用于功能性纤维生产和4D打印的多结构聚合物材料流研究；2)食水关系中常见害虫的生理形态生长；3)增强的计算图像处理。通过在长度尺度上系统地研究材料结构，可以检测到关键特征，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工业、国家实验室和市政实体的合作，以促进公共STEM参与。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值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.