MRI: Acquisition of a High Resolution X-ray Tomography Unit

该项目的目的是获得一个高分辨率的x射线微断层扫描系统，以满足包括材料科学与工程、机械、土木与生物医学工程和医学院在内的多个系的一大群教师的研究项目的表征需求。x射线微层析成像是一种非破坏性的表征技术，可通过部件在平面上提供横截面图像。带有微聚焦x射线的商用计算机断层扫描（CT）系统为同步加速器源的高质量微断层扫描提供了可行的替代方案。由于价格实惠、占地面积小、易于操作，这种商用CT系统提供了前所未有的灵活性。该仪器将为以下领域的大量现有和新项目提供非破坏性、三维、定量表征能力：(a)材料的加工和表征（包括制药压片、纸张、环保复合材料、采石场粉、疏浚材料、磨碎橡胶轮胎），(b)骨骼微观结构和特性，(c)生物医学应用的支架设计、评估和快速原型设计，(d)微观结构敏感设计方法的基础研究，(e)土木工程中的新材料。事实上，在这个奖项中，除了5名pi和5名高级人员之外，还有更广泛的用户基础。该系统的特点是高分辨率，在低对比度分辨率（10% MTF）下最小细节高达1mm，像素尺寸最大放大倍数为0.9 mm。它配备了一个1000万像素的12位数字冷却CCD。四节点网络集群将用于快速图像重建和分析。建议将仪器安置在新Bossone工程研究大楼的材料表征实验室，并由集中材料表征设施（CMCF）管理。CMCF拥有一系列最先进的材料表征仪器，能够满足大学、其他学术机构和地区行业研究人员的需求。购置这一仪器的更广泛影响包括加强德雷塞尔大学在本科和研究生一级的教育活动，并有可能分别通过实际演示和用户小组会议向高中学生和工业界开展更多的外联活动。

The purpose of this project is to acquire a high resolution X-ray microtomography system that will fulfill the characterization needs for research projects of a large group of faculty spanning several departments including Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical, Civil and Biomedical Engineering and the College of Medicine. X-ray microtomography is a non-destructive characterization technique that provides cross-sectional images in planes through a component. Commercial computerized tomography (CT) systems with a microfocus X-ray provide a viable alternative of the high quality microtomography at Synchrotron sources. Such commercial CT systems offer an unprecedented level of flexibility due to their affordable price, small footprint and ease of operations. This instrument will provide non-destructive, three dimensional, quantitative characterization capability for a large variety of current and new projects in the areas of: (a) processing and characterization of materials (including pharmaceutical compacts, paper, environmentally conscious composite materials, quarry fines, dredged materials, ground rubber tires), (b) bone microstructure and properties, (c) scaffold design, evaluation and rapid prototyping for biomedical applications, (d) fundamental studies in the microstructure sensitive design methodologies, (e) novel materials in civil engineering. In fact, a very wider user base in envisioned beyond the 5 PIs and 5 senior personnel in this award. This system is characterized by high resolution with smallest detail at low contrast resolution (10% MTF) up to 1mm and pixel size at maximum magnification 0.9 mm. It is equipped with a 10 Megapixel 12-bit digital cooled CCD. A four-node network cluster will be used for rapid image reconstruction and analysis. It is proposed that the instrument be housed in the Materials Characterization Laboratory in the new Bossone Engineering Research Building and administrated by the Centralized Materials Characterization Facility (CMCF). CMCF houses a comprehensive array of state-of-the art materials characterization instruments capable of meeting the needs of researchers within the university, other academic institutions and regional industries. Broader impacts from the acquisition of this instrument include the enhancement the educational activities of Drexel University at both undergraduate and graduate level, and the potential for additional outreach activities to high school students and industry via hands on demonstrations and user group meetings respectively.