scholarly journals Topographical evaluation of laser generated surfaces using statistical analysis of surface-normal vector distributions

2021 ◽  
Vol 1135 (1) ◽  
pp. 012023
Author(s):  
Rickard Olsson ◽  
John Powell ◽  
Jan Frostevarg ◽  
Alexander F.H. Kaplan

Abstract Surfaces generated by Additive Manufacturing or laser texturing can involve the solidification of droplets of liquid, which can give rise to overhanging features on the solidified surface. Overhanging features add a layer of complexity to the surface topography and are undetectable by standard surface roughness measurement techniques such as profilometry. Such features are important because they can have a considerable effect on surface properties such as wettability. New techniques and algorithms are therefore required to analyse and quantify convoluted surfaces with overhanging (re-entrant) features. Earlier work by the authors introduced the concept of using X-ray micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) to identify the directions of vectors normal to the surface at any point and thus indicate the presence or absence of overhanging features. This paper divides overhanging features into two types; simple and compound, and introduces new, size independent, analysis techniques which measure what proportion of each type is on the surface. Another extension of the analysis is the comparison of surface profiles taken in different directions in order to identify any surface roughness anisotropies.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhui Chen ◽  
He Cao ◽  
Dawei Sun ◽  
Changxin Lin ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
...  

Bone fracture is a global healthcare issue for high rates of delayed healing and nonunions. Although n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is considered as a beneficial factor for bone metabolism, only few studies till date focused on the effects of n-3 PUFAs on fracture healing. In this study, we investigated the effect of endogenous n-3 PUFAs on fracture healing by measuring femur fracture repair in bothfat-1transgenic mice and WT mice. Proximal femoral fracture model was established infat-1transgenic mice and WT mice, respectively, and then the fracture was analyzed by using X-ray, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histological assessment at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after fixation. The results showed that compared with WT mice,fat-1mice exhibited acceleration in fracture healing through radiographic and histological analysis (18–21 days versus 21–28 days postfracture). Meanwhile, X-ray and micro-CT analysis that showed better remodeling callus formation were in thefat-1group compared to WT group. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed that endogenous n-3 PUFAs promoted local endochondral ossification and accelerated the remodeling of calcified calluses after fracture. In conclusion, the present study indicated that endogenously produced n-3 PUFAs promote fracture healing process and accelerate bone remodeling in mice, and supplementation of n-3 PUFAs was positively associated with fracture healing.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Porfido ◽  
Roberto Rizzo ◽  
David Healy ◽  
Matteo Spagnuolo ◽  
Roberto Terzano ◽  
...  

<div><div><div><p>This work presents a study on the fracturing behaviour of a quartz tempered clay-based ceramic subjected to damage in freeze-thaw cycles. X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provided high-resolution imaging of the ceramic before and during the freeze-thaw treatment, allowing to analyse a fully water-saturated sample using a special thermal stage designed to keep the sample frozen during analyses. Micro-CT 3D renderings showed the internal features of the specimen (i.e., quartz grain distribution), the increment of fracture count and size, and the detachment of ceramic and/or temper fragments from the edges of the sample over the cycles. Selected 2D micrographs, before and after freeze-thawing treatment, were analysed using the MATLAB toolbox FracPaQ. This software provided detailed data on fracture length, intensity, density, orientation and connectivity, and enabled to interpret the process of fracture initiation and propagation inside the material. These results showed that the temper plays a crucial role in ceramic fracturing behaviour under freeze- thawing conditions, as damage propagation is influenced by quartz grain distribution and orientation within the material. The study described in this work, not only offers new insights into the fracture dynamics of freeze-thawed clay-based ceramics, but also presents a new methodological approach to quantitatively measure fracture damage in porous materials.</p></div></div></div>


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-343
Author(s):  
Dongyun Lee ◽  
Jisun Shin

Molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is a new type of root anomaly reported recently. The characteristics of MIM are dysplastic root formations, constriction of pulp chambers and presence of calcified matrices at the level of cementoenamel junction in permanent first molars and primary second molars. In some cases, permanent maxillary incisors are also affected.The permanent first molars of the patient in this case report were affected with MIM. Generalized pulp stones were observed in overall primary dentition. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis were performed on the extracted mandibular first molar and maxillary primary second molar of the patient. Micro-CT images revealed the discontinuity of enamel directly connected to an accessory canal of the root.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 3606
Author(s):  
Armin Rashidi ◽  
Tina Olfatbakhsh ◽  
Bryn Crawford ◽  
Abbas S. Milani

X-ray computed tomography provides qualitative and quantitative structural and compositional information for a broad range of materials. Yet, its contribution to the field of advanced composites such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers is still limited by factors such as low imaging contrast, due to scarce X-ray attenuation features. This article, through a review of the state of the art, followed by an example case study on Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis of low X-ray absorptive dry and prepreg carbon woven fabric composites, aims to highlight and address some challenges as well as best practices on performing scans that can capture key features of the material. In the case study, utilizing an Xradia Micro-CT-400, important aspects such as obtaining sufficient contrast, an examination of thin samples, sample size/resolution issues, and image-based modeling are discussed. The outcome of an optimized workflow in Micro-CT of composite fabrics can assist in further research efforts such as the generation of surface or volume meshes for the numerical modeling of underlying deformation mechanisms during their manufacturing processes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Kachovich ◽  
Jonathan C. Aitchison

AbstractA new, previously undescribed Middle Ordovician (middle Darriwilian: Dw2) radiolarian assemblage has been recovered from the Table Cove Formation at Piccadilly Quarry, western Newfoundland. Constituents of the fauna described herein are both distinctive and exceptionally well preserved. Three-dimensional X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) is used to make a detailed examination of four key spumellarian specimens. This technology enables visualization of hitherto ambiguous details of the internal morphologies of key lower Paleozoic taxonomic groups, among which a lack of knowledge has impeded resolution of higher taxonomic rankings.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Tapie ◽  
N. Chiche ◽  
P. Boitelle ◽  
P. Morenton ◽  
J.-P. Attal ◽  
...  

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing systems are increasingly used to produce dental prostheses, but the parts produced suffer from a lack of evaluation, especially concerning the internal gap of the final assembly, that is, the space between the prepared tooth and the prosthesis. X-ray micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) is a noninvasive imaging technique enabling the internal inspection of the assembly. It has proved to be an efficient tool for measuring the gap. In this study, a critical review of the protocols using micro-CT to quantify the gap is proposed as an introduction to a new protocol aimed at minimizing errors and enabling comparison between CAD/CAM systems. To compare different systems, a standardized protocol is proposed including two reference geometries. Micro-CT is used to acquire the reference geometries. A new 3D method is then proposed and a new indicator is defined (Gap Size Distribution (GSD)). In addition, the usual 2D measurements are described and discussed. The 3D gap measurement method proposed can be used in clinical case geometries and has the considerable advantage of minimizing the data processing steps before performing the measurements.


2015 ◽  
Vol 651-653 ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Barburski ◽  
Ilya Straumit ◽  
Stepan V. Lomov

X-ray micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) is a non-destructive technique that can provide information on the internal structure of materials. The purpose of micro-CT is to assess the presence of defects as well as characterizing internal structures and potential damage present in the produced part. Simple shear is an interesting deformation mechanism for woven fabric draping. The internal structure change of the carbon fibre twill fabric after shear deformation is chosen as a subject of this paper. Parameters of the mesoscopic internal structure of the woven fabric like cross section, shape, area, and middle line coordinates can be obtained from micro-CT images through image processing procedures. Details of the image data processing for sheared fabric cross sections are discussed. This paper illustrates the possibilities of micro-focus computer tomography in materials research, namely for defining geometrical properties of textile. Image processing is also used for the recognition of fibre direction in the yarns. Described methodology can be applied for determining structure of a fabric, and the results can be used for further micromechanical modelling. Identification of the fibres orientation is important for estimation of the mechanical properties of composites and can be achieved with image processing techniques.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Ortega-Gil ◽  
Juan José Vaquero ◽  
Mario Gonzalez-Arjona ◽  
Joaquín Rullas ◽  
Arrate Muñoz-Barrutia

AbstractHollow organs such as the lungs pose a considerable challenge for post-mortem imaging in preclinical research owing to their extremely low contrast and high structural complexity. The aim of our study was to enhance the contrast of tuberculosis lesions for their stratification by 3D x-ray–based virtual slicing. Organ samples were taken from five control and five tuberculosis-infected mice. Micro-Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the subjects were acquired in vivo (without contrast agent) and post-mortem (with contrast agent). The proposed contrast-enhancing technique consists of x-ray contrast agent uptake (silver nitrate and iodine) by immersion. To create the histology ground-truth, the CT scan of the paraffin block guided the sectioning towards specific planes of interest. The digitalized histological slides reveal the presence, extent, and appearance of the contrast agents in lung structures and organized aggregates of immune cells. These findings correlate with the contrast-enhanced micro-CT slice. The abnormal densities in the lungs due to tuberculosis disease are concentrated in the right tail of the lung intensity histograms. The increase in the width of the right tail (~376%) indicates a contrast enhancement of the details of the abnormal densities. Postmortem contrast agents enhance the x-ray attenuation in tuberculosis lesions to allow 3D visualization by polychromatic x-ray CT, providing an advantageous tool for virtual slicing of whole lungs. The proposed contrast-enhancing technique combined with computational methods and the diverse micro-CT modalities will open the doors to the stratification of lesion types associated with infectious diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 210408
Author(s):  
Eva C. Herbst ◽  
Alessandro A. Felder ◽  
Lucinda A. E. Evans ◽  
Sara Ajami ◽  
Behzad Javaheri ◽  
...  

Many physiological, biomechanical, evolutionary and clinical studies that explore skeletal structure and function require successful separation of trabecular from cortical compartments of a bone that has been imaged by X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) prior to analysis. Separation often involves manual subdivision of these two similarly radio-opaque compartments, which can be time-consuming and subjective. We have developed an objective, semi-automated protocol which reduces user bias and enables straightforward, user-friendly segmentation of trabecular from the cortical bone without requiring sophisticated programming expertise. This method can conveniently be used as a ‘recipe’ in commercial programmes (Avizo herein) and applied to a variety of datasets. Here, we characterize and share this recipe, and demonstrate its application to a range of murine and human bone types, including normal and osteoarthritic specimens, and bones with distinct embryonic origins and spanning a range of ages. We validate the method by testing inter-user bias during the scan preparation steps and confirm utility in the architecturally challenging analysis of growing murine epiphyses. We also report details of the recipe, so that other groups can readily re-create a similar method in open access programmes. Our aim is that this method will be adopted widely to create a reproducible and time-efficient method of segmenting trabecular and cortical bone.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Sittner ◽  
Margarita Merkulova ◽  
Jose Ricardo da Assuncao Godinho ◽  
Axel Renno ◽  
Veerle Cnudde ◽  
...  

&lt;p&gt;Image-based analytical tools in geosciences are indispensable for the characterization of minerals, but most of them are limited to the surface of a polished plane in a sample and lack 3D information. X-ray micro computed tomography (micro CT) provides the missing 3D information of the microstructures inside samples. However, a major drawback of micro CT in the characterization of minerals is the lack of chemical information that makes mineral classification challenging.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Spectral X-ray micro computed tomography (Sp-CT) is a new and evolving tool in different applications such as medicine, security, material science, and geology. This non-destructive method uses a multi-pixel photon-counting detector (PCD) such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) in combination with a conventional CT scanner (TESCAN CoreTOM) to image a sample and detect its transmitted polychromatic X-ray spectrum. Based on the spectrum, elements in a sample can be identified by an increase in attenuation at specific K-edge energies. Therefore, chemically different particles can be distinguished inside a sample from a single CT scan. The method is able to distinguish elements with K-edges in the range from 25 to 160 keV, which applies to elements with Z &gt; 48 (Sittner et al., 2020).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We present results from various sample materials. Different pure elements and element oxides were measured to compare the position of theoretical and measured K-edge energies. All measured K-edge energies are slightly above the theoretical value, but based on the results a correction algorithm could be developed. Furthermore, different monazite grains were investigated, which can be divided into two groups with respect to the content of different RE elements on the basis of the spectrum: La-Ce-rich and La-Ce-poor. In addition, samples from the Au-U Witwatersrand Supergroup demonstrate the potential applications of Sp-CT for geological samples. We measured different drill core samples from the Kalkoenkrans Reef at the Welkom Gold field. Sp-CT can distinguish gold, uraninite and galena grains based on their K-edge energies in the drill core without preparation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sittner, J., Godinho, J. R. A., Renno, A. D., Cnudde, V., Boone, M., De Schryver, T., Van Loo, D., Merkulova, M., Roine, A., &amp; Liipo, J. (2020). Spectral X-ray computed micro tomography: 3-dimensional chemical imaging. X-Ray Spectrometry, September, 1&amp;#8211;14.&lt;/p&gt;


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