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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Fourier method for 3-dimensional data fusion of X-ray Computed Tomography and ultrasound

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is essential for nondestructive inspection of many manufactured components but is susceptible to various forms of artifacts and noise. In particular, multi-detector row cone-beam CT systems can suffer from so called “cone-beam” artifacts and partial volume effects, particularly on planar edges at the periphery of the field of view in the cone angle dimension. Uni-directional ultrasonic testing methods generally have extremely accurate in-plane depth resolution but poorer lateral resolution due to physical and geometric constraints. This paper presents a novel technique called Computed Tomographic Fusion (CT-F) which uses three-dimensional Fourier filtering to combine x-ray cone-beam CT reconstructions and ultrasound data in the frequency space. The result is a single image with improved accuracy and quality. CT-F mitigates artifacts while allowing for rapid, accurate characterization of large three-dimensional CT volumes. Finally, using simulations and experiments, we demonstrate artifact reduction and edge contrast improvement in volumetric reconstructions.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Physics‐based iterative reconstruction for dual‐source and flying focal spot computed tomography

Purpose For single‐source helical Computed Tomography (CT), both Filtered‐Back Projection (FBP) and statistical iterative reconstruction have been investigated. However, for dual‐source CT with flying focal spot (DS‐FFS CT), a statistical iterative reconstruction that accurately models the scanner geometry and acquisition physics remains unknown to researchers. Therefore, our purpose is to present a novel physics‐based iterative reconstruction method for DS‐FFS CT and assess its image quality. Methods Our algorithm uses precise physics models to reconstruct from the native cone‐beam geometry and interleaved dual‐source helical trajectory of a DS‐FFS CT. To do so, we construct a noise physics model to represent data acquisition noise and a prior image model to represent image noise and texture. In addition, we design forward system models to compute the locations of deflected focal spots, the dimension, and sensitivity of voxels and detector units, as well as the length of intersection between x‐rays and voxels. The forward system models further represent the coordinated movement between the dual sources by computing their x‐ray coverage gaps and overlaps at an arbitrary helical pitch. With the above models, we reconstruct images by an advanced Consensus Equilibrium (CE) numerical method to compute the maximum a posteriori estimate to a joint optimization problem that simultaneously fits all models. Results We compared our reconstruction with Siemens ADMIRE, which is the clinical standard hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR) method for DS‐FFS CT, in terms of spatial resolution, noise profile, and image artifacts through both phantoms and clinical scan datasets. Experiments show that our reconstruction has a higher spatial resolution, with a Task‐Based Modulation Transfer Function (MTF task ) consistently higher than the clinical standard hybrid IR. In addition, our reconstruction shows a reduced magnitude of image undersampling artifacts than the clinical standard. Conclusions By modeling a precise geometry and avoiding data rebinning or interpolation, our physics‐based reconstruction achieves a higher spatial resolution and fewer image artifacts with smaller magnitude than the clinical standard hybrid IR.

Wang, Xiao↗
NASA NTRS2005

Analysis of Iron Meteorites Using Computed Tomography and Electron-probe Microanalysis

Computed tomography (CT) imaging and electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) have been used to study samples of the Mundrabilla and Colomera iron meteorites in order to perform structural, textural, and mineralogical analysis. Both gamma-ray (Co-60 source, essentially monochromatic 1.25MeV avg.) and x-ray (420 KeV, continuous) sources have been used, with effective resolution of approximately 1 mm and 0.25 mm, respectively. The gamma-ray source provides approx. 15 cm penetration through steel and is used for larger samples, whereas the x-ray source provides superior resolution at reduced penetration but exhibits beam hardening artifacts. Here we present a combined approach where CT and EPMA imaging and microanalysis aid in the identification of structural and compositional features in iron meteorites.

Carpenter, P. K.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Laboratory-Based Micro-X-ray Computed Tomography of Energy Materials at Idaho National Laboratory

Abstract The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has implemented laboratory-based micro-X-ray computed tomography in a laboratory equipped for the examination of highly radioactive samples. This capability provides nondestructive three-dimensional volumetric information on samples to inform subsequent traditional destructive examinations as well as real-world inputs for high-fidelity scientific modeling. Samples can be imaged with spatial resolutions ranging from several hundred nm/voxel up to ~ 100 µm/voxel. The best usable spatial resolution achieved to date is 384 nm/voxel with this instrument, while the highest radiological dose rate of a sample imaged is ~ 60 R/h β/γ on contact. Advanced data analysis, including custom tomographic reconstruction and segmentation methods, have also been developed to support this capability. In addition to traditional digital X-ray radiography and tomography, this instrument is also able to visualize in situ tensile and compression testing as well as perform diffraction contrast tomography. This work describes the X-ray computed tomography post-irradiation examination capabilities at INL, as well as detailing a variety of applications this instrument has examined.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

High-energy synchrotron X-ray multimodal computed tomography: enabling multiscale materials characterization at NSLS-II

We report the commissioning of a multimodal computed tomography experimental setup at the 28-ID-2 (XPD) beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source II. This high-energy (>60 keV) resource features a tunable X-ray beam size ranging from several millimetres to a few micrometres and enables comprehensive characterization of high-Z materials—an essential capability for nuclear and advanced materials research. It provides four complementary computed tomography modalities: X-ray absorption, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and pair distribution function tomography. A case study using a custom-made heterogeneous sample demonstrates these abilities to simultaneously capture atomic, elemental, and morphological information. This unique combination of imaging, structural, and chemical sensitive methods provides a holistic approach to study complex materials with amorphous and crystalline systems across multiple length scales.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2016

X-Ray Computed Tomography of Tranquility Base Moon Rock

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) was used for the first time on the Apollo 11 Lunar Sample number 10057.30, which had been previously maintained by the White House, then transferred back to NASA under the care of Goddard Space Flight Center. Results from this analysis show detailed images of the internal structure of the moon rock, including vesicles (pores), crystal needles, and crystal bundles. These crystals, possibly the common mineral ilmenite, are found in abundance and with random orientation. Future work, in particular a greater understanding of these crystals and their formation, may lead to a more in-depth understanding of the lunar surface evolution and mineral content.

X-ray computed tomography↗
DOE OSTI2021

Limited-angle computed tomography with deep image and physics priors

Computed tomography is a well-established x-ray imaging technique to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of objects. It has been used extensively in a variety of fields, from diagnostic imaging to materials and biological sciences. One major challenge in some applications, such as in electron or x-ray tomography systems, is that the projections cannot be gathered over all the angles due to the sample holder setup or shape of the sample. This results in an ill-posed problem called the limited angle reconstruction problem. Typical image reconstruction in this setup leads to distortion and artifacts, thereby hindering a quantitative evaluation of the results. To address this challenge, we use a generative model to effectively constrain the solution of a physics-based approach. Our approach is self-training that can iteratively learn the nonlinear mapping from partial projections to the scanned object. Because our approach combines the data likelihood and image prior terms into a single deep network, it is computationally tractable and improves performance through an end-to-end training. We also complement our approach with total-variation regularization to handle high-frequency noise in reconstructions and implement a solver based on alternating direction method of multipliers. We present numerical results for various degrees of missing angle range and noise levels, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2002

Uses of Computed Tomography in the NASA Materials Science Program

Computed Tomography (CT) has proved to be of inestimable use in providing a rapid evaluation of a variety of samples from Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) to electronic materials (Ge-Si alloys) to space grown materials such as meteorites. The system at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), because of its convenient geographical location, is ideal for examining samples immediately after returning to Earth. It also has the advantage of the choice of fluxes, and in particular the use of a radioactive cobalt source, which is basically monochromatic. This permits a reasonable measurement of density to be made from which chemical composition can be determined. Due to the current dearth of long duration space grown materials, the CT instrument has been used to characterize materials in preparation for flight, to determine thermal expansion values, and to examine long duration space grown materials, i.e. meteorites. The work will first describe the establishment of the protocol for obtaining the optimum density readings for any material. This will include both the effects of the hardware or instrumental parameters that can be controlled, and the techniques used to process the CT data. Examples will be given of the compositional variation along single crystals of germanium-silicon alloys. Density variation with temperature has been measured in preparation for future materials science experiments; this involved the fabrication and installation of a single zone furnace incorporating a heat pipe to ensure of high temperature uniformity. At the time of writing the thermal expansion of lead has been measured from room temperature to 900 C. Three methods are available. Digital radiography enable length changes to be determined. Prior to melting the sample is small than the container and the diameter change can be measured. Most critical, however, is the density change in solid, through the melting region, and in the liquid state. These data are needed for engineering purposes to aid in the design of containment cartridges, and for enabling fluid flow calculations. A second sample, with the lead alloyed with antimony is ready for scanning. This corresponds to the planned composition of Dr. Poirier's flight experiment. Finally, three-dimensional results will be shown of the structure of a two-phase metallic meteorite of metal and sulfide, in which the iron-nickel phase has coarsened during slow cooling over hundreds of millions of years.

Engel, H. Peter↗
DOE OSTI2021

Computed Tomography Scans of Naturally Mineralized Fractures in Upper Wolfcamp Shale

Computed tomography scans of fractures in small samples of Wolfcamp Shale from the Permian Basin and a depth of approximately 10,400 feet that have been cemented through natural processes. These samples were CT scanned at NETL. The data sets compliment the manuscript by Hajirezaie et al entitled "Mineral characterization of a sealed fracture: A multiscale multimodal imaging study of a syntaxial vein"

Computed Tomography↗
DOE OSTI2025

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of the Clinton Formation in Ohio

Computed tomography and multi-sensor core logging of core material from twelve Ohio wells held by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey to make publicly available core information from the Early Silurian Clinton Formation in Eastern Ohio. Describes data available can be accessed from NETL’s Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system, https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/ct-and-geophysical-data-of-ohio-clinton-sands.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2017

In-Situ Observations of Longitudinal Compression Damage in Carbon-Epoxy Cross Ply Laminates Using Fast Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography

The role of longitudinal compressive failure mechanisms in notched cross-ply laminates is studied experimentally with in-situ synchrotron radiation based computed tomography. Carbon/epoxy specimens loaded monotonically in uniaxial compression exhibited a quasi-stable failure process, which was captured with computed tomography scans recorded continuously with a temporal resolutions of 2.4 seconds and a spatial resolution of 1.1 microns per voxel. A detailed chronology of the initiation and propagation of longitudinal matrix splitting cracks, in-plane and out-of-plane kink bands, shear-driven fiber failure, delamination, and transverse matrix cracks is provided with a focus on kink bands as the dominant failure mechanism. An automatic segmentation procedure is developed to identify the boundary surfaces of a kink band. The segmentation procedure enables 3-dimensional visualization of the kink band and conveys the orientation, inclination, and spatial variation of the kink band. The kink band inclination and length are examined using the segmented data revealing tunneling and spatial variations not apparent from studying the 2-dimensional section data.

Bergan, Andrew C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Measurement of Three-dimensional Density Distributions by Holographic Interferometry and Computer Tomography

The use of holographic interferometry to measure two and threedimensional flows and the interpretation of multiple-view interferograms with computer tomography are discussed. Computational techniques developed for tomography are reviewed. Current research topics are outlined including the development of an automated fringe readout system, optimum reconstruction procedures for when an opaque test model is present in the field, and interferometry and tomography with strongly refracting fields and shocks.

Vest, C. M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Frequency 3D Photoacoustic Computed Tomography Using an Optical Microring Resonator

3D photoacoustic computed tomography (3D-PACT) has made great advances in volumetric imaging of biological tissues, with high spatial-temporal resolutions and large penetration depth. The development of 3D-PACT requires high-performance acoustic sensors with a small size, large detection bandwidth, and high sensitivity. In this work, we present a new high-frequency 3D-PACT system that uses a microring resonator (MRR) as the acoustic sensor. The MRR sensor has a size of 80 μ m in diameter and was fabricated using the nanoimprint lithography technology. Using the MRR sensor, we have developed a transmission-mode 3D-PACT system that has achieved a detection bandwidth of ~23 MHz, an imaging depth of ~8 mm, a lateral resolution of 114 μ m, and an axial resolution of 57 μ m. We have demonstrated the 3D PACT’s performance on in vitro phantoms, ex vivo mouse brain, and in vivo mouse ear and tadpole. The MRR-based 3D-PACT system can be a promising tool for structural, functional, and molecular imaging of biological tissues at depths.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2000

Computer Tomography Analysis of Fastrac Composite Thrust Chamber Assemblies

Computed tomography (CT) inspection has been integrated into the production process for NASA's Fastrac composite thrust chamber assemblies (TCAs). CT has been proven to be uniquely qualified to detect the known critical flaw for these nozzles, liner cracks that are adjacent to debonds between the liner and overwrap. CT is also being used as a process monitoring tool through analysis of low density indications in the nozzle overwraps. 3d reconstruction of CT images to produce models of flawed areas is being used to give program engineers better insight into the location and nature of nozzle flaws.

Beshears, Ronald D.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Computed Tomography Inspection and Analysis for Additive Manufacturing Components

Computed tomography (CT) inspection was performed on test articles additively manufactured from metallic materials. Metallic AM and machined wrought alloy test articles with programmed flaws were inspected using a 2MeV linear accelerator based CT system. Performance of CT inspection on identically configured wrought and AM components and programmed flaws was assessed using standard image analysis techniques to determine the impact of additive manufacturing on inspectability of objects with complex geometries.

Beshears, Ronald D.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Computed Tomography Inspection and Analysis for Additive Manufacturing Components

Computed tomography (CT) inspection was performed on test articles additively manufactured from metallic materials. Metallic AM and machined wrought alloy test articles with programmed flaws and geometric features were inspected using a 2-megavolt linear accelerator based CT system. Performance of CT inspection on identically configured wrought and AM components and programmed flaws was assessed to determine the impact of additive manufacturing on inspectability of objects with complex geometries.

Beshears, Ronald D.↗
DOE OSTI2022

A full-ring variable-aperture cadmium zinc telluride system for whole-body single photon emission computed tomography: realistic simulations with phantoms

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an imaging modality that has demonstrated its utility in a number of clinical indications. Despite this progress, a high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, multi-tracer SPECT with a large field of view suitable for whole-body imaging of a broad range of radiotracers for theranostics is not available. Purpose We have designed a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) variable-aperture full-ring SPECT scanner instrumented with a broad-energy tungsten collimator intended to fill this technological gap. The final purpose is to provide a multi-tracer solution for brain and whole-body imaging. Our static SPECT scanner breaks the paradigm of the standard dual- and triple-head rotational SPECT systems, utilizing a larger detector area in each scan increasing the sensitivity. We provide a demonstration of the performance of our design using a realistic model of our detector with simulated body-sized 99mTc phantoms. Methods We developed a realistic model of our detector by using a combination of a Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation and a CZT detector response model based on a finite element model. Our approach models the characteristic low-energy tail effect in CZT that noticeably affects the sensitivity and the quality of the scatter correction in CZT detectors. We implement a modified dual energy window scatter correction adapted to include the CZT low-energy tail effect. A dedicated correction is also developed to eliminate the undesirable truncation observed in images given the presence of detector edges and gaps between detectors, due to the non-rotational nature of our device. Corrections for the attenuation, detector response and the presence of collimators are also included. The images are reconstructed using the maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization algorithm implemented in the reconstruction open software STIR. Detector and reconstruction performance are characterized with a Derenzo phantom and a body-sized National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Image Quality (IQ) phantom containing 99mTc. Results Our SPECT design can resolve 6.4mm rods in a Derenzo phantom and obtain a good image contrast with the IQ phantom. Explicit testing of the gap and edge correction is provided, showing an excellent performance in eliminating the image truncation artifacts. Our modified scatter correction shows no overestimation of the contrast-recovery ratio for our realistic CZT detector model, as opposed to the cases without correction and with a standard dual-energy window scatter correction. Conclusions In this paper, we further demonstrate the performance of our design for whole-body imaging purposes. This adds to our previous demonstration of improved qualitative and quantitative 99mTc imaging for brain perfusion and 123I imaging for dopamine transport with respect to state-of-the-art NaI dual-head cameras. We show that our design performs similarly to the VERITON SPECT from Spectrum Dynamics, a commercial full-ring CZT SPECT camera, with the potential advantage of the broader energy range of application given by our custom-design tungsten collimators. Here, our device combines high sensitivity and image resolution with a broad-energy imaging application for the purpose of clinical imaging and theranostics of emerging radionuclides.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2022

X-ray Computed Tomography of Irradiated and Unirradiated AGR-3/4 Compacts

X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) has been utilized to image and characterize compacts from the combined third and fourth irradiation of the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Program, AGR-3/4, fuel. The experiment contained tristructural isotropic (TRISO)-coated fuel particles as well as designed-to-fail (DTF) fuel particles. Two irradiated compacts, representing the lower and higher range of AGR-3/4 burnup (4.85% and 14.92% fissions per initial heavy metal atom FIMA) were examined. These represent the first known highly irradiated TRISO fuel compacts to be examined via X-ray CT. Additionally, two unirradiated compacts from the same production batch as the examined irradiation compacts were also imaged for a baseline comparison. As XCT of irradiated TRISO compacts is not a commonly implemented characterization technique, a significant portion of the report focuses on developed methodology and imaging conditions. A specialized sample shielding device was developed and fabricated specifically to limit received dose to staff during sample preparation for XCT and to minimize excess gamma radiation dose to sensitive electronic components with the utilized X-ray system. Significant penetration through the uranium oxycarbide fuel kernels by significantly hardening the X-ray beam with specialized proprietary filters acquired from Carl Zeiss NTS Ltd. The filter utilized resulted in an average X ray photon energy of ~110 keV which approaches uranium’s K-edge (~115 keV), maximizing penetration for a microfocus X-ray source. The gamma-radiation emitted from the irradiated AGR-3/4 TRISO compacts, has the same properties and mechanisms for interaction with matter as X-rays, thus the detection of gamma-radiation by the utilized X-ray detectors was initially a concern. However, although ?-rays did produce an observable signal on the X-ray detector, its contribution to the overall imaging results appeared negligible upon 3D reconstruction. The neglibile impact on the resulting 3D reconstructed volumes were likely the result of: (1) a significantly lower detection efficiency for ?-rays relative to X-rays; (2) An X-ray flux at the detector several orders of magnitude higher than that of the impinging ?-rays from the irradiated compacts. These results suggest that irradiated compacts with significantly higher radiation fields can be examined in the future if an acceptable route for sample handling and preparation can be determined. Additionally, the 3D imaging results of XCT can provide a valuable means of assessing compacts. While in many ways complimentary to traditional post irradiation examination techniques such as optical ceramography, XCT can provide additional insight into compact features traditionally difficult to discern directly from cross-sectional imaging alone. Preliminary analyses on kernel size, morphology (aspect ratio and sphericity), and kernel orientation were presented. Sphericity, a simple morphological shape descriptor, was utilized to screen for kernel extrusions within the high burnup compact. The number of kernel extrusions identified via XCT represented an approximate two-fold increase from the quantity of extruded particles observed (via optical ceramography) in adjacent compacts from the same irradiation capsule. While numerical analysis of the compact datasets was highly preliminary, initial results show promise for providing complimentary metrics to current AGR-3/4 PIE and potentially additional insight into the processes driving TRISO fuel degradation during reactor operation. Additional analyses to be performed at a later date include a more detailed examination of kernel size, kernel sphericity (and observed kernel extrusions), and sphericity. Given all particles can be observed in a single data volume possible correlation of spatial position with observed kernel features will also be made at a later date.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗