MRI-R2: Acquisition of an X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography Apparatus for in situ Three-dimensional Microscopy of Microstructural Evolution of Materials Under Deformation

University Of North Texas, Denton TX

Investigators

Abstract

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The objective of this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI-R2) award is to acquire a high resolution x-ray tomography apparatus. A parallel computing cluster with associated software is acquired as part of the system for fast three-dimensional structure re-generation to accommodate the use by multiple researchers. A cooling stage will provide a constant temperature environment. A loading stage will allow in-situ observation of a sample under load. The instrument will be accessed by multiple users on projects that require the ability to use non-destructive techniques to determine the microstructures as well as their evolution under deformations. The instrument will be made available to all users at the university, and industry in the region as well as in the nation. The equipment will help enhance the training of graduate and undergraduate students, including a substantial number of under-represented minority and women students, and will also support student projects at nearby high schools.