X-ray Microscope for 4D in-situ Quantitative Tomography of Game-changing Nanoengineered Structural
Abstract
The next generations of composite structures will utilize multiscale architectures thatcombine state-of-the-art microscale advanced fiber composites with nanoscalereinforcements to create game-changing levels of performance. Recent findings in PIWardle~s group show that integrating controlled-morphology nanoscale fibers at strategiclocations significantly improves strength and other mechanical and multifunctionalproperties. However, the mechanisms involved are still not fully understood, partly due toinadequate characterization techniques. Developments in x-ray micro-computedtomography (~CT) provide a direct and data-rich solution to this problem. Analogous to3D imaging achieved in medical applications, material microstructures and associateddamage processes may now be imaged to the required spatial resolutions of 1-5 ~m, insituimaging (i.e. during mechanical loading) brings in the temporal dimension, allowingfor 4D quantification of temporal events such as damage. Such comprehensive internalmapping of states represents a major advance over established experimental techniques,and will allow tailoring and selective reinforcement of game-changing materials forefficient, durable, and extreme-performance DoD structures. The laboratory-based 4D~CT tool proposed herein will be used to establish new understanding of the mechanismsof reinforcement involved in several hierarchical nanoengineered composites. Thesematerials, in direct interest of the Navy and the DoD, have demonstrated mechanical andmultifunctional performance benefits, and are routinely designed, fabricated and tested inPI Wardle~s group. Exploring and understanding the structure-property-process relationsof nanoengineered materials, particularly damage formation and progression, are relevantto all future composite structural applications, including naval, DoD, and numerouslightweighting capabilities that address DoD priorities. The acquisition of an in-situ ~CTwould enable PI Wardle~s research group to develop and implement new reinforcementstrategies and to refine and invent new capabilities, such as in situ damage sensing andnew manufacturing routes, thereby educating scores of researchers and establishing newU.S. capabilities and leadership in this critical area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712068
Entities
People
- Brian Wardle
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy