Acquisition of X-ray Computed Tomography Machine
Abstract
The general aims of the DoD Research and Education Program for HBCUs/MSI are to (a) enhance research and education programs and capabilities in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to the national security functions of DoD; (b) enhance the capacity of HBCUs/MIs to participate in DoD research programs and activities; and (c) increase the number of graduates, including underrepresented minorities, in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Here we propose for the acquisition of Computed Tomography (CT scan) machine which works on a combined principle of X-rays technology and computer simulation to produce horizontal or axial 3D images of an object. CT scan has been evolved into an essential imaging tool with increasing variety of applications in medical, paleontology, archeology, manufacturing, and material science. The technique has a real breakthrough with the development of synchrotron radiation, which can yield 3D images with a spatial resolution of 100 times higher than the conventional CT systems. The large X-ray computed tomography instrument, commonly known as CT scanner, can penetrate steel, concrete, bone and even nano-fabricated electronic sensors or microchips to generate high resolution images. CT scan is an emerging, non-destructive testing method (NDT) used for samples ranging from 1 mm to 300 mm in diameter. In addition, tomography has been deployed for failure analysis, metrology, and flaw detection in advanced manufacturing industry. This instrument has a great potential to be an interdisciplinary piece of research equipment, which is valuable to the Engineering & Technology education, training, outreach program, and industrial applications. Virginia State University (VSU) is an HBCU minority-serving institution with engineering, science and technology undergraduate and graduate programs. The College of Engineering and Technology at VSU has active external research collaborations with member industries and higher education institutions of the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM). CCAM is an applied research center that bridges the gap between fundamental research typically performed at universities and product development routinely performed by companies. As member, VSUÕs researchers are engaged in the acceleration and transition of research innovation from the laboratory to commercial use. Development of tomography based research and training will enhance such engagements as well as collaboration among faculty members in STEM fields. The proposed instrument will be shared with CCAM engineers and faculty from the other four CCAM member universities as external collaborators. The instrument will enrich VSUÕs research activities in manufacturing, surface engineering, friction stir welding, thermal spray coating, nano-manufacturing, 3D printing, and cyber manufacturing. Furthermore, the instrument will be utilized to promote both graduate and undergraduate students researches as well as support educational trainings at VSU. The instrument will augment existing engineering material lab and will help to initiate new graduate level academic track within the field of engineering at VSU. Therefore, acquisition of the proposed instrument is expected to lead significant advances and expand the current scope of research and training at VSU. Bringing together multi-disciplinary teams from the science, engineering, and technology at VSU, this will significantly accelerate and foster integration of research & training and promote innovation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910527
Entities
People
- Diptirani Samantaray
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Virginia State University