GPU Accelerated Micro-CT Imaging System for Research and Education
Abstract
This proposal seeks Army Research Office support for the acquisition of a graphical processing unit (GPU) accelerated micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) scanning system to increase the research capacity and enhance the education activities in Civil, Mechanical and Biomedical engineering areas of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The proposed micro-CT scanner will provide a unique means for nondestructive assessment of materials. Meanwhile, the GPU acceleration will provide rapid 3D reconstruction for the visualization of large samples with complex structures. The acquisition of the proposed micro-CT scanning system will initially support projects in geotechnical & geo-environmental engineering, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical engineering. Micro-CT scanned data for the advanced manufacturing project will be provide contributions in support of the NASA sponsored Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Space Technology & Applied Research (CAM-STAR) at UDC. CAM-STAR will focus on research investigating various advanced manufacturing techniques and their application in space exploration technology. For the geotechnical project, micro-CT scanning system will provide: 1) 3D morphological information for characterizing the physical properties of oceanic sands and 2) nondestructive visualization of the microstructure of concrete made from oceanic sands used in the multi-scale multi-physics modeling. In the geo-environmental engineering area, this instrument will provide abilities to investigate alternative mineral growth for biomediated soil. Also, the contributions from these geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering projects has the potential to open many new research areas related to sustainable civil engineering materials, which addresses one of the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st century to restore and improve urban infrastructure. The micro-CT scanning system will enable valuable training and research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students to use the advanced tools for natural and engineered material characterization. The principle physics of the X-ray micro-CT imaging will be introduced into the lower-class undergraduate course levels in civil, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. Upper-class undergraduates will familiarize themselves with micro-CT applications not only through their coursework, but in their senior capstone projects. Additionally, the micro-CT scanning system will support UDC existing outreach activities within the District of Columbia metro area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110203
Entities
People
- Max Denis
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of the District of Columbia