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EPFL - multiple material analyses at high resolution thanks to X-ray CT with Gary Perrenoud

by Verona on 02 Nov 2022 at 16h51
 quote
 
With X-ray CT, it's not necessary to prepare the sample, cut it or polish it - one scan gives us a complete mapping of the structure and defects of the sample in a fast and simple way.
     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Gary Perrenoud, EPFL PIXE
X-ray CT is a powerful technology for the non-destructive inspection of even the most complex objects. It is an efficient way to characterize the internal structure of objects in a non-destructive way as well as the complete reconstruction of 3D models. In the field of material analysis, CT offers various applications: high-resolution micro-structure analysis, defect analysis, fiber analysis, 4D inspection...
 
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) combines research, teaching, and innovation through its 5 multidisciplinary faculties, specializing in science and technology. X-ray Computed Tomography is used at the EPFL by the Plateforme Interdisciplinaire de Microtomographie à rayons X (PIXE) for material analyses, in particular, the study of soils or other geo-materials (concrete, rocks, plants) in order to study the components of the soil and their natural evolution. With Gary Perrenoud, EPFL PIXE, we discussed the benefits of X-ray tomography in the analysis of materials, the types of materials and analyses performed and the RX Solutions system used in their laboratory.
 

Can you introduce us to the main materials studied with X-ray tomography?

EPFL carries out research in many fields. Thus, we regularly study, within our PIXE platform, materials such as wood (as shown in the images of a bamboo rhizome below), concrete, rocks as well as composite materials. We also have the opportunity to scan insects, archaeological pieces, bones as well as mechanical parts. 
 
 Industrial part X-ray Industrial CT scan 
Bamboo rhizome porosities in 3D - PIXE 
 
 

WHAT IS THE MAIN INTEREST FOR EPFL TO USE X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY?

EPFL is a renowned school that trains engineers, especially in civil and materials engineering. X-ray CT allows us to characterize, with great precision, the different materials studied and developed here.
 
The versatility of the UltraTom, allows us to develop different experiment grounds to perform in-situ inspections and measurements. We currently have two units for tensile and compression tests. In one of them, we can also control humidity. We also have a unit for shear tests and plan to develop others in the near future thanks to UltraTom testing capabilities.
 

FOR WHICH APPLICATIONS IS X-RAY CT MOST EFFECTIVE?

We use more and more X-ray tomography to perform in-situ tests. These tests allow us to do structural characterization of materials, mechanical modeling, permeability analysis, dynamic process analysis, or numerical twins. For example, in the pictures below, we see a section of composite material during a tensile test. This test allows us to see the deformation mechanics as well as the crack initiations in the material up to its failure point.
 
 Internal CT scan view glassfiber Glassfiber X-ray
 

Internal Xray view glassfiber
 Internal X-ray scan view glassfiber
Glassfiber - CCLAB - Prof. Anastasios Vassilopoulos et Ziad Sahlab

 
What are the benefits of X-ray ct for material analyses?

The main benefits for us at EPFL are; the non-destructive aspect, the 3D visualization of the outside and inside of the sample as well as the possibility to do in-situ tests (4D inspection over time). Indeed, with X-ray CT, it is not necessary to prepare the sample, to cut it and to polish it like for a microscope analysis for example. It's easier and faster for us. In addition, X-ray CT gives us a complete mapping of the structure and defects of the sample.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SECTORS THAT USE YOUR EXPERTISE IN X-ray CT? 

 
The two main sectors are civil engineering and materials. But over the years, sectors such as environmental engineering, archaeology, and biotechnology are increasingly calling on our services. We also provide services for other schools and universities as well as for private sector companies.
 
On a more marginal note, we collaborated with a photographer, Catherine Leutenegger, for an exhibition entitled Unnatural studies. The samples were taken from the lake of Taillères and studied with our UltraTom system.
 

CAN YOU PRESENT US THE CT SYSTEM USED BY EPFL?

 
EPFL carries out wide range of research, so we chose the Ultratom for its versatility and high-resolution. Indeed, with its 2 X-ray tubes, one allowing sub-micron measurements, as well as its numerous axes, it is easy for us to make measurements on any type of sample, whether it is an ant's head, a composite material or a concrete core.
 
In addition, we develop, in-house tools that allow us to perform in-situ tests. We can, for example, apply a tensile or compressive load on a rock core and follow the formation of cracks. With UltraTom we have the freedom to adapt the CT system to our challenges, customized for our diverse applications. 
   UltraTom | RX Solutions   
 

L'ORÉAL Paris: sustainable packaging >

Since 2007, L'Oréal has been committed to an ambitious policy of sustainable development, with the goal of reducing plastic packaging. In this context, X-ray tomography is a state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology, which allows us to explore new packaging in its entirety and thus ensure the best quality and performance for the consumer. Read more here

RENAULT Group: on-board electronics >

The technical progress expected in the automotive industry in the coming years is important and very challenging, particularly with the development of electric vehicles. Renault Group has made innovation one of the keys to its success with its Guyancourt Technocentre, one of the largest automotive research and development center in Europe, using X-ray CT. Read more here

INSA Lyon Research Lab: lithium-ion batteries >

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L'ORÉAL Paris: sustainable packaging >

Since 2007, L'Oréal has been committed to an ambitious policy of sustainable development, with the goal of reducing plastic packaging. In this context, X-ray tomography is a state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology, which allows us to explore new packaging in its entirety and thus ensure the best quality and performance for the consumer. Read more here

RENAULT Group: on-board electronics >

The technical progress expected in the automotive industry in the coming years is important and very challenging, particularly with the development of electric vehicles. Renault Group has made innovation one of the keys to its success with its Guyancourt Technocentre, one of the largest automotive research and development center in Europe, using X-ray CT. Read more here

INSA Lyon Research Lab: lithium-ion batteries >

The development of energy storage solutions, especially for batteries, has been one of the most active industrial fields for many years. The stakes are getting higher with the exponential growth of electric mobility, connected objects, and means of communication. INSA Lyon uses X-ray CT to understand battery behavior. Read more here

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