Elastic Material Performance Evaluation via X-Ray Void Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating the performance of elastic materials, such as those used in tires, do not accurately predict the actual performance of products made from these materials.
Innovation Solution
A performance evaluation method that involves applying a strain to a test piece made of the elastic material to form voids, then using X-ray imaging to obtain projected images at multiple times and calculating the volume change of these voids as an index of performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wear testing methods (e.g., Ramborn wear tester) are used to evaluate elastic material performance, then the evaluation process is simple and established, but the performance results do not match the actual product performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical wear testing methods with a non-destructive X-ray imaging method to evaluate material performance. Instead of using mechanical wear testers that physically wear down the material, the invention uses X-ray CT imaging to visualize and measure void formation and growth inside the material under strain, providing more accurate performance prediction without mechanical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces X-ray imaging as an intermediary measurement method to indirectly assess material performance. Rather than directly measuring wear through mechanical contact, the invention uses X-ray images to detect internal void changes as a mediator that correlates with actual material performance and wear resistance
2Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used to obtain projected images at multiple times, then performance prediction accuracy is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary strain to the test piece before X-ray imaging to intentionally form voids that can be easily detected and measured. By pre-straining the material to create visible void structures, the measurement process becomes simpler and more accurate, as the voids are already formed and ready for imaging rather than requiring detection of subtle pre-existing features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface observations to three-dimensional internal structure visualization using X-ray CT imaging. This dimensional change allows direct measurement of void volume and growth in 3D space, significantly improving measurement accuracy compared to surface-level or 2D imaging methods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the prediction of the performance of elastic materials by correlating the volume change of voids with the material's wear resistance and other performance metrics, providing a more accurate evaluation than traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a step of obtaining projected images of the test piece by irradiating the test piece with X-rays at a plurality of times after the at least one void is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A performance evaluation method for elastic material including rubber or elastomer, the method includes a step of applying a strain to a test piece made of the elastic material to form at least one void inside the test piece, a step of obtaining projected images of the test piece by irradiating the test piece with X-rays at a plurality of times after the at least one void is formed, and a step of obtaining a volume change of the at least one void between the plurality of times based on the projected images, as one of indexes of performance.