In-Situ Fusion Imaging for Material Loading and Temperature Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for imaging mechanical properties of materials fail to integrate neutron and X-ray imaging due to low sensitivity and spatial interference, preventing real-time imaging during mechanical loading and temperature loading processes.
Innovation Solution
An in-situ testing apparatus that integrates X-ray phase contrast imaging and neutron imaging, allowing for spatial movement of modules and 360° specimen rotation, enabling simultaneous imaging and loading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If X-ray absorption contrast imaging is used, then the imaging system is simple to operate, but the imaging sensitivity is low and imaging quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from X-ray absorption contrast imaging to X-ray phase contrast imaging by changing the imaging parameter from absorption to phase shift detection. This parameter change enables high-sensitivity imaging of early-stage cracks and internal structures while maintaining system operability through standardized imaging procedures.
2Device complexity
If the neutron upstream emitter is integrated with other modules into one system, then the device structure is compact, but the neutron upstream emitter cannot be moved due to its ultra-large size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into independent modules: the stationary ultra-large neutron upstream emitter and the movable test cassette with X-ray imaging module. The movable base allows the test cassette to be positioned at different locations to receive neutron beams from various angles, achieving comprehensive imaging without requiring movement of the neutron source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial positioning in multiple dimensions by allowing the test cassette to move to different locations around the stationary neutron source. This dimensional approach enables the system to achieve comprehensive neutron imaging coverage without requiring the neutron source itself to be movable.
3Device complexity
If imaging is performed after mechanical loading or temperature loading, then the testing process is simple, but it is impossible to image the mechanical behavior of materials in the loading process and characterization accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous imaging during the entire loading process by maintaining simultaneous application of mechanical/thermal loads and performing real-time X-ray and neutron imaging. The movable base enables continuous positional adjustment to track material deformation and damage evolution throughout the loading process, providing continuous data rather than discrete post-loading snapshots.
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
Enhances imaging sensitivity, facilitates real-time imaging during mechanical and thermal loading, and provides comprehensive characterization of material behavior through multi-scale structural evolution analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray emitter (40), and an X-ray receiver (41), wherein the X-ray emitter and the X-ray receiver are mounted on the moving base, and located at a lower side and an upper side of the test cassette, respectively; the X-ray emitter is used to emit an X-ray to the X-ray inlet, and the X-ray receiver is used to receive the X-ray emitted from the X-ray outlet
Implementation Method 2
a front side and a rear side of the test cassette are correspondingly provided with a neutron beam inlet and a neutron beam outlet, respectively, and a connecting line between the neutron beam inlet and the neutron beam outlet passes through the test region
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an in-situ testing apparatus for a material mechanical behavior under neutron and X-ray fusion imaging, belonging to that technical field of material mechanical behavior testing. The in-situ testing apparatus includes a mechanical loading test module, a positioning support module, a variable temperature loading module, an X-ray phase contrast imaging module, and a neutron imaging module. The imaging sensitivity is high by adopting X-ray phase contrast imaging. A moving base can drive spatial positions of modules such as a test cassette and a neutron imaging module. A neutron receiver and a neutron upstream emitter can be matched to the same axis, thus solving the problem that the neutron imaging module and the X-ray imaging are difficult to be integrated into one system.