Reactive Magnesium Cement-based Concrete
This image shows the results of the 3D micro-CT analysis of a 12mm plug of reactive magnesium cement-based concrete. We can accurately segment out the cement, pore (air) and aggregate (rock) phases, allowing us to calculate their respective volumes. By pairing this data with other techniques (e.g. diffuse reflectance FTIR, XRD, and compressive strength testing), we can understand the formation and distribution of chemical compounds, and optimise the concrete for strength and the amount of CO2 mineralised.
Originator: Anna Herring
Application: Carbon Utilisation
Affiliation: Applied Maths, Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPE), Australian National University (ANU)
Austin Chalk
The quest for high-quality 3D structural information of porous media was the catalyst for the development of CT technologies in the Department of Material Physics (formerly Applied Maths) at the ANU. The creation and evolution of the CTLab facility is the visible product of more than 15 years of dedicated research and development by our multi-talented team.
This image shows a 3D rendering of the central region taken from a 2mm core of Austin Chalk with a resolution of 1 um voxel size.
Originator: Levi Beeching
Application: Geology
Affiliation: Material Physics, Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPE), Australian National University (ANU)
In-situ Analysis of Failure and Fragmentation in Geomaterials
The CTLab hosts a microtomography experimental platform enabling in-situ micro-mechanical study of failure and fragmentation in geomaterials. The system is based on an original high-pressure triaxial flow cell, which is fully integrated into a custom-built microtomography scanner equipped with a laboratory X-ray source.
This experimental system produces very high-quality 3D images of microstructural changes occurring in rocks undergoing mechanical failure and substantial fragmentation. The capabilities and versatility of this instrumental platform enable us to tackle various questions related to the onset of rock failure, the hydromechanical coupling and relaxation mechanisms in fractured rocks, or the fragmentation process in geomaterials such as copper or iron ores.
Originator: Nicolas Francois
Application: Carbon Utilisation
Affiliation: Materials Physics, Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPhys), Australian National University (ANU)
Reference: Francois, N., et al., A versatile microtomography system to study in situ the failure and fragmentation in geomaterials. Review of Scientific Instruments, 93(8): p. 083704, (2022).
