Projects / Programmes
3D and 4D microscopy - development of new powerful tools in geosciences
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.06.01 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology |
Mineralogy and petrology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P420 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Petrology, mineralogy, geochemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.05 |
Natural Sciences |
Earth and related Environmental sciences |
3D and 4D microscopy, microtomography, 3D image analysis, microstructure, porosity, permeability, crack orientation, dinamic modelling
Researchers (18)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Microtomography (microCT) is becoming more and more widely recognized in geological sciences as a powerful tool for the spatial characterization of rock and other geological materials. Together with 3D image analysis and other complementary techniques, it has the characteristics of an innovative and non-destructive 3D microscopical technique. On the other hand its main disadvantages are low availability (only a few geological laboratories are equipped with high resolution tomographs), the relatively high prices of testing connected with the use of an x-ray source, technical limitations connected to the resolution and imaging of certain materials, as well as time-consuming and complex 3D image analysis, necessary for quantification of 3D tomographic data sets. The main goal of the present project is therefore to develop and establish protocols for optimal 3D microscopy including microCT imaging, 3D data analysis and complementary analysis, which would result in a more advanced and standardized method, which would be more easily available and applicable, and less time-consuming so cheaper. We will further develop protocols for 4D microscopy, i.e. dynamic structural processing (microCT imaging with simultaneous in-situ loading of the sample). Established protocols will be following: protocols for 3D pore analysis, data set coupling and multi-scale imaging, 3D mineralogical identification, the spatial imaging of low attenuation phases and geological materials in the presence of high attenuation phases, and dynamic microstructural processing. These protocols will be developed and demonstrated on the basis of studies of real geological samples and problems, such as the porosity of Alveolina-Nummulites limestone, crack formation in the Velenje lignite ore, and the fibre orientation and strength of high performance fibre reinforced concretes. Research will also be performed into possibilities of the use of 3D and 4D microscopy data in conventional geological modelling. The established protocols will thus directly help to solve complex geological and technical problems, and over the long term sustainability of the project impact will be ensured by the direct application of the developed protocols and know how to industry (e.g. the construction industry, primary resource industry, car production industry) and other fields of research (e.g. the development of smart sensors), as well by educating young people such as students of graduate and postgraduate programs in by transferring the latest findings and developments in the field of spatial characterization and image analysis of geological materials.
Significance for science
In addition to achieving research breakthroughs within the scope of the above-mentioned cases from technical petrography, structural geology and sedimentology as well as the application of a new approach using 3D microscopy in the geosciences, the main result of the project will be the establishing of standard protocols and better qualified operators for the 3D microscopy of geological samples. This will make possible easier and faster analyses of new geological samples after the completion of the project, which will increase the possibility of scientific breakthroughs in geosciences and new ways of exploiting the developed knowledge. Additionally, the first case of this kind of a research approach in the Slovenian academic arena (the system for X-ray microtomograpy at ZAG is currently the only such device in Slovenia, and one of just a few in the wider European area) will make possible development above the present state-of-the-art. The project will increase international co-operation through already established networks of individual research partners, and enable greater recognition within the European Research Area. Developed applications will be transferred directly into the economy not only in the field of geosciences, but also into other sectors of industry (e.g. the primary resource industry, the construction industry, the automobile industry). Dissemination of the results is planned within the scope of workshops for industry and publications in expert journals. The scientific impact of the project will be measured by the number of papers presented in scientific publications. It is planned that at least 5 such publications be made in internationally recognized scientific journals, especially in those with higher impact factor.
Significance for the country
Knowledge developed in present project will be directly transfered to regular study program on Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering. In this way long term impact of the project is ensured since new graduates will bring knowledge to their future employees. This way, techniques of X-ray microtomography will reach the widest possible spectrum of applications in scientific and applied research institutions as well as in the industry. Direct impact is also training of one young researcher on 3D and 4D microscopy topics at Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute.
Project will also directly impact industry since developed procedures and protocols and highly trained personnel will be available for different industries not only geosciences also after the project end. In the field of mining industry, direct benefit will have Rudnik premoga Velenje since they will be able to directly use results of microstructural modelling of lignite samples in improvements in design of mine works and in defining of safety protocols, which is currently a major area of multidisciplinary research in coal geology and geotechnology.
Interes for results of the project have already express two producers of 3D modelling software. In the past producer FEI (AVIZO software for 3D image visualisation and analysis) have already cooperated with ZAG in order to upgraded their modulus for 3D image analysis on microtomographic samples imaged by ZAG. The software manufacturer Paradigm has expressed interest in collaborating in the proposed project with the testing of their additional products for volume analysis, such as Paradigm VoxelGeo
ZAG is also involved in network of infrastructure laboratories under joined initative Raw to recycled materials – advanced characterisation and 3D imaging. This network was formed in the frame of EIT Raw Materials and thus direct transfer of results will be possible to offer research partners as well as different international corporations such as Atlas Copco, Sandvik, Basf, KGHM, Arkema and others, being industrial partners of EIT Raw Materials.
Project will also directly impact construction sector in Slovenia, since analyzed results will solve many current issues in production of novel construction materials such as ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete, new asphalt composites, new cement mixtures and others. These materials are grouped under Technical petrography group.
Interest on project result was also expressed by Hydria AET with whom we have in the past cooperated in order to improve their products by means of microCT. We will also organize workshops on microtomography for industry, so better access of euqipment and knowledge to industry is expected. It is also expected that this will push for development of new product direction and increase export productivity of Slovenian industry which is one of the goals of national strategy on smart specialisation.
Most important scientific results
Interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report,
final report
