Simultaneous fluorescence and Compton scattering computed tomography based on linear polarization X-ray

Purpose To propose a method for simultaneous fluorescence and Compton scattering computed tomography by using linearly polarized X-rays.Methods Monte Carlo simulations were adopted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.In the simulations,the phantom is a polytetrafluoroethylene cylinder inside which are cylindrical columns containing aluminum,water,and gold(Au)-loaded water solutions with Au concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 4.0 wt%,and a parallel-hole collimator imaging geometry was adopted.The light source was modeled based on a Thomson scattering X-ray source.The phantom images for both imaging modalities were reconstructed using a maximumlikelihood expectation maximization algorithm.Results Both the X-ray fluorescence computed tomography(XFCT)and Compton scattering computed tomography(CSCT)images of the phantom were accurately reconstructed.A similar attenuation contrast problem for the different cylindrical columns in the phantom can be resolved in the XFCT and CSCT images.The interplay between XFCT and CSCT was analyzed,and the contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of the reconstruction was improved by correcting for the mutual influence between the two imaging modalities.Compared with K-edge subtraction imaging,XFCT exhibits a CNR advantage for the phantom.Conclusion Simultaneous XFCT and CSCT can be realized by using linearly polarized X-rays.The synergy between the two imaging modalities would have an important application in cancer radiation therapy.

A machine learning-based strategy for predicting the mechanical strength of coral reef limestone using X-ray computed tomography

Different sedimentary zones in coral reefs lead to significant anisotropy in the pore structure of coral reef limestone(CRL),making it difficult to study mechanical behaviors.With X-ray computed tomography(CT),112 CRL samples were utilized for training the support vector machine(SVM)-,random forest(RF)-,and back propagation neural network(BPNN)-based models,respectively.Simultaneously,the machine learning model was embedded into genetic algorithm(GA)for parameter optimization to effectively predict uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of CRL.Results indicate that the BPNN model with five hidden layers presents the best training effect in the data set of CRL.The SVM-based model shows a tendency to overfitting in the training set and poor generalization ability in the testing set.The RF-based model is suitable for training CRL samples with large data.Analysis of Pearson correlation coefficient matrix and the percentage increment method of performance metrics shows that the dry density,pore structure,and porosity of CRL are strongly correlated to UCS.However,the P-wave velocity is almost uncorrelated to the UCS,which is significantly distinct from the law for homogenous geomaterials.In addition,the pore tensor proposed in this paper can effectively reflect the pore structure of coral framework limestone(CFL)and coral boulder limestone(CBL),realizing the quantitative characterization of the heterogeneity and anisotropy of pore.The pore tensor provides a feasible idea to establish the relationship between pore structure and mechanical behavior of CRL.

Energy spectrum computed tomography multi-parameter imaging in preoperative assessment of vascular and neuroinvasive status in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Vascular and nerve infiltration are important indicators for the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer(GC),but traditional imaging methods have some limitations in preoperative evaluation.In recent years,energy spectrum computed tomography(CT)multiparameter imaging technology has been gradually applied in clinical practice because of its advantages in tissue contrast and lesion detail display.AIM To explore and analyze the value of multiparameter energy spectrum CT imaging in the preoperative assessment of vascular invasion(LVI)and nerve invasion(PNI)in GC patients.METHODS Data from 62 patients with GC confirmed by pathology and accompanied by energy spectrum CT scanning at our hospital between September 2022 and September 2023,including 46 males and 16 females aged 36-71(57.5±9.1)years,were retrospectively collected.The patients were divided into a positive group(42 patients)and a negative group(20 patients)according to the presence of LVI/PNI.The CT values(CT40 keV,CT70 keV),iodine concentration(IC),and normalized IC(NIC)of lesions in the upper energy spectrum CT images of the arterial phase,venous phase,and delayed phase 40 and 70 keV were measured,and the slopes of the energy spectrum curves[K(40-70)]from 40 to 70 keV were calculated.Arterial Core Tip:To investigate the application value of multiparameter energy spectrum computed tomography(CT)imaging in the preoperative assessment of vascular and nerve infiltration in patients with gastric cancer(GC).The imaging data of GC patients were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the accuracy and sensitivity of CT for identifying and quantifying vascular and nerve infiltration and for comparison with postoperative pathological results.The purpose of this study was to verify the clinical feasibility and potential advantages of multiparameter energy spectrum CT imaging in guiding preoperative diagnosis and treatment decision-making and to provide a new imaging basis for improving the diagnostic accuracy and prognosis of GC patients.

Tracking the phase transformation and microstructural evolution of Sn anode using operando synchrotron X-ray energy-dispersive diffraction and X-ray tomography

Tin(Sn)holds great promise as an anode material for next-generation lithium(Li)ion batteries but suffers from massive volume change and poor cycling performance.To clarify the dynamic chemical and microstructural evolution of Sn anode during lithiation and delithiation,synchrotron X-ray energydispersive diffraction and X-ray tomography are simultaneously employed during Li/Sn cell operation.The intermediate Li-Sn alloy phases during de/lithiation are identified,and their dynamic phase transformation is unraveled which is further correlated with the volume variation of the Sn at particle-and electrode-level.Moreover,we find that the Sn particle expansion/shrinkage induced particle displacement is anisotropic:the displacement perpendicular to the electrode surface(z-axis)is more pronounced compared to the directions(x-and y-axis)along the electrode surface.This anisotropic particle displacement leads to an anisotropic volume variation at the electrode level and eventually generates a net electrode expansion towards the separator after cycling,which could be one of the root causes of mechanical detachment and delamination of electrodes during long-term operation.The unraveled chemical evolution of Li-Sn and deep insights into the microstructural evolution of Sn anode provided here could guide future design and engineering of Sn and other alloy anodes for high energy density Li-and Na-ion batteries.

Seeing through Materials:X-Ray Imaging Using Computed Tomography

X-ray computed tomography(XCT)has recently emerged as a powerful tool for characterizing the evolution of microstructure during phase transformation in three dimensional(3D)such as dendritic solidification of alloys.This paper briefly reviews the recent advances in the in-situ observation of aluminium alloys,magnesium alloys and nickel-based superalloys during solidification using laboratory XCT and synchrotron X-ray sources.The focus is on the growth kinetics of dendrites,porosity and secondary phases.In addition,in-situ characterization during the loading and corrosion process is also discussed.

Computed tomography-based nomogram of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction to predict response to docetaxel, oxaliplatin and S-1

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)has become the standard care for advanced adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction(AEG),although a part of the patients cannot benefit from NAC.There are no models based on baseline computed tomography(CT)to predict response of Siewert type II or III AEG to NAC with docetaxel,oxaliplatin and S-1(DOS).AIM To develop a CT-based nomogram to predict response of Siewert type II/III AEG to NAC with DOS.METHODS One hundred and twenty-eight consecutive patients with confirmed Siewert type II/III AEG underwent CT before and after three cycles of NAC with DOS,and were randomly and consecutively assigned to the training cohort(TC)(n=94)and the validation cohort(VC)(n=34).Therapeutic effect was assessed by disease-control rate and progressive disease according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(version 1.1)criteria.Possible prognostic factors associated with responses after DOS treatment including Siewert classification,gross tumor volume(GTV),and cT and cN stages were evaluated using pretherapeutic CT data in addition to sex and age.Univariate and multivariate analyses of CT and clinical features in the TC were performed to determine independent factors associated with response to DOS.A nomogram was established based on independent factors to predict the response.The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated by Concordance index(C-index),calibration and receiver operating characteristics curve in the TC and VC.RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that Siewert type(52/55 vs 29/39,P=0.005),pretherapeutic cT stage(57/62 vs 24/32,P=0.028),GTV(47.3±27.4 vs 73.2±54.3,P=0.040)were significantly associated with response to DOS in the TC.Multivariate analysis of the TC also showed that the pretherapeutic cT stage,GTV and Siewert type were independent predictive factors related to response to DOS(odds ratio=4.631,1.027 and 7.639,respectively;all P<0.05).The nomogram developed with these independent factors showed an excellent performance to predict response to DOS in the TC and VC(C-index:0.838 and 0.824),with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.838 and 0.824,respectively.The calibration curves showed that the practical and predicted response to DOS effectively coincided.CONCLUSION A novel nomogram developed with pretherapeutic cT stage,GTV and Siewert type predicted the response of Siewert type II/III AEG to NAC with DOS.

Importance of computed tomography in posterior malleolar fractures:Added information to preoperative X-ray studies

BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are common lesions of the lower limbs.Approximately 40%of ankle fractures affect the posterior malleolus(PM).Historically,PM osteosynthesis was recommended when PM size in X-ray images was greater than 25%of the joint.Currently,computed tomography(CT)has been gaining traction in the preoperative evaluation of ankle fractures.AIM To elucidate the similarity in dimensions and to correlate PM size in X-ray images with the articular surface of the affected tibial plafond in the axial view on CT(AXCT)of a PM fracture.METHODS Eighty-one patients(mean age:39.4±13.5 years)were evaluated(54.3%were male).Two independent examiners measured PM size in profile X-ray images(PMXR)and sagittal CT(SAGCT)slices.The correlation of the measurements between the examiners and the difference in the PM fragment sizes between the two images were compared.Next,the PM size in PMXR was compared with the surface of the tibial plafond involved in the fracture in AXCT according to the Haraguchi classification.RESULTS The correlation rates between the examiners were 0.93 and 0.94 for PMXR and SAGCT,respectively(P<0.001).Fragments were 2.12%larger in SAGCT than in PMXR(P=0.018).In PMXR,there were 56 cases<25%and 25 cases≥25%.When PMXR was<25%,AXCT corresponded to 10.13%of the tibial plafond.When PMXR was≥25%,AXCT was 24.52%(P<0.001).According to the Haraguchi classification,fracture types I and II had similar PMXR measurements that were greater than those of type III.When analyzing AXCT,a significant difference was found between the three types,with II>I>III(P<0.001).CONCLUSION PM fractures show different sizes using X-ray or CT images.CT showed a larger PM in the sagittal plane and allowed the visualization of the real dimensions of the tibial plafond surface.

Deep learning model combined with computed tomography features to preoperatively predicting the risk stratification of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GIST)are prevalent neoplasm originating from the gastrointestinal mesenchyme.Approximately 50%of GIST patients experience tumor recurrence within 5 years.Thus,there is a pressing need to accurately evaluate risk stratification preoperatively.AIM To assess the application of a deep learning model(DLM)combined with computed tomography features for predicting risk stratification of GISTs.METHODS Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)images of 551 GIST patients were retrospectively analyzed.All image features were independently analyzed by two radiologists.Quantitative parameters were statistically analyzed to identify significant predictors of high-risk malignancy.Patients were randomly assigned to the training(n=386)and validation cohorts(n=165).A DLM and a combined DLM were established for predicting the GIST risk stratification using convolutional neural network and subsequently evaluated in the validation cohort.RESULTS Among the analyzed CECT image features,tumor size,ulceration,and enlarged feeding vessels were identified as significant risk predictors(P<0.05).In DLM,the overall area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)was 0.88,with the accuracy(ACC)and AUROCs for each stratification being 87%and 0.96 for low-risk,79%and 0.74 for intermediate-risk,and 84%and 0.90 for high-risk,respectively.The overall ACC and AUROC were 84%and 0.94 in the combined model.The ACC and AUROCs for each risk stratification were 92%and 0.97 for low-risk,87%and 0.83 for intermediate-risk,and 90%and 0.96 for high-risk,respectively.Differences in AUROCs for each risk stratification between the two models were significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION A combined DLM with satisfactory performance for preoperatively predicting GIST stratifications was developed using routine computed tomography data,demonstrating superiority compared to DLM.

Impact of computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging registration on rehabilitation after percutaneous endoscopic decompression for lumbar stenosis: Retrospective study

BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression(PELD)shows promise for lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)treatment,but its use is limited by the disease's complexity and procedural challenges.AIM In this study,the effects of preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance with computed tomography(CT)/magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)registration techniques on PELD for LSS and postoperative rehabilitation outcomes were evaluated.METHODS This retrospective study was conducted with data from patients who underwent PELD for LSS between January 2021 and December 2023.Patients were assigned to preoperative CT/MRI registration and control groups.Data collected included the operative time,length of hospital stay,visual analog scale(VAS)scores for low back and leg pain,and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)lumbar spine score.Differences between groups were assessed using Student’s t test.RESULTS Data from 135 patients(71 in the CT/MRI registration group,64 in the control group)were analyzed.The operative time was significantly shorter in the CT/MRI registration group(P=0.007).At 2 months postoperatively,both groups showed significant reductions in VAS leg and low back pain scores(all P<0.001)and improvements in the JOA score(both P<0.001).No complication or death occurred.Preoperatively,pain and JOA scores were similar between groups(P=0.830,P=0.470,and P=0.287,respectively).At 2 months postoperatively,patients in the CT/MRI registration group reported lower leg and low back pain levels(P<0.001 and P=0.001,respectively)and had higher JOA scores(P=0.004)than did patients in the control group.CONCLUSION Preoperative CT/MRI registration for PELD for LSS reduced the operative time and VAS pain scores at 2 months and improved JOA scores,demonstrating enhanced effectiveness and safety.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor detected by technetium-99m methoxy-2-isobutylisonitrile single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography:A case report

BACKGROUND Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)account for about 1%–2%of pancreatic tumors and about 8%of all NETs.Computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging,and endoscopic ultrasound are common imaging modalities for the diagnosis of pancreatic NETs.Furthermore,somatostatin receptor imaging is of great value for diagnosing pancreatic NETs.Herein,we report the efficacy of technetium-99m methoxy-2-isobutylisonitrile(99mTc-MIBI)single photon emission CT(SPECT)/CT for detecting pancreatic NETs.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 1-d history of persistent upper abdominal distending pain.The distending pain in the upper abdomen was aggravated after eating,with nausea and retching.Routine blood test results showed a high neutrophil percentage,low leukomonocyte and monocyte percentages,and low leukomonocyte and eosinophil counts.Amylase,liver and kidney function,and tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein,carcinoembryonic antigen,and cancer antigen(CA)125,CA72-4,CA19-9,and CA153 were normal.Abdominal CT showed a mass,with multiple calcifications between the pancreas and the spleen.The boundary between the mass and the pancreas and spleen was poorly defined.Contrast-enhanced CT revealed that the upper abdominal mass was unevenly and gradually enhanced.99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT revealed that a focal radioactive concentration,with mild radioactive concentration extending into the upper abdominal mass,was present at the pancreatic body and tail.The 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT manifestations were consistent with the final pathological diagnosis of pancreatic NET.CONCLUSION 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT appears to be a valuable tool for detecting pancreatic NETs.

Use of X-ray computed tomography to study structures and particle contacts of granite residual soil

A small problem about soil particle regularization and contacts but essential to geotechnical engineering was studied.The soils sourced from Guangzhou and Xiamen were sieved into five different particle scale ranges(d<0.075 mm,0.075 mm≤d<0.1 mm,0.1 mm≤d<0.2 mm,0.2 mm≤d<0.5 mm and 0.5 mm≤d<1.0 mm)to study the structures and particle contacts of granite residual soil.The X-ray micro computed tomography method was used to reconstruct the microstructure of granite residual soil.The particle was identified and regularized using principal component analysis(PCA).The particle contacts and geometrical characteristics in 3D space were analyzed and summarized using statistical analyses.The results demonstrate that the main types of contact among the particles are face-face,face-angle,face-edge,edge-edge,edge-angle and angle-angle contacts for particle sizes less than 0.2 mm.When the particle sizes are greater than 0.2 mm,the contacts are effectively summarized as face-face,face-angle,face-edge,edge-edge,edge-angle,angle-angle,sphere-sphere,sphere-face,sphere-edge and sphere-angle contacts.The differences in porosity among the original sample,reconstructed sample and regularized sample are closely related to the water-swelling and water-disintegrable characteristics of granite residual soil.

Use of high-resolution X-ray computed tomography and 3D image analysis to quantify mineral dissemination and pore space in oxide copper ore particles

Mineral dissemination and pore space distribution in ore particles are important features that influence heap leaching performance. To quantify the mineral dissemination and pore space distribution of an ore particle, a cylindrical copper oxide ore sample (I center dot 4.6 mm x 5.6 mm) was scanned using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT), a nondestructive imaging technology, at a spatial resolution of 4.85 mu m. Combined with three-dimensional (3D) image analysis techniques, the main mineral phases and pore space were segmented and the volume fraction of each phase was calculated. In addition, the mass fraction of each mineral phase was estimated and the result was validated with that obtained using traditional techniques. Furthermore, the pore phase features, including the pore size distribution, pore surface area, pore fractal dimension, pore centerline, and the pore connectivity, were investigated quantitatively. The pore space analysis results indicate that the pore size distribution closely fits a log-normal distribution and that the pore space morphology is complicated, with a large surface area and low connectivity. This study demonstrates that the combination of HRXCT and 3D image analysis is an effective tool for acquiring 3D mineralogical and pore structural data.

Effects of dry-wet cycles on three-dimensional pore structure and permeability characteristics of granite residual soil using X-ray micro computed tomography

Due to seasonal climate alterations,the microstructure and permeability of granite residual soil are easily affected by multiple dry-wet cycles.The X-ray micro computed tomography(micro-CT)acted as a nondestructive tool for characterizing the microstructure of soil samples exposed to a range of damage levels induced by dry-wet cycles.Subsequently,the variations of pore distribution and permeability due to drywet cycling effects were revealed based on three-dimensional(3D)pore distribution analysis and seepage simulations.According to the results,granite residual soils could be separated into four different components,namely,pores,clay,quartz,and hematite,from micro-CT images.The reconstructed 3D pore models dynamically demonstrated the expanding and connecting patterns of pore structures during drywet cycles.The values of porosity and connectivity are positively correlated with the number of dry-wet cycles,which were expressed by exponential and linear functions,respectively.The pore volume probability distribution curves of granite residual soil coincide with the χ^(2)distribution curve,which verifies the effectiveness of the assumption of χ^(2)distribution probability.The pore volume distribution curves suggest that the pores in soils were divided into four types based on their volumes,i.e.micropores,mesopores,macropores,and cracks.From a quantitative and visual perspective,considerable small pores are gradually transformed into cracks with a large volume and a high connectivity.Under the action of dry-wet cycles,the number of seepage flow streamlines which contribute to water permeation in seepage simulation increases distinctly,as well as the permeability and hydraulic conductivity.The calculated hydraulic conductivity is comparable with measured ones with an acceptable error margin in general,verifying the accuracy of seepage simulations based on micro-CT results.

Microstructure Evolution of Sandstone Cemented by Microbe Cement Using X-ray Computed Tomography

The bio-sandstone, which was cemented by microbe cement, was firstly prepared, and then the microstructure evolution process was studied by X-ray computed tomography （X-CT） technique. The experimental results indicate that the microstructure of bio-sandstone becomes dense with the development of age. The evolution of inner structure at different positions is different due to the different contents of microbial induced precipitation calcite. Besides, the increase rate of microbial induced precipitation calcite gradually decreases because of the reduction of microbe absorption content with the decreasing pore size in bio-sandstone.

Review of X-ray and computed tomography scan findings with a promising role of point of care ultrasound in COVID-19 pandemic

As healthcare professionals continue to combat the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection worldwide,there is an increasing interest in the role of imaging and the relevance of various modalities.Since imaging not only helps assess the disease at the time of diagnosis but also aids evaluation of response to management,it is critical to examine the role of different modalities currently in use,such as baseline X-rays and computed tomography scans carefully.In this article,we will draw attention to the critical findings for the radiologist.Further,we will look at point of care ultrasound,an increasingly a popular tool in diagnostic medicine,as a component of COVID-19 management.

Three dimensional distribution of surfactant in microspheres revealed by synchrotron radiation X-ray microcomputed tomography

This study investigated the formulation mechanism of microspheres via internal surfactant distribution. Eudragit L100 based microspheres loaded with bovine serum albumin were prepared by solid in oil in oil emulsion solvent evaporation method using acetone and liquid paraffin system containing sucrose stearate as a surfactant. The fabricated microspheres were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, production yield, and in vitro release characteristics. The internal structures of microspheres were characterized using synchrotron radiation X-ray microcomputed tomography(SR-μCT). The enhanced contrast made the sucrose stearate distinguished from Eudragit to have its three dimensional(3D) distribution. Results indicated that the content and concentration determined the state of sucrose stearate and had significant influences on the release kinetics of protein. The dispersity of sucrose stearate was the primary factor that controlled the structure of the microspheres and further affected the encapsulation efficiency, effective drug loading, as well as in vitro release behavior. In conclusion, the 3D internal distribution of surfactant in microspheres and its effects on protein release behaviors have been revealed for the first time. The highly resolved 3D architecture provides new evidence for the deep understanding of the microsphere formation mechanism.

Quantification of 3D macropore networks in forest soils in Touzhai valley(Yunnan,China)using X-ray computed tomography and image analysis

The three dimensional （3D） geometry of soil macropores largely controls preferential flow, which is a significant infiltrating mechanism for rainfall in forest soils and affects slope stability. However, detailed studies on the 3D geometry of macropore networks in forest soils are rare. The intense rainfall-triggered potentially unstable slopes were threatening the villages at the downstream of Touzhai valley （Yunnan, China）. We visualized and quantified the 3D macropore networks in undisturbed soil columns （Histosols） taken from a forest hillslope in Touzhai valley, and compared them with those in agricultural soils （corn and soybean in USA; barley, fodder beet and red fescue in Denmark） and grassland soils in USA. We took two large undisturbed soil columns （250 mm^25o mmxsoo mm）, and scanned the soil columns at in-situ soil water content conditions using X-ray computed tomography at a voxel resolution of 0.945 × 0.945 × 1.500o mm^3. After reconstruction and visualization, we quantified the characteristics of macropore networks. In the studied forest soils, the main types of maeropores were root channels, inter-aggregate voids, maeropores without knowing origin, root-soil interfaee and stone-soil interface. While maeropore networks tend to be more eomplex, larger, deeper and longer. The forest soils have high maeroporosity, total maeropore wall area density, node density, and large maeropore volume, hydraulie radius, mean maeropore length, angle, and low tortuosity. The findings suggest that maeropore networks in the forest soils have high inter- connectivity, vertical continuity, linearity and less vertically oriented.

Isotropic compression behavior of granular assembly with non-spherical particles by X-ray micro-computed tomography and discrete element modeling

The particle morphological properties,such as sphericity,concavity and convexity,of a granular assembly significantly affect its macroscopic and microscopic compressive behaviors under isotropic loading condition.However,limited studies on investigating the microscopic behavior of the granular assembly with real particle shapes under isotropic compression were reported.In this study,X-ray computed tomography(mCT)and discrete element modeling(DEM)were utilized to investigate isotropic compression behavior of the granular assembly with regard to the particle morphological properties,such as particle sphericity,concavity and interparticle frictions.The mCT was first used to extract the particle morphological parameters and then the DEM was utilized to numerically investigate the influences of the particle morphological properties on the isotropic compression behavior.The image reconstruction from mCT images indicated that the presented particle quantification algorithm was robust,and the presented microscopic analysis via the DEM simulation demonstrated that the particle surface concavity significantly affected the isotropic compression behavior.The observations of the particle connectivity and local void ratio distribution also provided insights into the granular assembly under isotropic compression.Results found that the particle concavity and interparticle friction influenced the most of the isotropic compression behavior of the granular assemblies.

X-ray tomography study on the structure of the granular random loose packing

Random loose packing is the minimum-density granular packing which can maintain mechanical stability. In this study, x-ray tomography is used to investigate the internal structure of an isotropically prepared random loose packing through a special apparatus to minimize the effect of gravity. It is found that the minimum packing density is around 0.587. The microscopic structural analysis of the packing is also carried out.

In situ compression and X-ray computed tomography of flow battery electrodes

Redox flow batteries offer a potential solution to an increase in renewable energy generation on the grid by offering long-term, large-scale storage and regulation of power. However, they are currently un- derutilised due to cost and performance issues, many of which are linked to the microstructure of the porous carbon electrodes used. Here, for the first time, we offer a detailed study of the in situ effects of compression on a commercially available carbon felt electrode. Visualisation of electrode structure us- ing X-ray computed tomography shows the non-linear way that these materials compress and various metrics are used to elucidate the changes in porosity, pore size distribution and tortuosity factor under compressions from 0%-90%.