Numerical analysis of matrix swelling and its effect on microstructure of digital coal and its associated permeability during CO_(2)-ECBM process based on X-ray CT data

Matrix swelling effect will cause the change of microstructure of coal reservoir and its permeability,which is the key factor affecting the engineering effect of CO_(2)-ECBM technology.The Sihe and Yuwu collieries are taken as research objects.Firstly,visualization reconstruction of coal reservoir is realized.Secondly,the evolution of the pore/fracture structures under different swelling contents is discussed.Then,the influence of matrix phase with different swelling contents on permeability is discussed.Finally,the mechanism of swelling effect during the CO_(2)-ECBM process is further discussed.The results show that the intra-matrix pores and matrix-edge fractures are the focus of this study,and the contacting area between matrix and pore/fracture is the core area of matrix swelling.The number of matrix particles decreases with the increase of size,and the distribution of which is isolated with small size and interconnected with large size.The swelling effect of matrix particles with larger size has a great influence on the pore/fracture structures.The number of connected pores/fractures is limited and only interconnected in a certain direction.With the increase of matrix swelling content,the number,porosity,width,fractal dimension,surface area and volume of pores/fractures decrease,and their negative contribution to absolute permeability increases from 0.368% to 0.633% and 0.868%-1.404%,respectively.With the increase of swelling content,the number of intra-matrix pores gradually decreases and the pore radius becomes shorter during the CO_(2)-ECBM process.The matrix continuously expands to the connected fractures,and the width of connected fractures gradually shorten.Under the influence of matrix swelling,the bending degree of fluid flow increases gradually,so the resistance of fluid migration increases and the permeability gradually decreases.This study shows that the matrix swelling effect is the key factor affecting CBM recovery,and the application of this effect in CO_(2)-ECBM process can be discussed.

基于X-ray CT技术研究混凝土内部损伤的研究进展

使用X射线断层扫描(X-ray CT)方法可以观测混凝土的内部微观结构并据此分析混凝土的内部损伤,这对研究混凝土材料的性能具有重要意义。CT分辨率高低和试件尺寸大小之间的矛盾以及加载设备的局限阻碍了其在混凝土材料研究中的推广应用。随着CT设备的不断优化,CT用于混凝土的研究逐渐由定性分析发展为定量分析,为进一步研究混凝土材料的性能提供了可靠方法。近五年来,CT用于混凝土的研究由孔的分布、裂缝扩展形态及位置、纤维分布、纤维腐蚀状态等定性分析发展为定量分析。使用CT数据进行定量分析主要有五个方面,一是计算各相在不同条件下的体积,以此分析混凝土损伤变化规律;二是分析孔隙参数,如孔的尺寸、孔径分布、不同孔体积占比等,以此研究孔隙与混凝土损伤之间的关系;三是分析裂缝宽度、体积变化,以此分析混凝土断裂变化规律;四是定量评估纤维在混凝土内部的分散状态及方向,以此研究纤维对混凝土性能的影响;五是基于CT图像构建三维模型进行模拟,获得弹性模量及应力应变分布并与试验结果作对比分析。本文基于孔结构和裂缝变化规律对X-ray CT应用于混凝土材料内部损伤的研究进行综述,对近些年来,特别是近五年的研究现状进行总结,分析X-ray CT用于混凝土研究的优劣势,为混凝土的研究者提供参考。

X-ray CT在纤维增强聚合物复合材料中的应用研究进展

X射线计算机断层扫描(X-ray computed tomography,X-ray CT)作为一种具有高分辨率、非破坏性、三维可视化等特征的材料表征测量技术,显示出独特的优势。X-ray CT不仅能得到试样的高分辨率外部特征,还能够获取其详细的内部结构信息,在各个领域已经受到越来越多的关注。通过简单比较几种无损检测技术的适用性和局限性,引出了X-ray CT的独特性,阐述了X-ray CT的原理以及实验室断层扫描和同步辐射计算机断层扫描(synchrotron radiation computed tomography,SRCT)的特点;从探索纤维增强聚合物(fiber reinforced polymer,FRP)复合材料的内部结构、评估制造过程、获取损伤失效演变以及X-ray CT与其他表征手段相结合等几个方面归纳了X-ray CT在FRP中的应用,并提出了X-ray CT在FRP研究中的挑战。

Investigation of prior image constrained compressed sensing-based spectral X-ray CT image reconstruction

To improve spectral X-ray CT reconstructed image quality, the energy-weighted reconstructed image xbins^W and the separable paraboloidal surrogates（SPS） algorithm are proposed for the prior image constrained compressed sensing（PICCS）-based spectral X-ray CT image reconstruction. The PICCS-based image reconstruction takes advantage of the compressed sensing theory, a prior image and an optimization algorithm to improve the image quality of CT reconstructions.To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, three optimization algorithms and three prior images are employed and compared in terms of reconstruction accuracy and noise characteristics of the reconstructed images in each energy bin.The experimental simulation results show that the image xbins^W is the best as the prior image in general with respect to the three optimization algorithms; and the SPS algorithm offers the best performance for the simulated phantom with respect to the three prior images. Compared with filtered back-projection（FBP）, the PICCS via the SPS algorithm and xbins^W as the prior image can offer the noise reduction in the reconstructed images up to 80. 46%, 82. 51%, 88. 08% in each energy bin,respectively. M eanwhile, the root-mean-squared error in each energy bin is decreased by 15. 02%, 18. 15%, 34. 11% and the correlation coefficient is increased by 9. 98%, 11. 38%,15. 94%, respectively.

Microstructural Characteristics of Asphalt Concrete with Different Gradations by X-ray CT

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the effects of asphalt concrete types on the microstructural characteristics at high-temperature. Suspend-dense structure and Skeleton-dense structure were selected to investigate the deformation of pavement at meso-scale. The internal microstructures of typical asphalt concretes, AC, SUP and SMA, were scanned by X-ray CT device, and microstructural changes before and after high-temperature damage were researched by digital image processing. Adaptive threshold segmentation algorithm（ATSA） based on image radius was developed and utilized to obtain the binary images of aggregates, air-voids and asphalt mastic. Then the shape and distribution of air-voids and aggregates were analyzed. The results show that the ATSA can distinguish the target and background effectively. Gradation and coarse aggregate size of asphalt mixtures have an obvious influence on the distribution of air-voids. The movements of aggregate particles are complex and aggregates with elliptic sharp show great rotation. The effect of gradation on microstructure during high-temperature damage promotes the research about the failure mechanism of asphalt concrete pavement.

Three dimensional particles identification and shape parameters research on coarse aggregates of asphalt mixture using X-ray CT images

In this paper a series of digital image processing methods were adopted for getting separated coarse aggregates from asphalt mixture specimen using high-resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) images.The existing three dimensional (3D) particles matching methods based on two dimensional (2D) continuous cross-sections were analyzed and a new 'overlap area method' was presented.After the 3D particles were extracted one by one successfully,the basic parameters of each aggregate:perimeter,area,surface area,and volume were calculated by chain code method.Finally,the 3D mass center coordinates and the sphericity index were introduced.

Assessing efficacy of standard impregnation techniques on die-cast aluminum alloys using X-ray micro-CT

Utilizing lightweight Al alloys in various industrial applications requires achieving precise pressure tightness and leak requirements.Vacuum pressure impregnation(VPI)with thermosetting polymers is commonly used to address leakage defects in die-cast Al alloys.In this study,the efficacy of the VPI technique in sealing alloy parts was investigated using a combination of nondestructive micro X-ray computed tomography(micro XCT)and a standard leak test.The results demonstrate that the commonly used water leak test is insufficient for determining the sealing performance.Instead,micro XCT shows distinct advantages by enabling more comprehensive analysis.It reveals the presence of a low atomic number impregnates sealant within casting defects,which has low grey contrast and allows for visualizing primary leakage paths in 3D.The effective atomic number of impregnated resin is 6.75 and that of Al alloy is 13.69 by dual-energy X-ray CT.This research findings will contribute to enhancing the standard VPI process parameters and the properties of impregnating sealants to improve quality assurance for impregnation in industrial metals.

基于X-rayμCT技术的玉米干燥损伤定量研究

应力裂纹是玉米干燥损伤的主要形式,一些微裂纹无法肉眼观察但影响玉米的机械强度、发芽率以及活力等。为此,利用X-rayμCT技术对不同干燥条件下玉米进行扫描,使用深度学习算法分割与胚乳密度相近的胚区域并结合软件对玉米内部物性特征参数进行提取,提出了一种新的玉米内部损伤定量评价方法。结合定量研究结果提出的玉米干燥损伤模型,可为玉米损伤预测提供新思路。

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.

基于CT图像的水泥稳定RAP材料细观结构研究

研究沥青混合料回收料(RAP)掺加对混合料组成与结构特性的影响,可为其应用在路面结构层以及材料参数设计提供理论支撑。基于X-ray CT与图像处理技术,提出了一种可区分新旧集料的冷再生混合料细观结构识别方法,分析了RAP团粒、旧集料与新集料的细观特征的差异,研究了RAP的掺加对水泥稳定材料细观结构的影响。结果表明:提出的细观结构识别方法可准确识别水泥稳定RAP材料断面图像中的空隙、砂浆、新集料与旧集料四类区域,完整地保留新旧集料的原始轮廓、大小与形状等信息;RAP团粒中分布较多初始微细裂缝,且旧集料扁平比与棱角性系数均大于新集料;RAP的掺加一方面增加了再生混合料中体积小于0.01 mm3的微空隙与大于100 mm3的大空隙数量,导致材料的密实度降低;另一方面也增加了材料的沥青砂浆含量,提高了再生混合料的平均砂浆膜厚度,使混合料骨架内部力传导更均匀;提高水泥稳定RAP材料中石屑与碎石比例,可使材料的平均空隙体积减小、平均砂浆膜厚度增大,从而改善再生混合料的骨架填充状态。

Bin-scanning:Segmentation of X-ray CT volume of binned parts using Morse skeleton graph of distance transform

X-ray CT scanners,due to the transmissive nature of X-rays,have enabled the non-destructive evaluation of industrial products,even inside their bodies.In light of its effectiveness,this study introduces a new approach to accelerate the inspection of many mechanical parts with the same shape in a bin.The input to this problem is a volumetric image(i.e.,CT volume)of many parts obtained by a single CT scan.We need to segment the parts in the volume to inspect each of them;however,random postures and dense contacts of the parts prohibit part segmentation using traditional template matching.To address this problem,we convert both the scanned volumetric images of the template and the binned parts to simpler graph structures and solve a subgraph matching problem to segment the parts.We perform a distance transform to convert the CT volume into a distance field.Then,we construct a graph based on Morse theory,in which graph nodes are located at the extremum points of the distance field.The experimental evaluation demonstrates that our fully automatic approach can detect target parts appropriately,even for a heap of 50 parts.Moreover,the overall computation can be performed in approximately 30 min for a large CT volume of approximately 2000×2000×1000 voxels.

Three-dimensional finite element simulation and reconstruction of jointed rock models using CT scanning and photogrammetry

The geometry of joints has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of rocks.To simplify the curved joint shapes in rocks,the joint shape is usually treated as straight lines or planes in most laboratory experiments and numerical simulations.In this study,the computerized tomography (CT) scanning and photogrammetry were employed to obtain the internal and surface joint structures of a limestone sample,respectively.To describe the joint geometry,the edge detection algorithms and a three-dimensional (3D) matrix mapping method were applied to reconstruct CT-based and photogrammetry-based jointed rock models.For comparison tests,the numerical uniaxial compression tests were conducted on an intact rock sample and a sample with a joint simplified to a plane using the parallel computing method.The results indicate that the mechanical characteristics and failure process of jointed rocks are significantly affected by the geometry of joints.The presence of joints reduces the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS),elastic modulus,and released acoustic emission (AE) energy of rocks by 37%–67%,21%–24%,and 52%–90%,respectively.Compared to the simplified joint sample,the proposed photogrammetry-based numerical model makes the most of the limited geometry information of joints.The UCS,accumulative released AE energy,and elastic modulus of the photogrammetry-based sample were found to be very close to those of the CT-based sample.The UCS value of the simplified joint sample (i.e.38.5 MPa) is much lower than that of the CT-based sample (i.e.72.3 MPa).Additionally,the accumulative released AE energy observed in the simplified joint sample is 3.899 times lower than that observed in the CT-based sample.CT scanning provides a reliable means to visualize the joints in rocks,which can be used to verify the reliability of photogrammetry techniques.The application of the photogrammetry-based sample enables detailed analysis for estimating the mechanical properties of jointed rocks.

基于多维度X-ray CT技术的木材科学研究进展

木材的物理力学性能与其结构组成密切相关,而这种相关性会在时间维度上动态变化。X射线断层扫描技术(X-ray CT)是一种可以无损检测木材内部结构和评价其物理力学性能的重要手段。文中围绕3D和4D CT技术在木材科学研究中的应用现状、发展前景、瓶颈问题展开分析和讨论,总结X-ray CT在木材三维结构可视化和量化组成物质方面的功能,归纳X-ray CT在树龄分析、木材鉴别、森林生态等方面的应用思路,评价4D X-ray CT在探索木材结构与性能动态响应机制方面的可行性,通过总结和归纳国内外研究现状指出亟需解决的问题,以期为拓展X-ray CT在木材研究领域的应用提供借鉴。

Three-dimensional modeling and simulation of asphalt concrete mixtures based on X-ray CT microstructure images

X-ray CT （computed tomography） was used to scan asphalt mixture specimen to ob- tain high resolution continuous cross-section images and the meso-structure. According to the theory of three-dimensional （3D） reconstruction, the 3D reconstruction algorithm was investi- gated in this paper. The key to the reconstruction technique is the acquisition of the voxel posi- tions and the relationship between the pixel element and node. Three-dimensional numerical model of asphalt mixture specimen was created by a self-developed program. A splitting test was conducted to predict the stress distributions of the asphalt mixture and verify the rationality of the 3D model.

Image analysis of soil failure on defective underground pipe due to cyclic water supply and drainage using X-ray CT

The ground subsidence on the underground pipe often is caused with the reduction of the effective stress and the loss of suction in the base course and then,soil drainage into the pipe.The final formation of the cavity growth in the ground was observed as the ground subsidence.Authors focused this problem and hence performed model tests with water-inflow and drainage cycle in the model ground.The mechanism of cavity generation in the model ground was observed using an X-ray Computed Tomography(CT)scanner.In those studies,water was supplied into the model grounds from the defected underground pipe model in case of the change of relative density and grain size distribution.As results,it was observed that the loosening area was generated from the defected part with water-inflow and some of the soil particles in the ground were drained into the underground pipe through the defected part.And afterward,the cavity was generated just above the defected part of the model pipe in the ground.Based on this observation,it might be said that the bulk density of soil around the defected pipe played one of key factor to generate the cavity in the ground.Moreover,the dimension of the defected part should be related to the magnification of the ground subsidence,in particular,crack width on a sewerage pipe and particle size would be the quantitative factor to evaluate the magnification of the ground subsidence.In this paper,it was concluded that the low relative density of soil would become the critical factor to cause the fatal failure of model ground if the maximum grain size was close to the dimension of crack width of defective part.The fatal collapse of the ground with high relative density more than 80%would be avoided in a few cycles of water inflow and soil drainage.

Fracture characterization and permeability prediction by pore scale variables extracted from X-ray CT images of porous geomaterials

Pore scale variables(e.g.,porosity,grain size)are important indexes to predict the hydraulic properties of porous geomaterials.X-ray images from ten types of intact sandstones and another type of sandstone samples subjected to triaxial compression are used to investigate the permeability and fracture characteristics.A novel double threshold segmentation algorithm is proposed to segment cracks,pores and grains,and pore scale variables are defined and extracted from these X-ray CT images to study the geometric characteristics of microstructures of porous geomaterials.Moreover,novel relations among these pore scale variables for permeability prediction are established,and the evolution process of cracks is investigated.The results indicate that the porescale permeability is prominently improved by cracks.In addition,excellent agreements are found between the measured and the estimated pore scale variables and permeability.The established correlations can be employed to effectively identify the hydraulic properties of porous geomaterials.

Application of X-ray Computed Tomography in Characterization Microstructure Changes of Cement Pastes in Carbonation Process

The microstructure characteristics and meso-defect volume changes of hardened cement paste before and after carbonation were investigated by three-dimensional （3D） X-ray computed tomograpby （XCT）, where three types water-to-cement ratio of 0.53, 0.35 and 0.23 were considered. The high-resolution 3D images of microstructure and filtered defects were reconstructed by an XCT VG Studio MAX 2.0 software, The meso- defect volume fractions and size distribution were analyzed based on 3D images through add-on modules of 3D defect analysis. The 3D meso-defects volume fractions before carbonation were 0.79%, 0.38% and 0.05% corresponding to w/c ratio=0.53, 0.35 and 0.23, respectively. The 3D meso-defects volume fractions after carbonation were 2.44%, 0.91% and 0.14% corresponding to w/c ratio=0.53, 0.35 and 0.23, respectively. The experimental results suggest that 3D meso-defects volume fractions after carbonation for above three w/c ratio increased significantly. At the same time, meso-cracks distribution of the carbonation shrinkage and gray values changes of the different w/c ratio and carbonation reactions were also investigated.

A study on quality evaluation for bituminous mixture using X-ray CT

The objective of this paper is to propose a new quality evaluation method for asphalt concrete mixture using X-ray CT scanner.To achieve this aim,asphalt mixtures should be subjected to the X-ray CT scanning and its characteristics should be clarified.The approach employed in this study was as follows:1)Coarse aggregate,fine aggregate,filler and bitumen were prepared;2)dense-graded,coarse-graded and porous asphalt mixtures were made;3)materials and mixtures were subjected to the X-ray CT scanning;4)frequency of CT-value,threshold value,average slice CT-value,average segment CT-value were computed.In the material examination,CT-value of aggregate becomes smaller in the order of coarse aggregate,fine aggregate and filler and CT image of bitumen was nearly homogeneous.In the mixture examination,histograms of CT-value and four segmentation images made from CT images expressed the material and mixture characterization such as particle size and the difference in bitumen content and mixture type visibly and the bitumen content varies with the threshold values.In addition,the average segment CT-value without threshold value by dividing the fine aggregate from the coarse aggregate and average CT-value of the coarse aggregate,especially is highly correlated with average CT-value of the bitumen.

Determination of representative elementary volume of digital coal based on fractal theory with X-ray CT data and its application in fractal permeability predication model

Representative elementary volume(REV)is the key to study the heterogeneity of digital coal and characterize its macroscopic and microscopic properties.The permeability evolution law of digital coal based on REV analysis can provide theoretical support for the application of permeability prediction model in multi-scale reservoirs.This study takes typical coal samples from Bofang and Sihe coal mines in Qinshui Basin as research object.First,the nondestructive information of two samples is scanned and visualized.Secondly,the calculation methods of two-dimensional(2D)and threedimensional(3D)fractal dimensions of pores and fractures are illustrated.Then,the determination methods of REV based on porosity and fractal dimension are compared.Finally,the distribution pattern of fractal dimension and porosity curves is studied,the relationship between 2D and 3D fractal dimension is characterized,and the application of fractal permeability model in permeability analysis of multi-scale reservoir is further discussed.The REV size varies greatly in different vertex directions of the same sample and between samples,so REV analysis can only be performed in specific directions.When the REV based on fractal dimension is determined,the porosity curve continues to maintain a downward trend and then tends to be stable.The 2D fractal dimension has a positive linear correlation with the 3D fractal dimension,and the porosity can be expressed as a linear function of the fractal dimension.The permeability through REV analysis domain is mainly affected by fractal dimension,dip angle,azimuth angle and maximum fracture length,which is of great significance for exploring permeability evolution law of coal reservoir at different scales.This study is of great significance for enriching the determination methods of REV in digital coal and exploring the permeability evolution law of multi-scale reservoirs.

基于X-rayμCT技术的玉米籽粒结构特征的粒位效应分析

玉米籽粒因其在果穗上着生位置不同存在较大差异,明确籽粒结构特征的粒位效应为玉米的消费、加工和播种质量等玉米产量和品质性状的评价提供参考。该研究以3个不同籽粒类型的玉米品种登海618(DH618)、KX3564和先玉335(XY335)为材料,利用X射线计算机断层(X-ray micro-computed tomography,X-rayμCT)技术扫描测试样本,通过图像滤波、阈值分割等图像分析方法重建籽粒3维结构,获取玉米果穗不同粒位籽粒的胚、胚乳、皮下空腔、胚空腔、硬质胚乳、粉质胚乳、胚乳空腔等结构参数。数据分析表明,籽粒不同结构指标在果穗上呈现不同的变化规律,从基部到顶部(不考虑果穗两端的极端籽粒),胚、胚乳及硬质胚乳体积线性下降,各指标在果穗上的变化范围分别为15.82~33.36、180.15~296.50及87.13~166.00 mm^(3);胚乳空腔>皮下空腔>胚空腔,果穗中部籽粒的空腔较小且稳定,3个品种表现一致;胚与胚乳的比值在粒位间基本稳定,粉质胚乳体积、硬质胚乳与粉质胚乳的比值从基部至顶部逐渐减小,但不同指标的变化斜率存在差异。3个供试品种的籽粒结构参数不同:DH618果穗不同部位籽粒胚与胚乳的比值大于KX3564和XY335,XY335籽粒硬质胚乳与粉质胚乳的比值大于DH618和KX3564。在籽粒空腔方面,KX3564皮下空腔的比例较高,而XY335胚乳空腔的比例较高。3个品种胚、胚乳、皮下空腔体积在玉米籽粒中的比例平均分别为9.27%、89.87%、0.86%。X-rayμCT扫描技术为玉米籽粒性状的研究提供新的方法与思路,明确果穗籽粒结构的粒位效应有利于全面地掌握玉米果穗上籽粒的性状特征,为玉米的生产、加工及品种改良等提供借鉴。