A multifunctional shear apparatus for rocks subjected to true triaxial stress and high temperature in real-time

Deep engineering disasters,such as rockbursts and collapses,are more related to the shear slip of rock joints.A novel multifunctional device was developed to study the shear failure mechanism in rocks.Using this device,the complete shearedeformation process and long-term shear creep tests could be performed on rocks under constant normal stiffness(CNS)or constant normal loading(CNL)conditions in real-time at high temperature and true-triaxial stress.During the research and development process,five key technologies were successfully broken through:(1)the ability to perform true-triaxial compressioneshear loading tests on rock samples with high stiffness;(2)a shear box with ultra-low friction throughout the entire stress space of the rock sample during loading;(3)a control system capable of maintaining high stress for a long time and responding rapidly to the brittle fracture of a rock sample as well;(4)a refined ability to measure the volumetric deformation of rock samples subjected to true triaxial shearing;and(5)a heating system capable of maintaining uniform heating of the rock sample over a long time.By developing these technologies,loading under high true triaxial stress conditions was realized.The apparatus has a maximum normal stiffness of 1000 GPa/m and a maximum operating temperature of 300C.The differences in the surface temperature of the sample are constant to within5C.Five types of true triaxial shear tests were conducted on homogeneous sandstone to verify that the apparatus has good performance and reliability.The results show that temperature,lateral stress,normal stress and time influence the shear deformation,failure mode and strength of the sandstone.The novel apparatus can be reliably used to conduct true-triaxial shear tests on rocks subjected to high temperatures and stress.

A novel rapid cooling assembly design in a high-pressure cubic press apparatus

In traditional high-pressure–temperature assembly design, priority has been given to temperature insulation and retention at high pressures.This limits the efficiency of cooling of samples at the end of experiments, with a negative impact on many studies in high-pressure Earth andplanetary science. Inefficient cooling of experiments containing molten phases at high temperature leads to the formation of quench textures,which makes it impossible to quantify key compositional parameters of the original molten phase, such as their volatile contents. Here,we present a new low-cost experimental assembly for rapid cooling in a six-anvil cubic press. This assembly not only retains high heatingefficiency and thermal insulation, but also enables a very high cooling rate (∼600 ℃/s from 1900 ℃ to the glass transition temperature).Without using expensive materials or external modification of the press, the cooling rate in an assembly (∼600 ℃/s) with cube lengths of38.5 mm is about ten times faster than that in the traditional assembly (∼60 ℃/s). Experiments yielding inhomogeneous quenched melttextures when the traditional assembly is used are shown to yield homogeneous silicate glass without quench textures when the rapid coolingassembly is used.

A Novel High Temperature Apparatus for in situ Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction Studies of Molten Salt

This study demonstrates the design and application of a novel high temperature rotatory apparatus for insitu synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies of molten salts,facilitating investigation into the interaction between various structural materials and molten salts.The apparatus enables accurate detection of every phase change during hightemperature experiments,including strong reaction processes like corrosion.Molten salts,such as chlorides or fluo⁃rides,together with the structure materials,are inserted into either quartz or boron nitride capillaries,where X-ray diffraction pattern can be continuously collected,as the samples are heated to high temperature.The replacement re⁃action,when molten ZnCl2 are etching Ti3AlC2,can be clearly observed through changes in diffraction peak intensity as well as expansion in c-axis lattice parameter of the hexagonal matrix,due to the larger atomic number and ionic ra⁃dius of Zn2+.Furthermore,we investigated the high-temperature corrosion process when GH3535 alloy is in FLiNaK molten salt,and can help to optimize its stability for potential applications in molten salt reactor.Additionally,this high temperature apparatus is fully compatible with the combined usage of X-ray diffraction and Raman technique,providing both bulk and surface structural information.This high temperature apparatus has been open to users and is extensively used at BL14B1 beamline of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Analysis of strength characteristics of loess before and after freezing using a hollow cylinder torsional shear apparatus

This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the influence of the principal stress angle rotation and intermediate principal stress on loess's strength and deformation characteristics. A hollow cylinder torsional shear apparatus was utilized to conduct tests on remolded samples under both normal and frozen conditions to investigate the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of loess under complex stress conditions. The results indicate significant differences in the internal changes of soil particles, unfrozen water, and relative positions in soil samples under normal and frozen conditions, leading to noticeable variations in strength and strain development.In frozen state, loess experiences primarily compressive failure with a slow growth of cracks, while at normal temperature, it predominantly exhibits shear failure. With the increase in the principal stress angle, the deformation patterns of the soil samples under different conditions become essentially consistent, gradually transitioning from compression to extension, accompanied by a reduction in axial strength. The gradual increase in the principal stress axis angle(α) reduces the strength of the generalized shear stress and shear strain curves.Under an increasing α, frozen soil exhibits strain-hardening characteristics, with the maximum shear strength occurring at α = 45°. The intermediate principal stress coefficient(b) also significantly impacts the strength of frozen soil, with an increasing b resulting in a gradual decrease in generalized shear stress strength. This study provides a reference for comprehensively exploring the mechanical properties of soil under traffic load and a reliable theoretical basis for the design and maintenance of roadbeds.

A rigid true triaxial apparatus for analyses of deformation and failure features of deep weak rock under excavation stress paths

The squeezing scenario in deep weak rock tunnels can hinder underground construction.However,due to the limitations of test technologies at hand,the real excavation stress path cannot be mimicked in the laboratory.Thus,the large deformation mechanism of deep weak rocks still remains unclear.For this,a true triaxial apparatus(TTA)to investigate the mechanical responses of deep weak rock under excavation stress paths in field and reveal the squeezing mechanism of deep tunnels is assembled and developed at Northeastern University,China.The apparatus can perform instantaneous unloading in s3 direction based on electromagnetism technology.In addition,uniform loading and deformation measurements can be carried out based on the proposed linked interlocking clamp and antifriction device,even if the sample has a strong dilatation deformation performance.Next,a bore trepanning is designed to capture noiseless acoustic emission(AE)signals for deep weak rock at a low threshold.Finally,two tests were are conducted using this instrument to preliminarily understand the failure and deformation features of deep weak rock based on fractured marble.The results show that the complete stressestrain curves of fractured marble have the characteristics of low strengths and large deformations,and the larger deformation and the more serious failure occur when the fractured marble enters the post-peak state after excavation.The results show that the developed apparatus is likely to be applicable for deep weak rock engineering.

An extraordinary multielement apparatus of conodont Nicoraella from the Middle Triassic Luoping Biota,southwest China

Conodont animal is an extinct group of marine animals.The conodont elements and their hard skeletal remains are originally from the head region of this kind of animal,and they are considered to be functioned as“teeth”.The“multielement apparatus”can also be called the“(conodont)apparatus”,“multimembrate(skeletal)apparatus”.

从《黄帝内经》“九针之宜,各有所为”思想浅论罐具在拔罐中的作用

罐具是拔罐的载体,发展到当代罐具种类丰富,使用不同罐具拔罐所产生的刺激量不同,发挥的治疗效应亦有差异。临床上应当根据不同的病证选择不同的罐具,但对罐具性能功用的论述尚不成熟。《黄帝内经》中记载用于针灸临床的多种针具被称为九针,从九针的长短形状规格论述了不同针具在刺激层次与刺激量上的差异,提出不同针具治疗效果、适应病证有所不同的“九针之宜,各有所为”理论。在此思想的启发下,讨论罐具的大小规格材质等方面对拔罐作用效应的影响,提出罐具的形质不同,产生的刺激层次、刺激量、治疗效应不同,适应病证的种类亦不同,即“罐具不同,各有所施”,以期为临床上罐具的选择提供参考。

Embryogenesis of Polyembryonic Rice ApⅢ: Structural and Histochemical Studies of Egg Apparatus Around Fertilization

The structural and histochemical changes of the egg apparatus in the polyembryonic rice ( Oryza sativa L.), ApⅢ with the highest frequence of additional embryos among the polyembryonic rice investigated, before and after fertilization were studied and compared with those of normal and other polyembryonic rices in a similar developmental period. A total of 2 932 ovules were observed and each of them contained only a single embryo sac with a set of egg apparatus. Among 1 655 embryo sacs, there were 1 643 embryo sacs (99.27%) with one normal egg apparatus in each embryo sac, and only 12 embryo sacs (0.73%) from the remainder with 4_celled egg apparatus, i.e. two eggs and two synergids. Neither the numerous poly_egg apparatus and egg_like cells, nor the double set of embryo sacs each containing one egg apparatus and other abnormal egg apparatus in single ovary, which were reported by earlier investigators to have high frequency of embryo production in SB_1 and ApⅣ, were observed. The egg cell was located at the subterminal site of the micropylar end of embryo sac. The cytoplasm of egg cell was rich in protein materials and polysaccharide grains, which did not disappear until the division of zygote. The prominent nucleus was closely surrounded by protein and polysaccharide grains, which did not disappear until the division of zygote. No cytological difference was found between egg cells from the normal and abnormal egg apparatus. The two synergids were fully developed and situated at the upper most part of the micropylar end of the mature embryo sac. In most embryo sacs, the synergids were flask_shaped with longer necks, and a widened cap_shaped top, in close contact with the micropyle. The synergids had a well developed filiform apparatus. The characteristic appearance of the filiform apparatus as well as the cap_neck region of synergids before and after pollen tube penetration were easily distinguishable from the egg cell. The structure, the stainability with Coomassie Brilliant Blue and PAS reaction, the process of accumulation, distribution and disapperance of the cytoplasmic protein materials and polysaccharide grains of the two synergids, the persistent and rarely the receptive synergids before and after pollen tube penetration, were closely similar to those of egg cell of the same developmental stage. In comparison with normal and other polyembryonic rice reported, the size of nucleus and nucleolus and their stainability also strongly resembled those of egg cell. Based on the results observed, the main conclusions are summarized as follows: (1) the additional embryos very frequently developed in the young and mature seed of polyembryonic rice ApⅢ were produced by one or two synergids of normal egg apparatus, rarely by 4_celled egg apparatus; (2) during fertilization, the synergids, in addition to the natural specific function of introducing pollen tube and transferring sperms to egg cell and central cell, could be closely associated with the potentiality to breed one or two additional embryos; and (3) as compared with that of normal or other polyembryonic rice it is firstly disclosed that in a few embryo sacs of ApⅢ, the cytoplasmic and nuclear structure, the active anabolism and catabolism of protein and polysaccharide materials and the delayed disorganization at the mid_basal region of the receptive and persistent synergid still remained unchanged before the division of zygote. Such salient features could be the predisposition for the origin of additional embryos in ApⅢ.

Small but big leaps towards neuroglycomics:exploring N-glycome in the brain to advance the understanding of brain development and function

Glycosylation is a process that involves the addition of sugar moieties or glycans to different types of molecules,including proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids.Among these,protein glycosylation is one of the most prevalent forms of post-translational modification,playing a crucial role in biological complexity.With more than ten monosaccharides identified within mammalian brain cells and more than 1×1012 possible combinations,the heterogeneity of glycosylation is extensive(Conroy et al.,2021).The diversity of glycans and the complexity of their structures allow for a wide range of protein functions.N-glycans are one of the most abundant forms of glycans and are involved in various cellular functions.N-glycans can be added to proteins at specific sequons,Asn-X-Ser/Thr,and are classified into three main types in mature glycoproteins:high mannose,complex,and hybrid.High mannose N-glycans consist of 5-9 mannose residues linked to a chitobiose core and undergo processing into complex or hybrid forms in the Golgi apparatus(Varki et al.,2017).Complex N-glycans are more diverse and contain various branched structures such as antennae with fucose,galactose,and sialic acid residues.Hybrid N-glycans contain one or more complex branches in conjunction with an oligomannose branch(Fisher and Ungar,2016).Understanding the specific functions of these different types of N-glycans in protein regulation,folding,and function is an active area of research in the life sciences,including glycobiology.

Preparation and Anti⁃arc Erosion Property of Ag Matrix Electrical Contact Material Reinforced by Novel Ti_(2)Cd

Due to their outstanding electrical contact properties,Cd-containing silver-matrix electrical contact materials can meet the requirements of high stability and long life for military defense and aerospace applications.In order to further reduce the Cd content under the premise of meeting the high-performance requirements,in this study,high-purity intermediate Ti_(2)Cd powder of MAX phase(Ti_(2)CdC)was synthesized with a pressureless technique and then applied to reinforce the Ag matrix.The Cd content of the as-prepared Ag/Ti_(2)Cd composites was actually reduced by 38.31%compared with conventional Ag/CdO material.Based on the systematic study of the effect of heat treatment temperature on the physical phase,morphology,interface and comprehensive physical properties of Ag/Ti_(2)Cd composites,the preferred samples(heat treated at 400°C for 1 h)showed high density(97.77%),low resistivity(2.34μΩ·cm),moderate hardness(90.8HV),high tensile strength(189.9 MPa),and exhibited good electrical contact performance after 40000 cycles of arc discharging under severe conditions(DC 28 V/20 A).The results of microscopic morphological evolution,phase change and elemental distribution of the electrical contact surface show that the combination of high stability of Ti_(2)Cd reinforcing phase,good interfacial bonding with Ag matrix and improved melt pool viscosity in the primary stage of arc erosion,results in low and stable contact resistance(average value 13.20 mΩ)and welding force(average value 0.6 N),low fluctuation of static force(2.2-2.5 N).The decomposition and absorption energy of Ti_(2)Cd and the arc extinguishing effect of Cd vapor are the main reasons for the stable arcing energy and arcing time of electric contacts in the late stage of arc erosion.

Rock strength weakening subject to principal stress rotation:Experimental and numerical investigations

During the construction and operation of gas storage reservoirs,changes in the principal stress direction can induce fracture propagation under conditions of lower differential stress,potentially leading to failure in the surrounding rock.However,the weakening of strength due to pure stress rotation has not yet been investigated.Based on fracture mechanics,an enhanced Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion considering stress rotation is proposed and verified with experimental and numerical simulations.The micro-damage state and the evolution of the rock under the pure stress-rotation condition are analyzed.The findings indicate that differential stress exceeding the crack initiation stress is a prerequisite for stress rotation to promote the development of rock damage.As the differential stress increases,stress rotation is more likely to induce rock damage,leading to a transition from brittle to plastic failure,characterized by wider fractures and a more complex fracture network.Overall,a negative exponential relationship exists between the stress rotation angle required for rock failure and the differential stress.The feasibility of applying the enhanced criterion to practical engineering is discussed using monitoring data obtained from a mine-by tunnel.This study introduces new concepts for understanding the damage evolution of the surrounding rock under complex stress paths and offers a new theoretical basis for predicting the damage of gas storage reservoirs.

STRIDULATION APPARATUSES OF SIX SPECIES OF Agromyza (Diptera:Agromyzidae)

The present paper deals with stridulation apparatuses,observed by SEM,of 6 species of the genus Agromyza from China (2 species among them are newly recorded to China).Some morphological terms are proposed for the first time,and a key to 6 species of Agromyza applied by the characteristics of stridulatory file is given.We also scheme out a diagram showing relationship between two stridulatory file types.

阿尔都塞意识形态概念的四重意蕴及其当代价值

意识形态概念是阿尔都塞思想的一个核心概念,贯穿其思想发展过程始终。阿尔都塞的意识形态概念是在批判地继承马克思意识形态批判理论基础上,站在结构主义立场上,融合了无意识观点和镜像结构学说形成的。阿尔都塞主要从四个维度阐释了意识形态概念:一是从认识论维度阐释了作为表象体系的意识形态,二是从存在论维度阐释了作为物质实体的意识形态,三是从实践论维度阐释了作为资产阶级国家机器的意识形态,四是从功能论维度阐释了能够唤问个体为主体的意识形态。这四个维度的阐释既体现了阿尔都塞意识形态概念的丰富意蕴,也暴露了意识形态主体的空场或隐匿。

Adsorption and desorption behaviors of ssDNA molecules on mica surface by surface forces apparatus

An approach for studying the adsorption and desorption behaviors of single-stranded DNA（ ssDNA） molecules on the mica surface by the surface forces apparatus（ SFA） is reported,which can be used to characterize the precise thickness,configuration and mechanical properties of ssDNA layers on the mica surface at a certain buffer solution. The formation of ss DNA layers is first studied by tuning the ssDNA concentrations, and the experimental results indicate that the ss DNA concentration of 100 ng / μL is ideal for forming a ssDNA monolayer structure on the mica surface, and the hardwall value measured to be 1.04 nm under this circumstance is regarded as the thickness of the ssDNA monolayer confined on mica. The desorption behavior of ssDNA molecules from the mica surface is further studied by observing and comparing different shapes of the force-distance curves under certain conditions. It is found that the desorption of ss DNA molecules from the mica surface occurs as the monovalent salts are added into the gap buffer. It is inferred that the competition effect between monovalent and divalent salts can induce the release of ssDNA from substrate.The results also reveal that 10 mmol / L monovalent salts（ Na~＋）is sufficient for the desorption of ssDNA from mica. This work provides an applicable method to study the binding mechanism of ss DNA molecules on inorganic substrates.

Morphology of platelet Golgi apparatus and their significance after acute cerebral infarction

Blood samples were harvested from the antecubital vein of 20 fasting patients with acute cerebral infarction at 1, 7 and 15 days after onset to prepare blood platelet suspension. Fasting antecubital vein blood was collected from an additional 20 normal adults as controls. Under transmission elec- tron microscope, platelet Golgi tubules and vesicles became significantly thickened, enlarged, and irregular after acute cerebral infarction. Alpha granules in platelets significantly reduced in number, especially 1 day after cerebral infarction. Under immunoelectron microscopy, a few alpha granules aggregated around Golgi tubules and vesicles after infarction. These results suggested that platelet Golgi apparatus displayed significant morphological changes, which were possibly associated with enhanced synthetic and secretory functions of activated platelets after acute cerebral infarction. This study used Golgi apparatus blocking agent Brefeldin A to block Golgi apparatus in an aim to study the effects of Golgi apparatus on CD40L expression on the surface of activated platelets. Flow cytometry revealed that CD40L expression on activated platelet surfaces decreased significantly when Golgi apparatus was blocked, which indicated that Golgi apparatus participated in the syn- thesis and transport of CD40L to the platelet surface.

A rotary-shear low to high-velocity friction apparatus in Beijing to study rock friction at plate to seismic slip rates

This paper reviews 19 apparatuses having highvelocity capabilities,describes a rotary-shear low to highvelocity friction apparatus installed at Institute of Geology,China Earthquake Administration,and reports results from velocity-jump tests on Pingxi fault gouge to illustrate technical problems in conducting velocity-stepping tests at high velocities.The apparatus is capable of producing plate to seismic velocities（44 mm/a to 2.1 m/s for specimens of 40 mm in diameter）,using a 22 kW servomotor with a gear/belt system having three velocity ranges.A speed range can be changed by 103 or 106by using five electromagnetic clutches without stopping the motor.Two cam clutches allow fivefold velocity steps,and the motor speed can be increased from zero to 1,500 rpm in 0.1-0.2 s by changing the controlling voltage.A unique feature of the apparatus is a large specimen chamber where different specimen assemblies can be installed easily.In addition to a standard specimen assembly for friction experiments,two pressure vessels were made for pore pressures to 70 MPa;one at room temperature and the other at temperatures to 500 °C.Velocity step tests are needed to see if the framework of rate-and-state friction is applicable or not at high velocities.We report results from velocity jump tests from 1.4 mm/s to 1.4 m/s on yellowish gouge from a Pingxi fault zone,located at the northeastern part of the Longmenshan fault system that caused the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.An instantaneous increase in friction followed by dramatic slip weakening was observed for the yellowish gouge with smooth sliding surfaces of host rock,but no instantaneous response was recognized for the same gouge with roughened sliding surfaces.Instantaneous and transient frictional properties upon velocity steps cannot be separated easily at high velocities,and technical improvements for velocity step tests are suggested.

A Breakthrough in Pressure Generation by a Kawai-Type Multi-Anvil Apparatus with Tungsten Carbide Anvils

Expansion of the pressure range of Kawai-type multi-anvil presses (KMAPs) with tungsten carbide (WC) anvils is called for, especially in the field of Earth science. However, no significant progress in pressure generation has been made for 40 years. Our recent studies have expanded the pressure generation of a KMAP with WC anvils to 65 GPa, which is the world record for high-pressure generation in this device and is more than 2.5 times higher than conventional pressure generation. We have also successfully generated pressures of about 50 GPa at high temperatures. This work reviews our recently developed technology for high-pressure generation. High-pressure generation at room temperature and at high temperature was attained by integration of the following techniques:① a precisely aligned guideblock system,② a high degree of hardness of the second-stage anvils,③ tapering of the second-stage anvil faces,④ a high-pressure cell consisting of materials with a high bulk modulus, and ⑤ high thermal insulation of the furnace. Our high-pressure technology will facilitate investigation of the phase stability and physical properties of materials under the conditions of the upper part of the lower mantle, and will permit the synthesis and characterization of novel materials.

Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid and Calcium Chloride on Photosynthetic Apparatus and Reactive Oxygen-Scavenging Enzymes in Chrysanthemum Under Low Temperature Stress with Low Light

The effects of acetylsalicylic acid （ASA）, CaCl2, and ASA ＋ CaCl2 on the photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated in chrysanthemum Jinba （a cut flower cultivar） under low temperature stress with low light （TL stress） （16/12℃, day/night, PFD 100 μmol m^-2 s-1）. The results showed that under TL stress, the net photosynthesis rate （Pn）, carboxylation efficiency （CE）, apparent quantum yield （AQY）, maximal photochemical efficiency （Fv/Fm） of PSII, quantum yield of PSII electron transport （ФPSII）, and photochemical quenching （qP） of the chrysanthemum leaves in all treatments were significantly decreased, but the decreases were alleviated by ASA, CaCl2, and ASA ＋ CaCl2 treatments compared with the controls. The alleviating effect of ASA ＋ CaCI2 was better than either ASA or CaCl2 single treatment. Moreover, the ASA ＋ CaCl2 treatment highly improved the chlorophyll content, relatively improved the number and size of chloroplast and starch grain in the leaves of chrysanthemum plants compared with ASA and CaCl2 treatments. It was indicated that ASA and/or CaCI2 could regulate the photosynthetic functions in the leaves of chrysanthemum plants to enhance the resistance against TL stress. On the other hand, reduction in relative conductance rate implied that ASA and/ or CaCl2 could protect from membrane injury in leaves of chrysanthemum plants. The activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in the treated leaves of chrysanthemum were increased as compared with the controls. It was suggested that ASA and/or CaCl2 had positive regulation effects on the defence enzyme activities in chrysanthemum leaves which could protect the photosynthetic apparatus to a certain degree under the TL stress. In brief, the treatment of ASA together with CaCl2 was better for chrysanthemum plants to adapt TL stress than single ASA or CaCl2 treatments.

Recent advances of high-pressure generation in a multianvil apparatus using sintered diamond anvils

The tried and tested multianvil apparatus has been widely used for high-pressure and hightemperature experimental studies in Earth science. As a result, many important results have been obtained for a better understanding of the components, structure and evolution of the Earth. Due to the strength limi- tation of materials, the attainable multianvil pressure is generally limited to about 30 GPa （corresponding to about 900 km of the depth in the Earth） when tungsten carbide cubes are adopted as second-stage anvils. Compared with tungsten carbide, the sintered diamond is a much harder material. The sintered diamond cubes were introduced as second-stage anvils in a 6--8 type multianvil apparatus in the 1980s, which largely enhanced the capacity of pressure generation in a large volume press. With the development of material synthesis and processing techniques, a large sintered diamond cube （14 ram） is now available. Recently, maximum attainable pressures reaching higher than 90 GPa （corresponding to about 2700 km of the depth in the Earth） have been generated at room temperature by adopting 14-mm sintered diamond anvils. Using this technique, a few researches have been carried out by the quenched method or combined with synchrotron radiation in situ observation. In this paper we review the properties of sintered diamond and the evolu- tion of pressure generation using sintered diamond anvils. As-yet unsolved problems and perspectives for uses in Earth Science are also discussed.

Recent progress on apparatus development and in situ observation of metal solidification processes via synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging: A review

The solidification process of metals plays a critical role in their final microstructure and, correspondingly, in their performance. It is therefore important to probe the solidification behavior of metals using advanced in situ techniques. Synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging is one of the most powerful techniques to observe the solidification process of metals directly. Here, we review the development of the solidification apparatus, including the directional solidification device, resistance furnace, multi-field coupling device, semisolid forming device, aerodynamic levitation apparatus, and laser additive manufacturing apparatus. We highlight the recent research progress on the use of synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging to reveal the solidification behavior of metals in the above circumstances. The future perspectives of synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging in metal research are discussed. Further development of this technique will contribute to improve the understanding of the solidification process of metals and other types of materials at different scales.