Consortium

The project consortium consists of 5 different research groups from Ghent University which have a long tradition of mutual collaboration, complemented with a research group from ETH Zürich. On this page, all research groups are briefly introduced.

UGent - PProGRess

The pore-scale processes in geomaterials research group (UGent-PProGRess) focuses on chemical, physical and biological processes that influence structural and chemical changes in mineral building materials. This dynamic group, has a large track record (incl. more than 120 publications in web of science) in processes which include weathering of mineral building stones, crystallization of ice, salts and mineral phases inside porous media, dissolution of minerals by environmental impact and the behavior of fluids inside porous geological materials. Their strength lies in the interdisciplinary approach and their knowledge to combine traditional research techniques with highly advanced non-destructive 3D imaging techniques. Within the Ghent University Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT) they apply the micro-CT developments to investigate geomaterials and their internal processes.

More information on this web page.

UGent - RP

The Radiation Physics research group (UGent-RP; Dept. Physics and Astronomy), headed by Prof. dr. Luc Van Hoorebeke and Prof. dr. ir. Matthieu Boone, has almost 20 years of experience in tomographic imaging using neutrons and X-rays. Nowadays the group performs research on laboratory based high resolution X-ray tomography, including topics such as simulation of the image processes, scanner design and construction, scanner control and acquisition software, reconstruction algorithms and post-processing and analysis tools, thus covering the complete imaging chain of X-ray μCT, as well as on the development of new imaging methodologies using novel hardware. The research is partly driven by the needs of the users of the technique, continuously improving and extending the possibilities of the technique.

The group has a central role in the Ghent University Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT), an interfaculty, interdisciplinary consortium together with UGent-PProGRess and UGent-Woodlab, which has recently been selected as Centre of Expertise at this University. In this user facility, UGent-RP is responsible for the development and maintenance of the μCT scanner systems and the control and processing software, which often need adaptation for specific experiments for users. Through the large number of micro-CT applications for users from both inside and outside UGent, the application-driven research of the group directly enhances the potential of μCT imaging for these users.

More information on this web page.

UGent - IPI

The UGent-IPI research group has a long-standing expertise in image and video restoration, modeling in multi-resolution representations and image/video analysis. It has experience in biomedical, medical and industrial applications. It published over 900 papers in that area and received several awards for that work.

UGent-IPI will bring extensive expertise into the project in the field of image registration, digital image/(volume) correlation analysis, GPU processing, (ROI) CT reconstruction and efficient optimization algorithms with the emphasis on huge amounts of data. The main challenges in this project relate to developing algorithms capable of handling large 3D datasets acquired under challenging yet realistic conditions. A focus on realistic conditions is common theme in UGent-IPI's work, as it has developed state-of-the-art reconstruction algorithms for reconstruction and restoration of MRI, CT, photography, electron (microscopy)... This expertise will contribute to the focus of finding model based solutions to challenging imaging conditions that is the subject of this project proposal.

More information on this web page.

UGent - MMS

UGent-MMS has a long-term track record in the study of the mechanics of composite materials and other non-homogeneous materials. The mechanical behaviour of composites is studied under static and dynamic loading conditions, where dynamic loading ranges from (high) dynamic impact over vibrations till fatigue. For investigating these loading regimes, the group has a wide range of experimental facilities. Additionally, the experimental tests are equipped with a variety of non-destructive techniques. Research is running on the use of optical fibre sensors, ultrasound, digital moiré techniques and digital image correlation. Further, the group has a strong tradition in numerical modelling, in particular in finite element codes. The emphasis lies on the correct modelling of mechanics and damage phenomena observed in composite materials during testing. Therefore dedicated material models or constitutive laws are developed and integrated into finite element simulations. Validation is done through comparison with instrumented experimental tests.

More information on this webpage.

UGent - Woodlab

The Laboratory of Wood Technology (UGent-Woodlab) at the Ghent University (UGent) has over 40 years of experience in scientific and technological research on wood and maintains close contacts with all segments of the wood-processing industry. The main research activities of the team are very diverse and are situated in service life prediction, forest products and structure. Besides its expertise and knowledge of wood science, UGent-Woodlab disposes of a well-equipped infrastructure to carry out its activities. The combination of know-how and equipment allows the laboratory to address research topics dealing with variations in wood structure and properties as well as technological testing at various scale-levels and multiple stages along the forestry-wood chain (i.e. ranging from wood cell walls to finished wood products), which is key to understand the dynamics of wood and derived products in the framework of this project.

More information on this webpage.

ETH Zürich - Professorship for X-ray imaging

Prof. Stampanoni heads a group of over 20 people, including three staff scientists, two technicians, one controls engineer, and many postdocs and PhD students. The team focuses on the development of tools, both instrumentation and algorithms, for tomographic X-ray imaging, exploiting synchrotron and laboratory sources. The group is engaged in the design and construction of ultra-fast data acquisition systems (stroboscopic coherent X-ray radiology and tomography) to provide dynamic investigation of rapidly evolving systems. The group also intensively develops optimized applications for fast, concurrent post-processing of tomographic data starting from simple normalization corrections to ad-hoc reconstruction and artefact reductions algorithms. Finally, the group investigates, creates and optimizes novel imaging modalities based on the coherent properties of synchrotron radiation and works on the transition of such work to conventional x-ray sources.