"No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives."
(Scroll to the bottom for the answer.)
Being curious can help you overcome or cancel not-so-great tendencies many of us have, such as being judgmental, lazy, or ignorant. One can't be too curious or ask too many questions.
New webinar series: Mastering CT: Advanced Techniques in Practice
High-density samples, repetitive routine work, or observation of dynamic changes are common challenges in CT data collection and analysis.
The first episode will go live on Wednesday, August 20, at 10:00 am CDT. Ted will discuss common challenges in scanning heavy or high-Z materials. He will show practical ways to improve image quality, stability, and analysis using real examples from batteries, metal parts, and a VTOL drone.
You will learn:
Common problems when scanning dense or large samples—and how to solve them
How to reduce artifacts and improve contrast in high-attenuation imaging
Sample handling and mounting tips for challenging geometries
Case studies including batteries, metal radiator, and VTOL drone
If you are heading to the SCA Annual Symposium or will be in Hannover, Germany, this summer, save Monday, August 25, for a hands-on deep dive workshop to learn the ins and outs of digital rock analysis from the GeoDict experts at the Hannover Congress Centrum.
Digital rock analysis can create 3D digital models of rock samples to characterize them in detail by simulating the flow of fluids through the pores. It provides valuable insights into reservoir characterization and production optimization.
Although it is a powerful technique, it can be overwhelming at times. If you are interested in learning more about digital rock analysis, hands-on training with expert assistance can go a long way.
If you are new to digital rock analysis, this live hands-on workshop by Math2Market GmbH is an excellent opportunity to learn this technique.
Schedule:
Workshop part 1: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Demo stations: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Workshop part 2: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Important facts:
Participation is free but requires registration.
Only available for onsite participants of SCA Annual Symposium
Ted will talk about how to image highly absorbing materials in his webinar next month. What makes these materials difficult to scan is the beam-hardening effects, which cause all kinds of challenges in CT.
This might be a good time to quickly review what beam hardening is and how to reduce it.
What is it? Beam hardening occurs because most laboratory-based CT scanners use polychromatic X-rays (i.e., they contain a spectrum of energies). As the beam passes through an object, lower-energy X-rays are absorbed more quickly than higher-energy ones, effectively "hardening" the beam. This energy shift results in nonlinear attenuation, leading to image artifacts.
How to recognize its effects:
Cupping artifacts: darker centers in homogeneous objects
Streaking artifacts: especially between high-density regions
How to reduce it:
Use beam filtration: Pre-harden the beam with physical filters (e.g., copper, aluminum) to remove softer X-rays before they hit the sample.
Optimize scan settings: Higher X-ray tube voltages increase the penetration power of X-rays and reduce beam hardening.
Reconstruction algorithms: Some reconstruction software supports corrections for beam hardening. Enable and properly configure them as necessary.
With the right settings and tools, you can manage artifacts caused by beam hardening. To learn more, you can check out the blog articles below and join Ted's webinar.
.jpg?upscale=true&width=360&upscale=true&name=Neil_deGrasse_Tyson_in_June_2017_(cropped).jpg)
