I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Jishizhan
Chen
,
Alissa
Parmenter
,
Aikta
Sharma
,
Elis
Newham
,
Eral
Bele
,
Sebastian
Marussi
,
Andrew A.
Pitsillides
,
Nick J.
Terrill
,
Christopher
Mitchell
,
Himadri S.
Gupta
,
Peter
Lee
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[29784]
Open Access
Abstract: Lower back pain is linked to vertebral biomechanics, with vertebral endplates (VEPs) playing a key role. Finite element modelling (FEM) is a powerful tool for studying VEP biomechanics but relies on accurate material property inputs, which remain difficult to obtain. Synchrotron computed tomography (sCT) enables detailed visualisation of intact VEP microstructure under near-physiological loads in situ, with three-dimensional strain fields obtained by digital volume correlation (DVC) providing experimental reference data for FEM validation. We applied inverse finite element methodologies to estimate of the elastic properties of rat VEPs by integrating DVC data into an image-based FE model. Our pipeline estimated an elastic modulus of 129 MPa and a Poisson’s ratio of 0.24 in a rat lumbar segment. The first-order Wasserstein distance between FEM and DVC strain distributions ranged from 0.08% to 0.28%, with Bland–Altman analysis revealing <95% spatial agreement between FEM-predicted and DVC-derived strains across multiple loading steps. Pipeline measurement consistency was evaluated across multiple rat lumbar FE models (n = 3), yielding an estimated VEP elastic modulus = 153 ± 21 MPa and a Poisson’s ratio = 0.28 ± 0.03. Regional variations of strain distribution in VEP bodies and protrusions were also identified (strain Wasserstein distance of 0.10%–0.48%). Our work demonstrates the efficacy of the established pipeline in estimating the isotropic elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of VEPs using FEMs in a physiologically relevant, complex load transfer system. As sCT data becomes available, our pipeline lays the foundations for estimating VEP properties in larger animals and humans.
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Mar 2026
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I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Imogen
Cowley
,
Harry E.
Chapman
,
Sebastian
Marussi
,
Xianqiang
Fan
,
David
Rees
,
Tristan
Fleming
,
Yunhui
Chen
,
Alexander
Rack
,
Robert C.
Atwood
,
Martyn A.
Jones
,
Samuel J.
Clark
,
Chu Lun Alex
Leung
,
Peter D.
Lee
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[28804]
Open Access
Abstract: In situ synchrotron studies of Directed Energy Deposition (DED) additive manufacturing provide unique process insights, using high-resolution spatial and temporal observations to reveal melt pool dynamics, phase evolution, and defect formation mechanisms. However, capturing these phenomena under industrially relevant conditions remains a challenge. Here, a second-generation DED apparatus is presented that replicates industrially relevant process conditions whilst enabling multi-modal in situ monitoring, including synchrotron X-ray radiography and diffraction, infrared (IR) imaging, inline coherent imaging (ICI), and optical imaging. The equipment, termed the Blown-powder Additive Manufacturing Process Replicator-II (BAMPR-II), also facilitates a range of unique process adaptations including the application of heat, magnetic fields, and ultrasound. Two case studies are described demonstrating how BAMPR-II reveals the underlying phenomena controlling DED, including: (1) simultaneous X-ray and ICI imaging to capture cracking mechanisms during DED; and (2) X-ray imaging of DED illustrating how magnetic fields can control flow in the melt pool.
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Feb 2026
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I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Da
Guo
,
Chengbo
Zhu
,
Harry E.
Chapman
,
Kai
Zhang
,
Wei
Li
,
Shishira
Bhagavath
,
Robert
Atwood
,
Stefan
Michalik
,
Dmitry G.
Eskin
,
Iakovos
Tzanakis
,
Chu Lun Alex
Leung
,
Peter D.
Lee
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[34549]
Open Access
Abstract: Directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) can fabricate, repair, and join near-net-shaped components for high-performance engineering applications, including biomedical, energy, and transport sectors. The broader adoption of DED remains constrained by the limited number of alloys available that can be reliably manufactured without imperfections, hence limiting mechanical properties. Here, we designed an Al-Ni-Ce-Mn-Fe AM alloy that can achieve an ultra-fine microstructure (<5 μm), uniform distribution of intermetallics, low residual stress (<32 MPa), and superior mechanical properties in as-built DED components. Compared to DED AlSi10Mg in the as-build state using the same conditions, the yield increased by 70%, and the ultimate tensile strength by 50%. DED-AM involves rapid cooling and complex thermal conditions, which largely influence the property of the final components. Post-characterization cannot capture the time resolved thermal behavior, hence offer limited mechanism-based guide for alloy design. In this study, we develop a novel multimodal characterization methodology for correlative in situ X-ray imaging, X-ray diffraction, and infrared imaging, enabling quantification of the in situ thermal-related behavior, including phase evolution, temperature distribution and stress accumulation during DED. We elucidated key mechanisms driving the structure refinement and stress development in this alloy. The insights gained into the interplay between alloy composition, thermal-related behavior, and performance under specific AM conditions informs next-generation material design tailored for AM technologies.
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Jan 2026
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I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[31855]
Open Access
Abstract: Directed energy deposition (DED) laser additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising technique for building complex components and performing repair applications. However, large defects can form through coalescence of argon bubbles from the feedstock powder, potentially reducing end-component mechanical performance. Here, we used correlative high-speed synchrotron X-ray and infrared imaging, coupled with multiphysics modelling to develop a strategy to control defect formation. We demonstrate that the bubble dynamics can be controlled by appropriately modulating the laser power, temporarily disrupting the Marangoni flow, enabling bubble release. The bubble control mechanisms discovered here provide a way to achieve defect-lean AM.
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Sep 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Alissa
Parmenter
,
Elis
Newham
,
Aikta
Sharma
,
Catherine M.
Disney
,
Hans
Deyhle
,
Federico
Bosi
,
Nick J.
Terrill
,
Brian K.
Bay
,
Andrew A.
Pitsillides
,
Himadri S.
Gupta
,
Peter
Lee
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[29633, 29784]
Open Access
Abstract: The function of all musculoskeletal joints depends on hierarchical structures spanning the molecular to whole-joint scales. Investigating biomechanics across length scales requires correlative multiscale experimental methods. This study applies multimodal in situ synchrotron imaging techniques to spinal joints—focusing on the vertebral endplates—to explore relationships between structure and mechanical strain across spatial scales. Strain mapping using digital volume correlation combined with microarchitectural analysis reveals that high tensile and shear strains play a role in the cartilage to bone transition. Correlative imaging and diffraction show that bone contains narrower mineral nanocrystallites under greater compressive prestrain compared with calcified cartilage. We hypothesize that this multiscale structural adaptation supports the mechanical function of the intervertebral disc. Future applications of the techniques presented here have potential to help unravel the biomechanical underpinnings of pathologies affecting mineralized tissue structure. The multiscale structure-function relationships uncovered here may inspire the design of biomaterials and orthopedic implants.
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Jul 2025
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[29784]
Open Access
Abstract: Biological tissues are exposed to X-rays in medical applications (such as diagnosis and radiotherapy) and in research studies (for example microcomputed X-ray tomography: microCT). Radiotherapy may deliver doses up to 50Gy to both tumour and healthy tissues, resulting in undesirable clinical side effects which can compromise quality of life. Whilst cellular responses to X-rays are relatively well-characterised, X-ray-induced structural damage to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is poorly understood. This study tests the hypotheses that ECM proteins and ECM-rich tissues (purified collagen I and rat tail tendons respectively) are structurally compromised by exposure to X-ray doses used in breast radiotherapy. Protein gel electrophoresis demonstrated that breast radiotherapy equivalent doses can induce fragmentation of the constituent α chains in solubilised purified collagen I. However, assembly into fibrils, either in vitro or in vivo, prevented X-ray-induced fragmentation but not structural changes (as characterised by LC-MS/MS and peptide location fingerprinting: PLF). In subsequent experiments exposure to higher (synchrotron) X-ray doses induced substantial fragmentation of solubilised and fibrillar (chicken tendon) collagen I. LC-MS/MS and PLF analysis of synchrotron-irradiated tendon identified structure-associated changes in collagens I, VI, XII, proteoglycans including aggrecan, decorin, and fibromodulin, and the elastic fibre component fibulin-1. Thus, exposure to radiotherapy X-rays can affect the structure of key tissue ECM components, although additional studies will be required to understand dose dependent effects.
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Mar 2025
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[19354]
Open Access
Abstract: Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of Polyamide 12 (PA12) using a near-infra-red (NIR) beam is largely unexplored; therefore, the beam-matter interaction, evolution mechanisms of the melt pool and defects remain unclear. Here, we employed a combination of in situ synchrotron X-ray imaging, ex situ materials characterisation techniques, and high-fidelity process simulations to study these behaviours during LPBF of PA12. Our results demonstrate that the NIR absorption of PA12 can be improved by 600 times through powder surface modification with C, P and Al species. In situ X-ray images reveal that the PA12 powders undergo melting, viscous merging, volume expansion, warping, solidification, and shrinkage before forming a solid track. Our results uncover the bubble evolution mechanisms during LPBF of PA12. During laser scanning, the high-energy laser beam produces organic substances/vapours which are trapped inside bubbles during viscous merging. These bubbles continue to shrink due to vapour condensation as the polymer cools under a cooling rate range of 200 - 600 K s−1. Using the collected data, we have developed a data-driven bubble shrinkage criterion to predict the bubble shrinkage coefficient using the bubble half-life, improving the build quality of LPBF polymeric parts.
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Feb 2025
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I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Kai
Zhang
,
Tim
Wigger
,
Rosa
Pineda
,
Simon A.
Hunt
,
Ben
Thomas
,
Thomas
Kwok
,
David
Dye
,
Gorka
Plata
,
Jokin
Lozares
,
Inaki
Hurtado
,
Stefan
Michalik
,
Michael
Preuss
,
Peter D.
Lee
,
Mohammed A.
Azeem
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23749]
Abstract: Microstructure evolution during high-strain rate and high-temperature thermo-mechanical processing of a 44MnSiV6 microalloyed steel is investigated using in situ synchrotron high-energy powder X-ray diffraction. The conditions selected replicate a newly developed near solidus high-strain rate process designed for reducing raw material use during the hot processing of steels. High temperatures (exceeding 1300 °C) and high strain rate
= 9 s-1 processing regimes are explored. The lattice strains and dislocation activity estimated from diffraction observations reveal that the microstructure evolution is primarily driven by dynamic recrystallisation. A steady-state stress regime is observed during deformation, which develops due to intermittent and competing work hardening and recovery processes. The texture evolution during the heating, tension, shear deformation and cooling stages is systematically investigated. The direct observation of phase evolution at high-temperature and high-strain rate deformation enables a comprehensive understanding of new manufacturing processes and provides deep insights for the development of constitutive models for face-centred cubic alloys.
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Aug 2024
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I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Barbara
Bonechi
,
Margherita
Polacci
,
Fabio
Arzilli
,
Giuseppe
La Spina
,
Jean-Louis
Hazemann
,
Richard A.
Brooker
,
Robert
Atwood
,
Sebastian
Marussi
,
Peter D.
Lee
,
Roy A.
Wogelius
,
Jonathan
Fellowes
,
Mike R.
Burton
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[28538]
Open Access
Abstract: Transitions in eruptive style during volcanic eruptions strongly depend on how easily gas and magma decouple during ascent. Stronger gas-melt coupling favors highly explosive eruptions, whereas weaker coupling promotes lava fountaining and lava flows. The mechanisms producing these transitions are still poorly understood because of a lack of direct observations of bubble dynamics under natural magmatic conditions. Here, we combine x-ray radiography with a novel high-pressure/high-temperature apparatus to observe and quantify in real-time bubble growth and coalescence in basaltic magmas from 100 megapascals to surface. For low-viscosity magmas, bubbles coalesce and recover a spherical shape within 3 seconds, implying that, for lava fountaining activity, gas and melt remain coupled during the ascent up to the last hundred meters of the conduit. For higher-viscosity magmas, recovery times become longer, promoting connected bubble pathways. This apparatus opens frontiers in unraveling magmatic/volcanic processes, leading to improved hazard assessment and risk mitigation.
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Aug 2024
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I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Lorna
Sinclair
,
Oliver
Hatt
,
Samuel J.
Clark
,
Sebastian
Marussi
,
Elena
Ruckh
,
Robert C.
Atwood
,
Martyn
Jones
,
Gavin J.
Baxter
,
Chu Lun Alex
Leung
,
Iain
Todd
,
Peter D.
Lee
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[20096]
Open Access
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Jul 2024
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