AEMRI-202-CTSD - X-ray Computed Tomography Visualisation and Analysis Software

Tender description

TWI is one of the world’s foremost independent research and technology organisations, with expertise in solving problems in all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life integrity management technologies. Established in Cambridge, UK in 1946 and with facilities across the globe, the company has a first class reputation for service through its teams of internationally respected consultants, scientists, engineers and support staff, whose knowledge and expertise is available to its Industrial Members as and when they require. This specification has been produced as part of an initiative known as AEMRI (Advanced Engineering Materials Research Institute), which is funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) using European Regional Development Funds (ERDF). AEMRI seeks to create a unique facility housing a critical mass of equipment, expertise and resources. AEMRI provides an environment to test and prove the limits of performance of advanced materials. Through the use of advanced modelling and simulation methods, full, large-scale mechanical test structures will be designed and built upon finite element analysis (FEA) calculations. Advanced, automated non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques will be developed with the aim of saving the industry time and production costs as well as minimising the risk of catastrophic structural failures. AEMRI will deliver the objectives of the project through the following four technical strands:- - Modelling and Simulation of High Performance Materials and Structures. - Advanced Robotic Inspection of Complex Geometry Structures. - Inspection Systems for Very Large Structures for the Green Energy Sector. - Nuclear Fabrication Research Centre. TWI makes extensive use of Computer Tomography (CT) inspection as part of its X-ray inspection NDT services for current AEMRI projects and has identified a need to expand its research capabilities in CT analysis to meet AEMRIs changing needs in requiring more data from inspections. This will be achieved through acquisition of further CT visualisation and analysis software with expanded analysis capabilities. TWI Technology Centre (Wales) currently operates two microfocus X-ray CT scanning systems from Nikon Metrology (formerly X-Tek Systems Ltd) and a North Star Imaging (NSI) microfocus system. For visualisation and analysis, TWI operate licenses of Volume Graphics’ VGStudio MAX Version 3.4.5. In order to service AEMRI research needs, TWI requires a further CT visualisation and analysis software license. This will allow TWI to offer a wider range of evaluations to AEMRI projects, improved measurement, and improved insight into the inspected part material properties.