X-Ray Tomography of Damage Dynamics in Advanced Materials Using a Laser Wakefield Accelerator

Authors

• Vigneshvar Senthilkumaran, University of Alberta
• Nicholas F. Beier, University of Alberta
• Sylvain Fourmaux, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique–Énergie Matériaux et Télécommunications
• Peter Kenesei, Argonne National Laboratory
• Sean Dobson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Joël Maltais, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique–Énergie Matériaux et Télécommunications
• Alvaro R. Arce-Borkent, University of Alberta
• Tait Richards, University of Alberta
• Michael G. Lipsett, University of Alberta
• Le Zhou, Marquette UniversityFollow
• John A. Moore, Marquette UniversityFollow
• Amina E. Hussein, University of Alberta

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Publisher

Nature Publishing

Source Publication

Scientific Reports

Source ISSN

2045-2322

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-47926-4

Abstract

Additively manufactured (AM) metals offer the potential for customizable, cost-effective components, but qualification and certification are crucial. Key to this process is understanding pore dynamics under stress, typically analyzed using micro-computed tomography. This study introduces laboratory-scale “betatron” x-rays from laser wakefield acceleration as a high-throughput alternative for x-ray tomography of advanced materials, such as AM AlSi10Mg alloys. Coupled with 3D finite element modeling, this method provides detailed insights into stress-porosity interactions. The approach delivers high-resolution scans, revealing that pore shape and local triaxiality significantly influence fracture dynamics, supporting advanced material characterization. This work also demonstrates the potential and versatility of laser-betatron x-ray μCT for generating large datasets to accelerate our understanding of the stochastic, process-specific nature of pore formation in AM alloys.

Comments

Scientific Reports (2026). DOI.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Senthilkumaran, Vigneshvar; Beier, Nicholas F.; Fourmaux, Sylvain; Kenesei, Peter; Dobson, Sean; Maltais, Joël; Arce-Borkent, Alvaro R.; Richards, Tait; Lipsett, Michael G.; Zhou, Le; Moore, John A.; and Hussein, Amina E., "X-Ray Tomography of Damage Dynamics in Advanced Materials Using a Laser Wakefield Accelerator" (2026). Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications. 346.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/mechengin_fac/346