Non-destructive X-ray Research Articles

A Fast Object Detection-Based Framework for Via Modeling on PCB X-Ray CT Images

For successful printed circuit board (PCB) reverse engineering (RE), the resulting device must retain the physical characteristics and functionality of the original. Although the applications of RE are within the discretion of the executing party, establishing a viable, non-destructive framework for analysis is vital for any stakeholder in the PCB industry. A widely regarded approach in PCB RE uses non-destructive x-ray computed tomography (CT) to produce three-dimensional volumes with several slices of data corresponding to multi-layered PCBs. However, the noise sources specific to x-ray CT and variability from designers hampers the thorough acquisition of features necessary for successful RE. This article investigates a deep learning approach as a successor to the current state-of-the-art for detecting vias on PCB x-ray CT images; vias are a key building block of PCB designs. During RE, vias offer an understanding of the PCB’s electrical connections across multiple layers. Our method is an improvement on an earlier iteration which demonstrates significantly faster runtime with quality of results comparable to or better than the current state-of-the-art, unsupervised iterative Hough-based method. Compared with the Hough-based method, the current framework is 4.5 times faster for the discrete image scenario and 24.1 times faster for the volumetric image scenario. The upgrades to the prior deep learning version include faster feature-based detection for real-world usability and adaptive post-processing methods to improve the quality of detections.

A Calibration Technique for Measuring Nickel Plating Thickness

A calibration technique was developed to predict nickel plating thickness of a manufactured part. The technique was used to replace a destructive scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurement, with a nondestructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurement. The XRF measurement was used to screen suspect parts from a rejected lot, and to replace lot-by-lot sampling with screening for ongoing product acceptance. The key to this approach was calibration and quantification of prediction uncertainty. Guardbanding, based on prediction uncertainty, was used to minimize the probability of accepting defective product. A significant number of suspect parts from a rejected lot were screened and deemed acceptable for use in next assembly with minimal risk.

Three-Dimensional Microstructural Analysis for the Characterization of Failure Mechanisms of a Novel SOEC

A novel Ni-GDC-cermet-supported intermediate temperature electrolysis cell that has been developed as promising candidate for hydrogen production with GDC as electrolyte, YSZ as electron-blocking layer and an additional GDC diffusion-blocking layer is characterized.Although this three-layer GDC-YSZ-GDC electrolyte enables improved performance compared to state-of-the-art YSZ electrolyte-based cells especially at lower operation temperatures, at temperatures below 750 °C and high electrolysis currents a voltage drop and subsequently crack formation in the three-layer electrolyte was observed in initial studies.Thus, in order to investigate the cause of this catastrophic cell failure a three-dimensional microstructural analysis of the cathode functional layer and electrolyte was conducted. Different methods were used to obtain detailed information on the microstructure and changes thereof. The methods used were FIB-SEM, X-ray computed tomography and laser confocal microscopy. By combining the results obtained from the different methods, a detailed understanding of the electrolyte/electrode microstructure was achieved. The analysis of a representative volume element via non-destructive X-ray computed tomography and FIB-SEM enabled the reconstruction of the microstructure and segmentation into a three-dimensional material distribution. Three-dimensional microstructures of cells before and after single-cell testing were analysed and compared. Additionally, laser confocal microscopy was used for a direct assessment of cracks and other defects. An overview of the advantages of the different characterization methods and findings will be given.

Obsidian Artifacts from Multiple Sources and Subsources at Valdesi in Western Sicily

Forty-two obsidian artifacts excavated at the site of Valdesi in western Sicily were analyzed to determine their geological sources and to reconstruct trade patterns. Non-destructive analysis was performed using a portable, non-destructive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, with the calibrated element’s composition values compared directly with a dataset of geological samples from the Mediterranean and European sources that were analyzed with the same instrument. The results, based on straightforward X-Y graphs using the trace elements Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, and Nb, showed the presence of obsidian from two subsources on Lipari (Gabellotto Gorge, Canneto Dentro), two on Pantelleria (Balata dei Turchi, Lago di Venere), and one on Sardinia. The majority coming from Lipari coincided with the location of Valdesi, and nearly 20% came from Pantelleria, both consistent with the overall distribution patterns for Sicily, while the one from Sardinia is a unique discovery. These results are discussed in terms of the time period and context for Valdesi, as well as the open-water and land-based routes that must have been taken.

Bonding wire characterization using non-destructive X-ray imaging

Counterfeiting in the semiconductor industry poses a significant threat to the economy and can lead to lower performance and reliability of electronic devices. X-ray technology in this respect is commonly used for non-destructive testing to identify physical defects and anomalies in integrated circuits. However, for accurate material identification, destructive methods such as spectroscopic techniques including X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence are typically required. In this work, a fast and non-destructive method is presented for material characterization of bonding wires in ICs and other SMD components by measuring X-ray absorption profiles. The results demonstrated that the X-ray imaging technique can effectively distinguish between bonding wires made of gold, silver, copper, and aluminum. Moreover, the thickness of these materials can also be detected. This technique exhibits high potential for utilization as a simple and quick method for non-destructive material characterization in the industrial environment.

An X-ray CT assessment of fungal growth in spruce, poplar and thermally-modified poplar

ABSTRACT Poplar has been gaining attention as a potential material for use in engineered wood products (EWPs). However, poplar wood is not durable against fungal degradation, which is an important factor that needs to be investigated. Previous studies on degradation have mostly focused on evaluating mass loss (ML), while lacking information on the progress of degradation. In this study a recently developed non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (CT) technique was used to investigate the degradation progress within poplar, thermally modified (TM) poplar, and spruce during a 10-weeks fungal degradation experiment. The results showed that degradation led to a significant decrease in density, particularly after 15 days. Based on the X-ray CT scans, it was observed that spruce showed a higher mass loss at the end grain while poplar showed a homogeneous pattern throughout the entire block. Thermally modified poplar specimens were less degraded even at moist conditions. The density of the wood was found to affect the fungal susceptibility of both poplar and TM poplar: a higher density resulted in a lower mass loss of poplar. The use of X-ray CT scanning allowed for a detailed micro-level insight into fungal decay, which can potentially help in protecting poplar in future industrial use for constructions.

Mg and Sr Isotopes in Cap Dolostone: Implications for Oceanic Mixing after a Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth Event

The snowball Earth (SBE) describes a state of the Earth’s climate with global or near-global ice cover. The cap dolostone at the base of the Ediacaran successions serves as useful archives for studying environmental change during the Marinoan Snowball Earth deglaciation in Neoproterozoic. The characteristic compositions in dolomite provide critical information on continental weathering and coastal water mixing after glacial retreat. However, valid methods for pristine dolomite separation remain challenging. In this study, four selected cap dolostone samples from the base of the Ediacaran Lantian Formation were used for establishing a new 3-step leaching method, to remove the secondary calcite and other impurities before determination of δ26Mg and 87Sr/86Sr in dolomite. Non-destructive Raman, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the distribution of dolomite and minor calcite/silicate in each sample. Micro-drill powders before each extraction procedure were examined in weight loss and mineralogical compositions, as well as the chemicals in the leaching solutions. Potential diagenetic artifacts were evaluated using Sr/Ca, Mn/Sr, 87Sr/86Sr and δ26Mg in solutions. By applying a simple two-end member mixing between the seawater and the silicate sources (R2 = 0.48, n = 23), the down-core variations of δ26Mg and 87Sr/86Sr in cap dolostone can be used to gain a better understand of the temporal weathering intensity changes, as well as the coastal oceanic mixing processes, after the Marinoan deglaciation.

A Correlative Approach Combining Non-destructive High Resolution X-Ray Microscopy with Femtosecond Laser Preparation and FIB/SEM to Access Deeply Buried Features in Parts and Components of New Energy Vehicles.

A Correlative Approach Combining Non-destructive High Resolution X-Ray Microscopy with Femtosecond Laser Preparation and FIB/SEM to Access Deeply Buried Features in Parts and Components of New Energy Vehicles.

The use of a multi-sensor core scanner workflow as the backbone of a digital core repository

Abstract A core repository is a physical record of a country's or commercial organization's subsurface wealth. Some of the largest core repositories hold thousands of kilometres of core material and it is a challenge to turn this physical archive into an accessible digital resource for all. Non-destructive multi-sensor core logger, hyperspectral and X-ray imaging techniques offer a unique chance to rescue valuable data trapped within core samples, improving the way that a core repository delivers data to academic or industrial end users. Here we present a case study of an archived petroleum core acquired in 1985 at the Osprey Field, UK Continental Shelf. Data from the UK National Data Repository are augmented by a multi-sensor core logger, hyperspectral and X-ray dataset that is uploaded into a cloud-based digital repository. The data were analysed using a multi-variant analysis to reclassify the original lithological interpretations, uncovering a greater proportion of clay and cemented horizons than was previously interpreted. A workflow is established to optimize the use of legacy cores and exploit the abundance of data trapped within the core repository using continuous multi-sensor core scanning and imaging data, which are stored within the virtual environment for visualization and access to all.

A two-stage study of steel corrosion and internal cracking revealed by multimodal tomography

Modeling of corrosion-induced cracking is limited by lacking knowledge on the behavior of corrosion products. In this work, the corrosion and cracking processes were experimentally investigated in 3D at two different stages. The processes were measured at micro-structural scale, applying nondestructive neutron and X-ray computed tomography in two scans at different stages in the corrosion process. A method to evaluate the average volumetric strain of the compressed corrosion layer was proposed and displacements in the concrete matrix were measured. Strain localization revealed cracks not directly visible in the images. Multimodal tomography demonstrated to be an effective method for investigating steel corrosion in reinforced concrete.

Insights into Electrode Architectures and Lithium-Ion Transport in Polycrystalline V2 O5 Cathodes of Solid-State Batteries.

Polymer-based solid-state batteries (SSBs) have received increasing attentions due to the absence of interfacial problems in sulfide/oxide-type SSBs, but the lower oxidation potential of polymer-based electrolytes greatly limits the application of conventional high-voltage cathode such as LiNix Coy Mnz O2 (NCM) and lithium-rich NCM. Herein, this study reports on a lithium-free V2 O5 cathode that enables the applications of polymer-based solid-state electrolyte (SSE) with high energy density due to the microstructured transport channels and suitable operational voltage. Using a synergistic combination of structural inspection and non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), it interprets the chemo-mechanical behavior that determines the electrochemical performance of the V2 O5 cathode. Through detailed kinetic analyses such as differential capacity and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), it is elucidated that the hierarchical V2 O5 constructed through microstructural engineering exhibits smaller electrochemical polarization and faster Li-ion diffusion rates in polymer-based SSBs than those in the liquid lithium batteries (LLBs). By the hierarchical ion transport channels created by the nanoparticles against each other, superior cycling stability (≈91.7% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1C) is achieved at 60 °C in polyoxyethylene (PEO)-based SSBs. The results highlight the crucial role of microstructure engineering in designing Li-free cathodes for polymer-based SSBs.

On-chip aberration correction for planar nanofocusing x-ray lenses by focused ion-beam milling

Aberration-free x-ray optics are a prerequisite for nondestructive scanning x-ray microscopy with highest spatial resolution in order to understand complex material systems and processes. Nevertheless, due to highly challenging manufacturing requirements, even state-of-the-art x-ray optics often still suffer from residual lens aberrations, and diffraction-limited performance can often only be achieved by inserting additional corrective optical elements. Here, the concept of tailor-made refractive x-ray phase plates is expanded by integrating these corrective optical elements into the focusing device directly. In this case, planar nanofocusing x-ray lenses out of silicon are corrected for aberrations by structuring the phase plate into the lens chip via focused ion-beam milling. The concept is demonstrated by focusing x-rays with an energy of 18 keV into a diffraction-limited focal spot with a size of 50×65 nm2 full-width at half-maximum and a reduction in residual intensity outside the focus by a factor of well over three.

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) to Scan the Structure and Characterize the Mud Cake Incorporated with Various Magnetic NPs Concentration: An Application to Evaluate the Wellbore Stability and Formation Damage

The X-ray computed tomography method has provided unrivalled data about the characterization and evolution of the internal/external structure of materials by analyzing CTN and non-destructive imaging approach. Applying this method on the appropriate drilling-fluid ingredients plays a significant role in generating proper mud cake quality to stabilize wellbore, and avoid formation damage and filtration loss by preventing drilling fluid invasion into the formation. In this study, smart-water drilling mud containing different concentrations of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) was used to assess the filtration loss properties and formation impairment. Conventional static filter press, non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan images and high-resolution quantitative measurement of CT number method were used to estimate the filtrate volume and characterize the filter cake layers, hence evaluating the reservoir damage through hundreds of merged images. The CT scan data were combined with the HIPAX and Radiant viewer digital image processing. The variation in CT number of mud cake samples under different concentrations of MNPs and without MNPs concentration were analyzed, and hundreds of 3D images as a cross-sectional profile were used. This paper highlights the importance of MNPs property in terms of minimizing filtration volume and improving mud cake quality and thickness, and hence improving the wellbore stability. From the results, a notable reduction of filtrate drilling mud volume and mud cake thickness to 40.9% and 46.6%, respectively, were recorded for drilling fluids incorporated with 0.92 wt.% of MNPs. However, this study asserts that optimal MNPs should be implemented to guarantee the best filtration property. As confirmed from the results, increasing the MNPs concentration beyond the optimal value (up to 2 wt.%) increased the filtrate volume and mud cake thickness by 3.23 and 33.3%, respectively. CT scan profile images show two layers of mud cake produced from water-based drilling fluids possessing 0.92 wt.% MNPs. The latter concentration was found to be the optimal additive of MNPs as it caused a decrease in filtration volume, mud cake thickness, and pore spaces within the structure of the mud cake. Using the optimum MNPs, the CT number (CTN) shows a high CTN and density material, and uniform compacted thin mud cake structure (0.75 mm). The produced thin mud cake layer reveals the precipitation or exchange of elemental/mineral composition during fluid-solid interaction. These results confirm that MNPs could help in avoiding or reducing the formation damage, driving away drilling fluid from the formation, and improving borehole stability.

Application of edible coatings composed of chitosan and tea seed oil for quality improvement of strawberries and visualization of internal structure changes using X-ray computed tomography

Edible film composed of chitosan (CH) and tea seed oil (TSO) was prepared by casting method and its physicochemical and structural properties were evaluated. Strawberries were coated with the edible coatings by dipping method and physicochemical properties (weight loss, moisture content, color change, firmness, pH and total soluble solids (TSS)) and internal structures were determined during storage at 2 °C for 24 days. Non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to visualize strawberry internal structure, with CT measured in terms of grayscale (GS) values. As expected, the CH + TSO film decreased water vapor permeability (WVP), with TSO conferring a reduction of 20.83 %. The CH + TSO film decreased moisture content (26.43 %) and water solubility (22.93 %). Incorporation of TSO in CH films significantly increased opacity by 204.76 %, greatly improving the ability to block light. Changes in the surface and structure of the films were obtained by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The properties of CH + TSO film were improved compared to pure CH film. Moreover, the results of storage for 24 days from the coating application to strawberries showed that CH and CH + TSO coatings effectively reduced fruit weight loss; retained firmness, color, moisture content by 86.69 % and 84.93 %, respectively, compared to the control (82.45 %), TSS by 10.22 % and 9.70 %, respectively, compared to the control (9.48 %); delayed pH changes by 3.49 % and 3.54 %, respectively, compared to the control (3.58 %) and ∆E by 8.06 % and 10.31 %, respectively, compared to the control (13.37 %). In particular, the CH and CH + TSO treated strawberries still remained the firmness by 68.36 % and 63.35 %, respectively, compared to the control (59.38 %) and the weight loss of CH and CH + TSO treated samples was 5.83 % and 6.93 %, respectively, compared to 8.11 % for the control. X-ray CT observations revealed that the coating treatments could inhibit the development of voids in the strawberries. These results demonstrate CH and CH + TSO film maintain the physicochemical properties and internal structure of strawberries during storage.

Influence of the Coarse Grain Structure of a Titanium Alloy Ti-4Al-3V Formed by Wire-Feed Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing on Strain Inhomogeneities and Fracture.

In this work, based on the multilevel approach, the features of the structure and properties of titanium alloy, formed during high-performance additive manufacturing by wire-feed electron beam technology, were studied. Methods of non-destructive X-ray control and tomography, along with optical and scanning electron microscopy, were used to study the structure at different scale levels of the sample material. The mechanical properties of the material under stress were revealed via the simultaneous observation of the peculiarities of deformation development, using a Vic 3D laser scanning unit. Using microstructural and macrostructural data, as well as fractography, the interrelations of structure and material properties caused by the technological features of the printing process and the composition of used welding wire were revealed.

Effect of Residual Stresses on Fatigue Strength on the Smooth and Splined Parts of Spring Torsion Bars

The article discusses the effect of residual stresses on the fatigue strength of torsion bars by using the Dang Van fatigue criterion, at the stress concentration at the root of the tooth and at the smooth part of the torsion bar. Residual compressive stresses were induced on the surface during the technological processes by cold surface rolling and torsional pre-strain (pre-setting) to the plastic range, to increase the elastic linear range and to reduce the stress state during torsional loading. Normally, the stress reduction in the torsion bar at the mounting point is provided by the increased diameter of the splined part, compared to the smooth part of the torsion bar. In the case of a small difference between the diameter of the splined and the smooth parts of the torsion bar, a fatigue crack can be initiated in the notch, which causes the torsion bar to break during operation after a few hundred loading cycles. FEM stress analysis of a torsion bar was performed in the article. The actual residual stresses were measured by the non-destructive X-ray method at the place of stress concentration on the smooth and splined parts with a notch of the torsion bar, and Dang Van’s failure criterion was used to determine the fatigue behavior during torsional loading. Therefore, in the paper, the three methods were combined to determine the optimum lifetime of a torsion bar exposed to the required cyclic torque. The results of the analysis showed that the residual compressive stresses are useful up to a certain limit where the retarded fatigue crack initiation occurred, but a further increase of compressive stress caused an increase of the maximum shear stresses, which, in turn, caused the initiation of fatigue and failure at the splined part of the torsion bar before achieving the required number of cycles.

A non-destructive X-ray fluorescence method of analysis of formalin fixed-paraffin embedded biopsied samples for biomarkers for breast and colon cancer

In this work we present a methodology for the non-destructive elemental determination of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissue samples based on the Fundamental Parameters method for the quantification of micro Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence (micro-EDXRF) area scans.This methodology intended to overcome two major constraints in the analysis of paraffin embedded tissue samples – retrieval of optimal region of analysis of the tissue within the paraffin block and the determination of the dark matrix composition of the biopsied sample. This way, an image treatment algorithm, based on R® tool to select the regions of the micro-EDXRF area scans was developed. Also, different dark matrix compositions were evaluated using varying combinations of H, C, N and O until the most accurate matrix was found: 8% H, 15% C, 1% N and 60% O for breast FFPE samples and 8% H, 23% C, 2% N and 55% O for colon. The developed methodology was applied to paired normal-tumour samples of breast and colon biopsied tissues in order to gauge potential elemental biomarkers for carcinogenesis in these tissues. The obtained results showed distinctive biomarkers for breast and for colon: there was a significant increase of P, S, K and Fe in both tissues, while a significant increase of Ca an Zn concentrations was also determined for breast tumour samples.

Comparisons of Spatial and Temporal Variations in PM2.5-Bound Trace Elements in Urban and Rural Areas of South Korea, and Associated Potential Health Risks

PM2.5-bound trace elements were chosen for health risk assessment because they have been linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness. Since the Korean national air quality standard for ambient particulate matter is based on PM2.5 mass concentration, there have only been a few measurements of PM2.5 particles together with trace elements that can be utilized to evaluate their effects on air quality and human health. Thus, this study describes the trace elements bound to PM2.5 in Seoul (urban area) and Seosan (rural area) using online nondestructive energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis from December 2020 to January 2021. At both the Seoul and Seosan sites, S, K, Si, Ca, and Fe constituted most of the PM2.5-bound trace elements (~95%); major components such as S, K, and soil (estimatedcalculatedcalculated based on oxides of Si, Fe, Ca, and Ti) were presumably from anthropogenic and crustal sources, as well as favorable meteorological conditions. During winter, synoptic meteorology favored the transport of particles from severely contaminated regions, such as the East Asian outflow and local emissions. The total dry deposition flux for crustal elements was 894.5 ± 320.8 µg m−2 d−1 in Seoul and 1088.8 ± 302.4 µg m−2 d−1 in Seosan. Moreover, potential health risks from the trace elements were estimated. Cancer risk values for carcinogenic trace elements (Cr, As, Ni, and Pb) were within the tolerable limit (1 × 10−6), suggesting that adults and children were not at risk of cancer throughout the study period in Seoul and Seosan. Furthermore, a potential risk assessment of human exposure to remaining carcinogens (Cr, As, Ni, and Pb) and non-carcinogens (Cu, Fe, Zn, V, Mn, and Se) indicated that these trace elements posed no health risks. Nevertheless, trace element monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation must be strengthened throughout the study area to confirm that trace-element-related health effects remain harmless. Researchers and policymakers can use the database from this study on spatial and temporal variation to establish actions and plans in the future.

X-ray tomographic microscopy of Eocene coprolites from Pipestone Springs Main Pocket, southwest Montana

The Eocene Pipestone Springs Main Pocket (Renova Formation, Jefferson County, Montana, United States of America) is a locality renowned for its diverse Chadronian (late Eocene; ∼38–33.9 million years ago) mammalian fauna and abundant coprolites. Two distinct coprolite size classes were previously identified in the trace fossil assemblage from which we selected representatives to investigate feeding behaviors and dietary selection of the producers. A subset of the selected coprolites was analyzed based on their compositional and taphonomic attributes using non-destructive x-ray tomographic microscopy in combination with more traditional methods including thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Among the features extracted in the tomographic data were skeletal fragments, including those showing evidence of bone-crushing; delicate hair molds; encrusted lithic fragments; and several irregular pores and cracks throughout the coprolites. Segmentation and volumetric renders permit quantitative assessment of the relative proportions of inclusions, revealing porosity as a primary volumetric element aside from the matrix and bone inclusions. There was no significant difference in the total volume of bone extracted between coprolite size class, though the smaller coprolites preserved a relatively higher volumetric proportion of undigested skeletal material. This multi-visualization approach provides a means to observe and evaluate differences in the coprolite gross morphology and inclusions across the two size classes, thereby offering valuable insights into the broader paleoecology of the Pipestone Springs Main Pocket coprolite producers and holding promise for comparable paleo-dietary studies of other coprolite-rich deposits.

Characterization by image analysis of materials heterogeneities produced by the Deep Soil Mixing technique

The Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) material is a cementitious composite consisting of a well-mixed soil/cement matrix and may contain unmixed soil inclusions and possibly gravel. To obtain a 3D reconstruction of a DSM specimen structure, a destructive method was investigated, as an alternative to X-Ray Computed Tomography scans. The proposed method is based on image analysis and photographs of few millimeters thickness slices of a specimen. A detailed morphological description of inclusions, including volume fraction, shape, size distribution and spatial arrangement using common image analysis and CAD softwares preceded the validation of the 3D destructive method by the non-destructive X-ray CT based on 3 criteria (volume fraction, size distribution and shadow zone area). Compared to 1D and 2D basic methods found in the literature, the 3D developed method prevented biases linked to the external surface estimation of inclusions’ volume fraction. Next, to improve the experimental procedure, an extended methodology was established for estimating the inclusions volume fractions. Such method relies on a database of 3D reconstructed inclusion shapes and on the optimization of the sawing thickness. The aim consisted in the obtaining of unbiased estimates of the volume fractions with fewer cuts, between 4 and 18 instead of 50–60, which made such method as a low-cost, practical and accurate procedure. Finally, the 3D mesh generated by the 3D destructive method was used in numerical approach to propose, as an example, a successful hydromechanical numerical simulation of the DSM material response. Furthermore, a machine learning framework using the 2D slices of specimens produced during the application of the 3D destructive method, was proposed to generate various realistic 3D shapes instead of the usual spherical shape for inclusions, which will allow testing high number of meso-structures in numerical simulation.