The microstructure of modern materials significantly influences their macroscopic properties. We develop algorithms for characterisation and stochastic modelling of microstructures based on three dimensional image data. Our products are dedicated to a deeper understanding of the spatial geometry and the structure-property-relationships in materials and thus offer new possibilities like optimising materials properties by virtual materials design.

Additional to our software products of the MAVI family we offer the following services:

• Quantitative geometric analysis of micro- or nanostructure using MAVI, resulting e. g. in:
  • volume fraction, porosity, specific surface area or connectivity of components
  • fibre length density, fibre orientation distribution
  • size and shape distribution of particles and cells
  • local porosity, local structure thickness.

• Acquisition of 3D Images
  • micro computed tomography inhouse
  • With Partners: phase contrast CT, confocal laser scanning microscopy, Electrontomography (quantET), FIB-tomography

3D image analysis

Stochastic geometry models

Geometric modelling of micro- and nanostructures

• Fitting of stochastic geometric models
• Reconstruction of materials
• Virtual material design and simulation of materials properties

Further information about the modelling of microstructures

Based on 3D or 2D images, microscopically heterogeneous but macroscopically homogeneous materials are modelled.

First, a suitable model is chosen. Then, geometric characteristics like porosity and specific surface of the material are determined using 3D image analysis. The model is fitted accordingly.

In simulated realisations of the model, characteristics of the material like relative permeability or acoustic absorption can be computed.

Using a model

• is the only possibility if 3D images are not available
• allows computations in a high number of realisations thus taking into account the spatial variability of the material
• makes virtual experiments possible: checking the effects of slight changes of the geometry of the material without actually creating the material

The basis are models from stochastic geometry like Boolean models, line processes, and tessellations. The macroscopic homogeneity of the materials is reflected by stationarity of the models. That means it does not matter where the sample has been extracted.

In addition we offer

• Specimen preparation
• Presentation of analysis results at your place
• stl-dataset as input for your FEM-simulation
• High-quality visualisation, movie
• 3D-print of your structure
• Fitting of a stochastic geometry model to your structure
• Simulation of material properties in the model
• Optimization of the structure

• New Insights into Microstructure-Property-Relations [ PDF 5.9 MB ]
• Further information and prices - 3D microtomography and analysis [ PDF 2.2 MB ]
• 3D microtomography and analysis (french) [ PDF 2.3 MB ]

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