Discover Université Grenoble Alpes

The goal of this CDP project is to address fundamental questions in the fields of materials, processes, biology/health, and the environment. In each of these fields, we face scientific challenges that require research into multiscale modeling combined with—in most cases—3D, real-time imaging of these phenomena.

The objective of this CDP project is to (i) develop new methods for simultaneous multiscale X-ray microtomography imaging, (ii) extend these methods to real-time imaging, phase contrast imaging, and unconventional geometries, and (iii) validate the method by applying it to overcome scientific challenges in the aforementioned fields.

The Issues

We are interested in the following issues in the areas of:

• The development of new materials: We prioritize lighter and/or more environmentally friendly materials to support the transition to a green/sustainable economy. This will involve the development of materials (composite or metallic) as well as the energy sector (batteries).
• Public Health: We will focus on understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying the development of healthy bone structure and bone disorders (such as osteoarthritis) to meet growing demand (particularly due to the aging population).
• Environmental engineering: We aim to advance fundamental knowledge in areas such as flow in porous media and suspension mechanics to improve the management and treatment of fluids—such as solutes and effluents—and to enhance the management of natural and environmental risks.

Interdisciplinarity

The MuSiToX CDP project brings together approximately 50 researchers from 9 laboratories (3SR, SIMAP, INRAE, STROBE, LEGI, IGE, TIMC, Institut Néel, CEN) and 2 platforms (CMTC and GRICAD), belonging to 3 different research clusters (PEM, PAGE, CBS) and sharing common methodological questions. This interdisciplinary approach will be implemented in the supervision of doctoral students and postdocs. Although the thesis and postdoc projects focus on a specific scientific question, the supervision of these researchers in training will be provided by researchers from different fields drawn from two or three laboratories.

A Transformative Project

The project is transformative in terms of both the tools and the methodologies developed: (i) regarding tools, as it will equip Université Grenoble Alpes with a versatile, scalable tomograph with capabilities not currently available on site, complementing synchrotron sources and other existing laboratory sources; (ii) regarding the methodologies developed—particularly in image acquisition, reconstruction, and processing supported by AI—which will enable dialogue between different communities on campus.

A national and international reach

MuSiToX complements the efforts of the PEPR DIADEM program—in which we are involved—aimed at accelerating materials development using artificial intelligence based on synchrotron data. The development of a new generation of laboratory tomographs will encourage all laboratories to respond to the PEPR DIADEM call for proposals, building on the work carried out in this CDP. The instrument developed will complement those already in place or currently being acquired at the Grenoble site. The site will thus benefit from a comprehensive range of 3D characterization capabilities with a spatial resolution ranging from the atomic scale to tens of microns—a capability that is unique in France and rare in Europe and worldwide.

To increase the visibility of the Grenoble site

It will help strengthen international collaboration in the scientific fields mentioned above. Making these instrumental developments available to the national, European, and international communities will help solidify the Grenoble site’s position as a leader in X-ray tomography.