The XT H 225 ST is a Computed Tomography (CT) system ideally suited to a wide range of materials and sample sizes, especially those that are too large or heavy for other systems in the range. the system has three interchangeable sources; the 225 kV reflection target, 180 kV transmission target and the optional 225 kV rotating target. Combined with the wide range of flat panel detectors to choose from, the ST system provides a flexible tool for quality laboratories, production facilities and research departments.
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What is Honeycomb Conjecture?
The honeycomb conjecture (HC) states that a regular hexagonal grid is the best way to divide a surface into regions of equal area with the least total perimeter, proven in 1999 by Thomas C. Hales.
The honeycomb conjecture answers, 'Why bees build hexagonal honeycombs?' To minimise the requirement of wax.
What is our project about?
Our project is aimed at understanding the process by which bees build their hexagonal honeycombs.Dobeesreally understand the HC, or is it all fortuitous?
What is our approch,methodology?
We use X-ray CT scans to obtain 3D tomograms of a growing honeycomb at various stages. A swarm of bees in a fresh bee-hive is allowed to breed in empty nucs (shelves). The hive is fitted with a microscopic camera focussed on individual cells to closely monitor the building process. Ultrasonic position sensor connected through the Arduino Uno board continuously reads the height of the cells. Scans are taken at every ~2 mm of cell growth (in height), when the buzzer rings! It roughly takes 24 hrs for every successive growth step. The temperature in the cells are monitored as well.
1 / 4 • Bee-hive
Observations
building honeycombs
XCT of the honeycomb (3 days since birth)
Data is post-processed in VGStudio Max 2.2 (for 3D tomography), Matlab and imageJ. Results are being compiled. Undertaking more experiments.
KeyFindings
Our project provides experimental evidence (in-situ tomographic visualisation) that honeycombs are born as circles or cylinders. They grow in space and form prismatic cells. Bees build their cylindrical cells in closely packed ABAB arrangement which transform into a more efficient shape, the hexagon. The exact mechanism by which the transformation occurs is yet to be explored.
Results are prepared for a peer reviewed journal submission.
Closed packing of cylinders to from hexagons
FuturePlans
The best way we can visualise the honeycomb conjecture, and understand the underlying mechanism by which circles transform into hexagons is to replicate the process artificially. A collaboration is initiated with Virginia Tech. U.S. to build a 3D printer and mimic the bees in building honeycombs.
We are excited about this, are you ? Drop in your comments and suggestions.
Experiment rig for in-situ mechanical testing during X-ray CT
This is a three point loading rig custom designed to fit into an X-ray machine for performing mechanical characterisation like fracture toughness measurements. The elastic properties of the honeycomb can be measured. Initial tests were conducted on a 3D printed octet truss lattice. A manual instruction for using the setup is provided.
/*
* Biomaker Project: Visualising the Honeycomb Conjecture
* Ultrasonic Sensor HC-SR04 and Arduino
*
*/
// defines pins
const int trigPin=2;const int echoPin=3;// defines variables
long duration;int distance;void setup(){pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT); // Sets the trigPin as an Output
pinMode(echoPin, INPUT); // Sets the echoPin as an Input
Serial.begin(10000); // Starts the serial communication
}void loop(){// Clears the trigPin
digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);delayMicroseconds(5);// Sets the trigPin on HIGH state for10 micro seconds
digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);delayMicroseconds(15);digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);// Reads the echoPin, returns the sound wave travel time in microseconds
duration= pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);// Calculating the distance
distance= duration*0.034/2;// Prints the distance on the Serial Monitor
Serial.print("Distance: ");Serial.println(distance);}
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