X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a technique that allows non-destructive imaging and quantification of internal features of objects. X-ray CT reveals differences in density and atomic composition and can therefore be used for the study of porosity, the relative distribution of contrasting solid phases and the penetration of injected solutions. In this book, various applications of X-ray CT in the geosciences are illustrated by papers covering a wide range of disciplines, including petrology, soil science, petroleum geology, geomechanics and sedimentology.

While the use of x-rays originated in medical fields it has expanded through other disciplines. Petroleum and geological sciences are no exception. Beginning in the 1980's, x-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging has become an increasingly powerful tool used to better understand rock and fluid properties. Used by academics and corporations alike, CT imaging creates a more accurate picture of the interactions between rocks and fluids such as water, oil, and gas.This paper explores trends in the history of CT imaging across several geophysical fields. By observing these trends a history of CT imaging can be compiled and further examined. Three main objectives were followed in order to generate insights into CT imaging. The first objective was to build a database that would serve as a representative sample of the papers that make up the current literature of CT imaging in petroleum engineering and the geosciences. The database was limited by the selection criteria and primarily relied on Web of Science to find CT imaging papers. Secondly the CT imaging papers were sorted into various categories such as country of publication and author affiliation. The third objective was to analyze the data and identify geographical institutional affiliations dominating the field of CT imaging in petroleum engineering and the geosciences.CT imaging is a prime example of how technology can transcend disciplinary boundaries. While originating in the medical fields, CT imaging has successfully been adapted to petroleum engineering and the geosciences. This paper documents the impact CT imaging has had from 1984 to 2014 and offers CT imaging as a case study of how a technology created in one field can be a game changer in another.

X-ray computed tomography has been used for several decades as a tool for measuring the three-dimensional geometry of the internal organs in medicine. However, in recent years, we have seen a move in manufacturing industries for the use of X-ray computed tomography; first to give qualitative information about the internal geometry and defects in a component, and more recently, as a fully-quantitative technique for dimensional and materials analysis. This trend is primarily due to the ability of X-ray computed tomography to give a high-density and multi-scale representation of both the external and internal geometry of a component, in a non-destructive, non-contact and relatively fast way. But, due to the complexity of X-ray computed tomography, there are remaining metrological issues to solve and the specification standards are still under development. This book will act as a one-stop-shop resource for students and users of X-ray computed tomography in both academia and industry. It presents the fundamental principles of the technique, detailed descriptions of the various components (hardware and software), current developments in calibration and performance verification and a wealth of example applications. The book will also highlight where there is still work to do, in the perspective that X-ray computed tomography will be an essential part of Industry 4.0.

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanning has been widely used for medical diagnosis. This technique is now attracting increasing interest as a tool in non-destructive testing in engineering. This book reports the early results of research into this application, with particular reference to deformation and failure of geomaterials. Presenting papers of the International Workshop on X-CT for Geomaterials at Kumamoto, Japan in 2003. The book is intended for researchers and professionals in the fields of geotechnical engineering, soil, rock and concrete engineering, and geology.

This book contains the contributions to the Second European Conference on Unsaturated Soils, E-UNSAT 2012, held in Napoli, Italy, in June 2012, and includes more than one hundred papers, addressing three thematic areas: experimental, modelling, and engineering.