Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic, mainly qualitative, technique used to visualise the soft tissues of a patient. The application of a strong magnetic field causes the protons in a patient’s hydrogen atoms to align with it. Radiofrequency pulses are then used to force the protons to move out of and back into alignment with the field,...
Measurements underpin almost all areas of modern life, including trade, industrial manufacture, environment and health. However, no measurement is perfect — factors such as the instrument type, operator, measurement method or the environment can affect the returned results. All these factors combine to produce a ‘measurement uncertainty’, a quantif...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool used to detect serious medical conditions, including cancers, heart disease and strokes. Thirty million MRI scans are performed in the EU each year providing doctors with valuable 3D images without the need for invasive investigations or patients being exposed to ionizing radiation.
Increasingl...
Modern cars must be manufactured with great precision to ensure they meet design specification. Grooves in the pistons or ripples on body surfaces affect the car’s performance and appearance. Most engineering industries face similar issues, as ever greater accuracy is required to produce more precisely engineered parts.
Co-ordinate measuring machi...
Electricity meters measure how much energy consumers use so they can be accurately billed. If they measure incorrectly it is bad news for the consumer; either they are charged more individually, or they are undercharged leading energy companies to raise prices. Smart meters are being manufactured in large batches and introduced with the aim of help...
Computer aided measurements are an essential part of engineering projects. From predicting if building components can access sites, to having confidence in the structural integrity of walls and containers, reliable 3D models are needed for critical decisions on safety, appearance, and investment.
Computer simulations turn millions of survey data p...
Understanding how fluids move around pipes is vital for improving efficiency and safety – whether in manufacturing processes or in the transport of commodities such as oil and gas. But fluid flow in pipes is variable which makes measuring it hard. Better models are needed to understand how bends in pipes influence fluid flow, so that reliable corre...
Terahertz (THz) lasers are finding new uses in non-destructive material testing and security scanning. The long wavelength radiation these lasers emit is ideal for both applications as it can pick-up near surface defects or substances hidden under clothes which pose security risks. Manufacturers of materials are keen to embrace non-invasive and non...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in diagnosing conditions such as joint, spine and tissue problems, as well as various cancers. Thirty million patients in the EU undergo MRI exams each year. However, 8–10% of the European population have metal implants meaning that additional precautions have to be taken to ensure MRI scans are s...
