X-Ray Vision.

The Tesla® Octovalve is a next-generation thermodynamic regulator. Found only in the Model Y®, the Octovalve centralizes vehicle component temperature management into a single, compact unit.

Utilizing industrial CT, we can see the characteristics of the internal channels that compose the operational interworks of the unit. A multi-position scan allows us to interact with the data and expose discrete paths at every possible configuration.

Industrial CT allows for the visualization of internal and external geometries, all nondestructively. Data such as channel volume, wall thickness, critical measurements, and more can be extracted from this data.

According to Tesla® CEO Elon Musk, “Applying the concepts of a printed circuit board to cooling circuits allows you to achieve a very complex heat exchanger that you literally could not do with tubes.”

These flow channels offer insight into the fluid dynamics of the Octovalve. Located on a nylon coolant manifest base, the channels are highly efficient and drastically increase the range of the Model Y®.

Learn more about the Octovalve from
Munro and Associates®.

Faced with the challenge of developing a cordless vacuum with more airflow than any other on the market, Dyson® engineers crafted a new flagship model: the V8.

This motor consists of fifteen “Cyclone” tubes generating suction over a lower centrifuge. The V8 also contains a Dynamic Load Sensor to automatically adjust suction in response to changing resistance.

These suction tubes and the intricate interior features of the containment area are easily visible using industrial CT scanning. This data can be used for better understanding the complexities of interactions of different components and can be leveraged to perform simulated testing such as a Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling.

To protect the Dynamic Load Sensor and other internal components, the vacuum had to be extremely durable – hence the layers of protection visible around the Cyclone tubes. The product is also encased in a plastic shell for additional strength while still maintaining a lightweight design.

Learn more about the V8 from Dyson®.

Originally appearing in the first Portal™ video game, the Weighted Companion Cube began as an in-game item and quickly evolved into a possibly sentient pseudo-character.

The overall geometry of the Portal™ Companion Cube was mimicked and 3D printed with various infill parameters. Different infill parameters correlate to overall strength and rigidity of the component. This unique structure and geometry is visible with CT scanning and can be reapplied to different additive applications.

Additive printing is becoming more commonly used in industry applications within Aerospace and Automotive to replace standard manufacturing modalities with more efficient and agile manufacturing processes. This printing process also allows for more complexity and organic shape in the design.

Fun fact: fan fondness for the Companion Cube sparked scientific interest. Designers noticed players frequently sacrificing their own character to save the Cube from its (apparent) death in the original game, offering researchers a unique perspective into the psychology of sacrifice and attachment in virtual worlds.

Learn more about the Companion Cube from Wikipedia.

One of the most recognizable symbols of American culture is the modern football. Interestingly, the ball’s elongated shape was not always a staple of the game; it was originally designed as a safety measure.

Earlier versions were more spherical, but the shape was adjusted to encourage passing rather than running the ball after a series of deaths during the 1905 season. The shape of the ball is easily visible looking through multiple vantage cross-sections of the captured CT data.

Since 1955, the NFL® has produced footballs exclusively at a factory in Ada, Ohio where experts hand-stich together four panels of leather with over 250 stitches. The complexity of the stitches is visible in the CT scans and can be evaluated for proper engagement between the panel construction.

Hand-stitching each panel allows designers to create more robust seams, strengthening the ball and helping to maintain its aerodynamic shape. These panels are actually constructed of steer hide despite the term “pigskin.”

Learn more about football design from the Smithsonian®.