Optimizing convolutional neural networks to perform semantic segmentation on large materials imaging datasets: X-ray tomography and serial sectioning

Tiberiu Stan*, Zachary T. Thompson, Peter W. Voorhees

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Machine learning was used to segment large materials science datasets resulting from synchrotron-based x-ray computed tomography (XCT) images of dendrite growth, and serial sectioning (SS) images of dendrite coarsening. Both neural networks (NNs) yielded quantitatively more accurate outputs than conventional segmentation techniques using only 30 XCT or 6 SS training images. We show that performance can be improved if NNs are trained using a large number of small images that are sampled from the fixed amount of training data. The optimal image size and number of training images was identified for the XCT and SS datasets. NN transferability was also tested by applying the highest performing XCT and SS NNs to related datasets. While the initial segmentations were successful, applying simple transformations to the raw images further improved NN performance. These results show the great predictive ability and promising future of using machine learning for segmentation of large materials science datasets.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number110119
JournalMaterials Characterization
Volume160
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2020

Keywords

  • Convolutional neural network
  • Machine learning
  • Semantic segmentation
  • Serial sectioning
  • Solidification
  • X-ray tomography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optimizing convolutional neural networks to perform semantic segmentation on large materials imaging datasets: X-ray tomography and serial sectioning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this