Main research topics:

WP3-1: Three-dimensional vector-flow imaging

The traditional Doppler imaging approach is limited in terms of measurement range and is inherently one-dimensional. We will develop and investigate next-generation multi-dimensional imaging of blood velocities, enabled by utilising the increased data information available using parallel acquisition techniques. The focus will be on achieving real-time 3D (full velocity vector) imaging of blood velocities, based on spectral- and colour-Doppler imaging.

WP3-2: Flow measurement in non-stationary and noisy surroundings

Development of methods used to detect and measure flow in noisy surroundings, e.g. coronary flow in the beating heart or low flows due to leakage in cemented well isolation layers. This includes adaptive filtering approaches that utilise properties of the received signal to better separate flow from other signal sources, as well as the use of a priori information such as cyclic flow pattern characteristics in medical applications.

WP3-3: High frame rate tissue deformation imaging

Development of acquisition strategies and processing algorithms for high frame rate 3D tissue deformation imaging, utilising the increased data information available using parallel acquisition techniques. The overall aim is to evaluate regions with specific properties such as increased stiffness or reduced muscle contraction. Methods will be based on Doppler, speckle tracking, and acoustic radiation force principles (e.g. shear wave elastography).

WP3-4: Doppler imaging of flow in cement behind steel casing

For the oil & gas well integrity logging operations, detecting flow in the cemented zonal isolation layers is of vital interest. Currently this is not possible with state-of-the-art ultrasound logging tools. This project will use lab models of cemented wells and develop new ultrasound Doppler techniques for flow detection in the cement behind steel casing for this purpose.