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The hard X-ray beamline BAMline at BESSY II (Berlin, Germany) has now been in service for 20 years. Several improvements have been implemented in this time, and this review provides an overview of the imaging methods available at the BAMline. Besides classic full-field synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT), also absorption edge CT, synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography (SXRR), and synchrotron X-ray refraction tomography (SXRCT) are used for imaging. Moreover, virtually any of those techniques are currently coupled in situ or operando with ancillary equipment such as load rigs, furnaces, or potentiostats. Each of the available techniques is explained and both the current and the potential usage are described with corresponding examples. The potential use is manifold, the examples cover organic materials, composite materials, energy-related materials, biological samples, and materials related to additive manufacturing. The article includes published examples as well as some unpublished applications.
The aim of this work is to achieve reliable nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of adhesively bonded aerospace components by developing novel multidimensional data fusion techniques, which would combine the information obtained by ultrasonic and X-ray NDE methods. Separately, both NDE techniques have their advantages and limitations. The integration of data obtained from pulse echo immersion ultrasound testing and radiography holds immense potential to help improve the reliability of non-destructive evaluation. In this study, distinctive features obtained from single techniques, traditional ultrasonic pulse echo testing, and radiography, as well as fused images, were investigated and the suitability of these distinctive features and fusion techniques for improving the probability of defect detection was evaluated. For this purpose, aluminum single lap joints with brass inclusions were analyzed using ultrasound pulse echo and radiography techniques. The distinctive features were extracted from the data obtained, and images of features obtained by both techniques were fused together. Different combinations of features and fusion algorithms were investigated, considering the desire to automate data evaluation in the future.
This sequence of X-Ray images shows how one of the most common Italian moka pots actually work! The sequence starts with a completely prepared moka pot (water in the bottom part, coffee in the middle and hot plate on). During the process the water starts to boil and the steam pressure pushes the hot water through the coffee into the bassin at the top of the pot.
This video sequence and additional explanations can also be found on Wikipedia.
Herein, we present a detailed investigation of the electrochemically triggered formation and dissolution processes of α- and β-sulfur crystals on a monolithic carbon cathode using operando high-resolution synchrotron radiography (438 nm/pixel).
The combination of visual monitoring with the electrical current response during cyclic voltammetry provides valuable insights into the sulfur formation and dissolution mechanism. Our observations show that the crystal growth process is mainly dictated by a rapid equilibrium between long-chain polysulfides on one side and solid sulfur/short-chain polysulfides on the other side, which is consistent with previous studies in this field. The high temporal and spatial resolution of synchrotron imaging enables the observation of different regimes during the sulfur formation and dissolution process. The appearance of short-chain polysulfides after the first anodic CV peak initiates a rapid dissolution process of α-sulfur crystals on the cathode. The increase in the long-chain lithium polysulfide concentration at the cathode surface during charge results in an increased crystal growth rate, which in turn produces imperfections in α- and β-sulfur crystals. There are strong indications that these defects are fluid inclusions, which may trap dissolved polysulfides and therefore reduce the electrochemical cell capacity.
Generating 2D noise with local, space-varying spectral characteristics is vital where random noise fields with spatially heterogeneous statistical properties are observed and need to be simulated. A realistic, non-stationary noise generator relying on experimental data is presented. That generator is desired in areas such as photography and radiography. For example, before performing actual X-ray imaging in practice, output images are simulated to assess and improve setups. For that purpose, realistic film noise modelling is crucial because noise downgrades the detectability of visual signals. The presented film noise synthesiser improves the realism and value of radiographic simulations significantly, allowing more realistic assessments of radiographic test setups. The method respects space-varying spectral characteristics and probability distributions, locally simulating noise with realistic granularity and contrast. The benefits of this approach are to respect the correlation between noise and image as well as internal correlation, the fast generation of any number of unique noise samples, the exploitation of real experimental data, and its statistical non-stationarity. The combination of these benefits is not available in existing work. Validation of the new technique was undertaken in the field of industrial radiography. While applied to that field here, the technique is general and can also be utilised in any other field where the generation of 2D noise with local, space-varying statistical properties is necessary.
Extracting statistical characteristics from radiographic films is vital for film system classification and contrast sensitivity evaluation and serves as a basis for film noise simulation. A new method for digitising radiographic films in order to extract these characteristics is presented. The method consists of a camera-based setup and image processing procedure to digitise films. Correct optical density values and granularity can be extracted from the digitised images, which are equal to results obtained by standardised measurement procedures. Specific statistical characteristics of film noise are theoretically derived and subsequently verified by the obtained data, including characteristics such as Gaussianity and spatial spectral characteristics of the optical density fluctuations. It is shown that the presented method correctly measures the granularity of film noise and can therefore replace time-consuming microdensitometer measurements traditionally required for film system classifications. Additionally, the inherent unsharpness of film systems was investigated and compared with literature data. This comparison serves as another validation approach of the presented method.
Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit den Eigenschaften der photonenzählenden und spektralauflösenden Detektortechnik und möglichen Anwendungsgebieten in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung. Dabei wurden konventionelle und photonenzählende Detektortechniken hinsichtlich der Bildqualität und Anwendbarkeit bei unterschiedlichen Prüfaufgaben verglichen und untersucht, inwiefern sich die Energieschwellwertsetzung auf die erreichbare Bildqualität und eine Materialdiskriminierbarkeit bei verschiedenen radiographischen Verfahren auswirkt.
Anhand von Anwendungsbeispielen wurden diese Eigenschaften und deren Auswirkung auf das Messergebnis analysiert. Neben der Radiographie wurden auch dreidimensionale Verfahren wie CT und Laminographie berücksichtigt.
Als eine der wichtigsten Eigenschaften der photonenzählenden Detektortechnik wurden zunächst die Energieauflösung des photonenzählenden Detektors und die Homogenität der Energieantwort über größere Detektorbereiche bestimmt. Dabei stellte sich heraus, dass die Energieauflösung eines abgegrenzten Detektorbereichs ca. 32 % bei 60 keV beträgt und die Streuung in der Energieantwort der einzelnen Detektorbereiche ca. 12 % ausmacht, woraus sich eine Gesamtunsicherheit in der spektralen Detektorantwort von ca. 44 % ergibt. Die geringe Energieauflösung und das stark heterogene Verhalten der Detektorbereiche ergeben sich vor allem aus der Detektorelektronik, welche nur eine globale Energieschwellwertsetzung zulässt.
Trotz dieser Einschränkungen konnte demonstriert werden, dass auch konventionelle radiographische Verfahren, wie Radiographie oder CT, vom Einsatz der photonenzählenden Technik profitieren. So ist es mit dieser Technik möglich, bei sehr geringen Dosisleistungen (z.B. aufgrund der Durchstrahlung großer Wandstärken von dichten Materialien) noch sehr gute Bildqualitäten zu erreichen. Die hohe Dynamik und Kontrastempfindlichkeit dieser Technik begünstigen die Inspektion von Leichtbauwerkstoffen wie Faserverbunde, was anhand von Vergleichen mit herkömmlicher Detektortechnik und anderen ZfP-Verfahren gezeigt werden konnte. Daneben konnte durch den Einsatz der Energieschwellwertsetzung der Einfluss von nicht bildzeichnender Streustrahlung im Röntgenbild um bis zu 20 % reduziert werden. Die Auswirkungen von Aufhärtungseffekten in der CT konnten sogar um bis zu Faktor 1 000 (in der mittleren quadratischen Abweichung), im Vergleich zu herkömmlicher Detektortechnik, reduziert werden.
Der Einsatz von photonenzählender Detektortechnik mit Röntgenblitzröhren ist hingegen nicht sinnvoll, da aufgrund der hohen Photonendichte pro Puls und einer endlichen Totzeit des Detektors in der Größenordnung der Pulsbreite eines Blitzes nur ein geringes Signal detektiert werden kann.
Im Hinblick auf eine Materialdiskriminierbarkeit konnte demonstriert werden, dass im Fall einer Radiographie anhand der Energieschwellwertsetzung im Detektor eine materialstärkenunabhängige Diskriminierung zwischen zwei Materialien (hier: Al und Fe) erzielt werden kann. Unter Einsatz mehrerer Energiefenster und eines Verfahrens der explorativen und multivariaten Datenanalyse konnte eine materialaufgelöste CT eines Multi-Material-Phantoms erreicht werden, wobei die Schwächungskoeffizienten der enthaltenen Materialien im relevanten Energieberiech teilweise sehr dicht beieinander lagen.
Neben Radiographie und CT wurde auch die Möglichkeit einer materialaufgelösten Laminographie am Beispiel eines glasfaserverstärkten Rotorblatts untersucht. Anhand der Energieschwellwertsetzung war nicht nur eine eindeutige Trennung der Glasfasern von der Epoxidharzmatrix möglich, sondern auch eine signifikante Reduzierung der durch die Laminographie entstandenen Artefakte. Der damit verbundene Gewinn an Information führt zu einer verbesserten Aussagefähigkeit des Untersuchungsergebnisses, was letztendlich eine gesteigerte Betriebssicherheit zur Folge hat.
The inspection of complex-shaped components, such as those enabled by additive manufacturing, is a major challenge in industrial quality assurance. A frequently adopted approach to volumetric non-destructive evaluation is X-ray computed tomography, but this has major drawbacks. Two-dimensional radiography can overcome some of these problems, but does not generally provide an inspection that is as capable.
Moreover, designing a detailed inspection for a complex-shaped component is a labour-intensive task, requiring significant expert input. In response, a computational framework for optimizing the data acquisition for an image-based inspection modality has been devised. The initial objective is to advance the capabilities of radiography, but the algorithm is, in principle, also applicable to alternative types of imaging. The algorithm exploits available prior
information about the inspection and simulations of the inspection modality to allow the Determination of the optimal inspection configuration, including specifically component poses with respect to the imaging system. As an intermediate output, spatial maps of inspection performance are computed, for understanding spatially varying limits of detection. Key areas of innovation concern the defect detectability evaluation for arbitrarily complex indications and the creation of an application-specific optimization algorithm. Initial trials of the algorithm are presented, with good results.
Neutron cameras allow visualizing hydrogen distributions with radiographic or tomographic imaging methods in iron and steel.
The necessary contrast between hydrogen and iron stems from the high difference in the total neutron cross section of both elements. This allows e.g. the in situ measurement of hydrogen mass flow inside cm thick steel samples with a temporal resolution of 20 s using neutron radiography as well as the quantitative measurement of hydrogen accumulations at the crack’s inner surfaces in hydrogen embrittled iron samples with neutron tomography. We could detect directly gaseous hydrogen in the crack cavities and we measured the gas pressure. This new quality of the information on a micrometer scale allows new insights for the analysis of hydrogen-induced damage mechanisms. Further, this method is non-destructive and provides local information in situ and in three dimensions with a spatial resolution of 20-30 μm.
In this contribution, we show examples that demonstrate the spatial and temporal resolution of the neutron radiography and tomography methods in order to visualize and quantify hydrogen accumulations at cracks. The measurements were performed
at the research reactor BER II of the HZB in Berlin and at the FRM II reactor of the neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz in
Garching.
This paper reviews state-of-the-art in nondestructive testing (NDT) and semidestructive testing (SDT) methods applicable for imaging the condition of structural timber. Both NDT and SDT imaging reveal defects, damages, and decay, while the extent of wood decay can also be quantified. Combined with an appropriate data interpretation concerning the internal defects, the mechanical properties of the material can also be assessed. The possibilities and limitations of the most relevant individual NDT and SDT methods, also in combination with each other, are outlined and compared. To facilitate comparison, many observations are reported based on the same test specimen.
In this investigation, synchrotron X-ray imaging was used to investigate the water distribution inside newly developed gas diffusion media in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. In-situ radiography was used to reveal the relationship between the structure of the microporous layer (MPL) and the water flow in a newly developed MPL equipped with randomly arranged holes. A strong influence of these holes on the overall water transport was found. This contribution provides a brief overview to some of our recent activities on this research field.
Industrial radiography or Radiographic Testing (RT) is a method of non-destructive testing where many types of manufactured components can be examined to verify the internal structure and integrity of the specimen. The computer program aRTist can generate synthetic radiographs from a virtual RT test set-up. In the field of industrial radiology simulation is used, e.g. to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for education purposes.
The simulator aRTist combines analytical and Monte Carlo methods to efficiently model the radiation transport. The program comes with a graphical user interface written in Tcl/Tk. In combination of Tcl/Tk and the 3D capabilities of the visualization toolkit (VTK) a practical and convenient simulator has been realized. This will be illustrated by discussing application scenarios of classical radiography, X-ray computer tomography, and X-ray backscatter imaging. Additionally, some insight to the software implementation of the simulator will be given.
Defect recognition in CFRP components using various NDT methods within a smart manufacturing process
(2017)
The manufacturing process of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) components is playing a more and more significant role when looking at the increasing amount of CFRPs used in industries today. The monitoring of the manufacturing process and hence the reliability of the manufactured products, is one of the major challenges we need to face in the near future. Common defects which arise during manufacturing are e.g. porosity and voids which may lead to delaminations during operation and under load. To find those defects in an early stage of the manufacturing process is of huge importance for the safety and reliability of the finished products, as well as of significant impact from an economical point of view. In this study we present various NDT methods which are applied to similar CFRP laminate samples in order to detect and characterize defective volume. Besides ultrasound, thermography and eddy current, different x-ray methods like radiography, laminography and computed tomography are used to investigate the samples. These methods are compared with the intention to evaluate their capability to reliably detect and characterize defective volume. Beyond the detection of flaws, we also investigate possibilities to combine various NDT methods within a smart manufacturing process in which the decision which method to apply is made by the process itself. Is it possible to design an in-line or at-line testing process which can recognize defects reliably and reduce testing time and costs? This study aims to show up opportunities of designing a smart NDT process synchronized to the production based on the ideas of smart production (Industry 4.0). A set of defective CFRP laminate samples and different NDT methods were used to demonstrate how effective defects are recognized and how communication between interconnected NDT sensors and the manufacturing process could be organized.
How much information do we need? A reflection of the correct use of real defects in POD-evaluations
(2016)
To evaluate the capability of a non destructive testing system the “truth” of the used defects is essential. But what exactly is the truth of a real defect? And how much information is usable for the study? This presentation gives an overview about an advanced use of multiple metallographic cuts for the POD evaluation. In the presentation an approach is shown where information of metallographic studies are reconstructed and weighted to gain the essential information about real defects and which information are important for the detection with radiographic testing equipment. Furthermore, different connection points are discussed were additional knowledge from simulation and artificial defects can be used to gain additional certainty for the result of the evaluation. The methodology is used for the evaluation for the digital radiographic testing system for the testing of electron-beam welds, which is one possible choice to seal the Finnish copper canisters for the final deposit of spent nuclear fuel.
Worldwide BAM Certification of Radigraphic Image Detectors for the NDT Market – Status of 2016
(2016)
The Poster shows the status of 2016 in BAM certification of radiographic image detectors for industrial radiology for nondestructive testing. BAM was generating first the basis by worldwide standardization activities and released later certificates on request of the device manufacturers using these Standards a base for certification.
Der Stand der Technik beim digitalen Filmersatz in der Gussteilpruefung in Giessereien wird betrachtet.Eine Reihe von Normen fuer den Ersatz des Roentgenfilms durch neue digitale Detektoren wurde in den letzten Jahren veroeffentlicht. Die verschiedene Fehlertypen werden mit Fehlerkatalogen bewertet, die ebenfalls digital verfuegbar sind. Die Bildverarbeitung gestattet eine einfachere Bewertung der Anzeigen. Eine automatische Bewertung von Gussteilen durch den Computer erlaubt vollautomatische Anlagen, die 10 000 Teile pro Tag pruefen.
Since decades the evaluation of flaw indications on radiographs from welds or castings are based on well accepted reference film catalogues from organizations like IIW (weldments), ASTM (castings) or DGZfP (D5 recommendation on heavy steel castings). Today, the transformation of classical film radiography to the digital world is in full progress. Some ASTM standards do not permit the evaluation of digital radiographs in reference to film catalogues. Therefore, these reference film catalogues have to be converted into the digital age too. BAM is supporting this transition by high definition film scanning. The result is a corresponding reference image catalogue. The different standard organizations selected different ways to distribute the digital data. ASTM used high definition film scanning at 10 μm pixel size and distribution of a huge amount of high-res data via DVD. The user sub-samples these high-res data during catalogue import to the resolution of his system. The comparison is done by synchronized image viewing on the computer work station. IIW recently decided to distribute their ISO 5817 reference images installed on tablets, which are used for image viewing too. The tablet image has to be compared with the digital image on the system monitor. DGZfP transformed their D5 reference radiographs into a PDF for monitor viewing. This is the simplest and cheapest solution, but still allows the full usage of the catalogue in the digital era. The status of ongoing work in progress will be discussed.
Der Ersatz von Röntgenfilmen durch digitale Detektoren in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung wurde in den letzten 10 Jahren kontrovers diskutiert. Nach der Erfolgsgeschichte der digitalen Photographie und der fast vollständigen Ablösung der Filmtechnik in der optischen Bilderfassung wurde erwartet, dass sich der Übergang von der Filmradiographie zur digitalen Radiographie schnell vollziehen sollte. Dieser Trend ist derzeit so noch nicht zu beobachten. Zur mobilen Prüfung wird in Europa immer noch vorrangig die Filmradiographie und nur teilweise die Speicherfolientechnik eingesetzt. Im Bereich der stationären Prüftechnik haben sich die Matrixdetektoren (DDA) weitgehend durchgesetzt, wobei es auch hier noch alternative Detektoren wie Bildverstärker und Fluoroskope gibt. Mit Einführung der DIN EN ISO 17636-2 wird seit 2013 erstmalig geregelt, wie man einen digitalen Detektor für die technische Radiographie auswählen soll, um im Vergleich zur Filmradiographie eine äquivalente Bildqualität zu erhalten. Essentielle Parameter bestimmen, ob die geforderte Bildgüte erreicht werden kann. Es wird ein Überblick gegeben, welche Parameter zum praktischen Einsatz wichtig sind und wie sie ermittelt werden. Erste Erfahrungen im praktischen Einsatz werden diskutiert.
Der Ersatz von Röntgenfilmen durch digitale Detektoren in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung wurde in den letzten 10 Jahren kontrovers diskutiert. Nach der Erfolgsgeschichte der digitalen Photographie und der fast vollständigen Ablösung der Filmtechnik in der optischen Bilderfassung wurde erwartet, dass sich der Übergang von der Filmradiographie zur digitalen Radiographie schnell vollziehen sollte. Dieser Trend ist derzeit so noch nicht zu beobachten. Zur mobilen Prüfung wird in Europa immer noch vorrangig die Filmradiographie und nur teilweise die Speicherfolientechnik eingesetzt. Im Bereich der stationären Prüftechnik haben sich die Matrixdetektoren (DDA) weitgehend durchgesetzt, wobei es auch hier noch alternative Detektoren wie Bildverstärker und Fluoroskope gibt. Mit Einführung der DIN EN ISO 17636-2 wird seit 2013 erstmalig geregelt, wie man einen digitalen Detektor für die technische Radiographie auswählen soll, um im Vergleich zur Filmradiographie eine äquivalente Bildqualität zu erhalten. Essentielle Parameter bestimmen, ob die geforderte Bildgüte erreicht werden kann. Es wird ein Überblick gegeben, welche Parameter zum praktischen Einsatz wichtig sind und wie sie ermittelt werden. Erste Erfahrungen im praktischen Einsatz werden diskutiert.
This work presents the use of limited experimental measurements to develop a set of calibrated Simulation parameters that can then be used for reliable simulation of subsea pipeline inspections. The modelling software aRTist is used as the simulation tool, and the calibration is through comparison with experimental images of a well characterised sample in a water tank. Image Quality parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio, contrast and basic spatial resolution are compared with the aim of matching simulated values to experimental results. Currently the model is partially calibrated, with signal-to-noise ratio successfully matched while differences are still found in contrast-to-noise ratio comparisons. This means that measurements depending on absolute intensity are not accurate enough in the simulation at this stage. However, the simulation is found to be accurate for wall thickness measurements in tangential images, which are not based on absolute intensity, with simulated and experimental cases producing similar results.
In situ crack detection in the mushy zone and the solid weld of a gas tungsten arc (GTA) weld using X-ray imaging during welding is a new research area for NDT inspection. Usually, NDT flaw detection is done after the complete solidification of the weld seam. In this paper, we present the use of real-time radiography with a minifocus X-ray source (YXLON X-ray tube Y.TU 225-D04) and a 75μm pixel size digital detector array (Dexela 1512) for the acquisition of 2D radiographic images by a sequence of exposures with time intervals of 80 ms for hot crack detection during single pass bead-on-plate GTA welding of 3 mm thick plates of aluminium alloy AlMgSi (6060). An analysis of the crack distribution in the weld sample is conducted from the acquired 2D radiographs and its corresponding 3D volumetric reconstruction achieved by linear coplanar digital laminography.
This in situ approach opens new possibilities in the field of hot crack research by having the direct information of both the crack initiation and growth and its correlation to the welding parameters.
Computer modelling of non-destructive testing methods has come a long
way from the beginnings in the mid 90s to today. Radiographic modelling for
components with higher wall thicknesses, as they are typical for nuclear
applications, must include precise predictions of scattered radiation and its impact
in terms of contrast reduction. Dedicated or general purpose Monte Carlo methods
with the ability to calculate higher order scattering events are the state of the art for
these applications. Aerospace applications, on the other hand, have stronger
requirements on the modelling code's capabilities to import complex CAD
geometries, and can benefit from faster analytical scatter models, limited to first or
second order scattering events. Similar distinctions can be made for the various
approaches proposed to accurately model geometrical and film unsharpness, film
granularity, film responses, film/foil cartridges and photon noise. This article
presents a state-of-the-art review of radiographic modelling from the perspective of
two important application domains with very different requirements, nuclear and
aerospace.
A model is presented that employs a unified approach for
simulating the photon energy spectra for transmission and direct
beam targets composed of arbitrary homogeneous materials. In order
to achieve this, a detailed model of electron transport within the
target is employed. The validity of the developed model is shown
through comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations as well as
measurements for a number of different configurations.
Modelling becomes more and more important in modern NDE. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for education purposes. To describe the complete chain of RT, the model includes simulating all necessary properties of X- or Gamma-ray sources, the interaction of photons with material with special attention to scattered radiation, the detection process, and the complete geometrical RT setup handling arbitrary parts or constructions. Depending on the given inspection problem and the influencing factors that should be addressed by the simulation, an appropriate physical model has to be chosen to describe the underlying interaction mechanisms. The simulator aRTist combines analytical and Monte Carlo methods to efficiently model the radiation transport such that transmission as well as scatter techniques can be modelled. In this contribution we focus on Monte Carlo simulation of scatter contribution within aRTist. Examples for RT/tomographic applications and back-scatter techniques are presented to demonstrate the usability of the presented simulation tool for a broad range of radiological applications.
Modelling becomes more and more important in modern NDE. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for education purposes. To describe the complete chain of RT, the model includes simulating all necessary properties of X- or Gamma-ray sources, the interaction of photons with material with special attention to scattered radiation, the detection process, and the complete geometrical RT setup handling arbitrary parts or constructions. Depending on the given inspection problem and the influencing factors that should be addressed by the simulation, an appropriate physical model has to be chosen to describe the underlying interaction mechanisms. The simulator aRTist combines analytical and Monte Carlo methods to efficiently model the radiation transport such that transmission as well as scatter techniques can be modelled. In this contribution we Focus on Monte Carlo Simulation of scatter contribution within aRTist. Examples for RT/tomographic applications and back-scatter techniques are presented to demonstrate the usability of the presented simulation tool for a broad range of radiological applications.
The new standard ‘ISO 17636-2:2013: Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing — Part 2: X- and gamma-ray techniques with digital detectors’, defines the practice for radiographic inspection of welded pipes for manufacturing and in-service inspection. It is applied in Europe for inspections of pipe welds in nuclear power plants as well as in chemical plants and allows a faster inspection with digital detector arrays (DDA) than with film. Nevertheless, it does not allow the evaluation of the depth and shape of volumetric and planar indications. In 2001 a planar tomography scanner, TomoCAR, was introduced for mechanized radiographic testing (RT) inspection and non-destructive measurement of cross sections. The project TomoWELD is based on a new concept of the scan geometry, an enhanced GPU based reconstruction, and the application of a new generation of photon counting DDAs based on CdTe crystal CMOS hybrids. The new detector permits the selection of energy thresholds to obtain an optimum energy range and reduction of the influence of scattered radiation. The concept and first measurements are presented. Flaw depth and shape of volumetric and planar irregularities can be determined.
Radiography benchmark 2014
(2015)
The purpose of the 2014 WFNDEC RT benchmark study was to compare predictions of various models of radiographic techniques, in particular those that predict the contribution of scattered radiation. All calculations were carried out for homogenous materials and a mono-energetic X-ray point source in the energy range between 100 keV and 10 MeV. The calculations were to include the best physics approach available considering electron binding effects. Secondary effects like X-ray fluorescence and bremsstrahlung production were to be taken into account if possible. The problem to be considered had two parts. Part I examined the spectrum and the spatial distribution of radiation behind a single iron plate. Part II considered two equally sized plates, made of iron and aluminum respectively, only evaluating the spatial distribution. Here we present the results of above benchmark study, comparing them to MCNP as the assumed reference model. The possible origins of the observed deviations are discussed.
Correctly modeling the continuous photon spectrum of X-ray tubes requires detailed knowledge of the probability distribution of electron properties at the time of X-ray photon creation, in particular electron energy, depth within the target, and direction of movement. Semi-analytical X-ray spectrum models frequently assume a very simplified or even uniform distribution of electron direction. In the case of thick targets and small deviations from normal incidence this is a useful approximation. For thin targets or large deviations from normal incidence the correct distribution of electron directions becomes more important. As calculation speed is an important aspect of semi-analytical models compared to Monte Carlo simulations, fast evaluation of the distribution of electron properties is highly desirable. The approach presented here numerically evaluates the evolution of a discrete probability distribution of electron properties due to single electron scatter interactions within a plane target. This allows capturing the important aspects of the electron distribution while achieving runtimes of a few seconds up to a minute on a standard office PC.
A comparative study on the performance of digital detector systems for high energy applications
(2014)
For cast components reaching or exceeding total material thicknesses of 150mm, high energy sources such as linear accelerators or Betatrons are required in order to obtain reasonable exposure times. In this study, the performance of digital detector systems, involving imaging plates (IP) and digital detector arrays (DDA), was evaluated with respect to the testing class B requirements as formulated in the standard EN ISO 17636-2. As a reference, traditional radiographic film and a Cobalt-60 source was used. With film exposures, testing class B was achieved with Co-60 and Betatron (7.5 MV) at longer exposure times. The preliminary results show that the testing class B was not obtained with the examined digital detector arrays (DDA) and the high resolution imaging plates (IP) , even at 40, 60 and 80 minutes exposure time with a 7.5 MV Betatron. Class A was achieved using high resolution imaging plates with optimized metal filters between object and IPs and a high resolution DDA with intermediate Cu filters. Class A was also achieved applying a DDA with lower basic spatial resolution than required by Table B.13 of EN ISO 17636-2, but using the compensation principle as described in this standard. The next generation of digital detector arrays might potentially be able to obtain class B performance with the expected spatial resolution and sensitivity improvements.
Innovative X-ray backscatter technique for security applications: Detection of dangerous materials
(2014)
Radiological inspections, in general, are NDT&E methods to detect the bulk of explosives without invasion into the object of analysis. In contrast to personal luggage, cargo or structural components constitute a complexity that may significantly hamper the detection of a threat by conventional transmission radiography. A novel approach of interrogating a large object to a certain depth only with a single sided access will be presented. It consists of an X-ray backscatter camera with a special twisted slit collimator for imaging backscattered objects. The new X-ray backscatter camera is not only imaging the objects due to their densities but also by taking into account the influences of surrounding objects. Additionally, it does not only image illuminated features but also depicts shadows from absorbing materials. This is a unique characteristic of the developed X-ray backscatter camera. Experimental mock-ups are conducted imitating container with threats among a complex packing as they may be encountered in reality. At the end, the significant advantages of the presented X-ray backscatter camera in the context of aviation and port security will be discussed.
The inspection of the sealing weld is an important phase for the evaluation of the acceptability of final disposal canister, but the weld is only a part of the 3D shielding of copper shell. The main tasks for reliable NDT evaluation requires an extensive evaluation of the parameters which contains typical inspection related items like repeatability, S/N ratio, POD, setting up the equipment for inspection, and all practices for inspections. The other parameters are material parameters, their variation must be taken into account in the evaluation of NDT reliability. Further parameters include human factors, i. e. human inspectors and their interaction with technical systems; their effects were studied on an example of the evaluation of eddy current data. Final parameters are related to evaluation of detected defects, which means sizing and base for acceptance and this can be done in different ways. Some examples are given and results are compared with different methods for instance between radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing by raw data analysis and PA-SAFT results. Also, preliminary curves for the evaluation of metallographic results of 55 defects will be shown by EB weld measurements. Some practical items concerning copper inspections will be also discussed related to acceptability.
This work presents attenuation and sensitivity measurements of radiographic imaging plates (IPs) with quasimonoenergetic X-rays in the 8–60 kiloelectronvolt range. The measurements are used to validate theoretical predictions. A short overview of the theoretical model is given. The model can be used to describe the sensitivity of different detector types to a wide range of X-ray energies.
Water evolution in the gas diffusion layer of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell was visualized in situ by means of synchrotron X-ray radiography. Cracks in the microporous layer were identified as start points of efficient liquid water transfer paths through the gas diffusion layer. Quantitative analysis of the water flow rate through those arbitrarily distributed cracks into the gas channel revealed that they have a strong influence on the overall liquid water transport. This could find entry into future material design and simulation.
Moisture ingress is one of the major deteriorating factors for building materials. Today, the only approved way to assess such damage is the gravimetric Darr method, which is essentially destructive. Substantial progress has been made using the geophysical complex-resistivity method, which can be applied non-destructively and provides spatial information along two-dimensional sections, rather than punctual along one borehole. Considerable advantages of complex resistivity are its sensitivity to textural properties, as well as the pore-fluid chemistry of wet, porous media. In a comprehensive laboratory study, and later in field scale experiments, it could be shown that complex resistivity may even be able to distinguish between salt content and saturation degree in a single measurement. A comparison with complementary nondestructive testing techniques points to the benefit and further research to be explored in multimethodical approaches.
A novel approach is suggested to strongly suppress artifacts in radiography and computed tomography caused by the effect of diffuse background signals 'backlighting' of 2D X-ray detectors. Depending on the detector geometry the mechanism may be different. Either based on the optical scattering of the fluorescent screen materials into the optical detection devices or Compton or X-ray fluorescence scattering by the detector components. Consequently, these erroneous intensity portions result in locally different violations of Lambert Beer's law in single projections (radiographs) as a function of the detector area coverage and the magnitude of the attenuation. The absorption of multiple metal sheets is investigated by monochromatic synchrotron radiation, thus excluding beam hardening. The proposed correction procedure simply requires the individual subtraction of one and the same fraction of the primary and transmitted mean intensity, as a constant (non-local) scattering mechanism is assumed.
An approach is presented to construct operators for transforming the characteristics of incident radiation to transmitted radiation, as well as operators for transforming the transmitted radiation to measured values. Simu-lating the radiation transport is based on Monte Carlo modeling of the interaction of X-ray photons and electrons with matter. The proposed method permits to construct, for instance, the operator connecting the initial radiation spectrum with the absorbed photon energy penetrating a given object. The elaborated approach provides the possibility of effective mathematical modeling of radiation techniques such as radiography, treating complex multi-component objects. Moreover, the method can be used to construct the operator equation for solving in-verse problems, e.g. the reconstruction of the initial radiation spectrum using simple experimental measure-ments. Comparison with some experimental measurements is presented.
Concepts for digital image evaluation are presented for Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Detector Arrays (DDAs) used for weld inspection. The precise DDA calibration yields an extra ordinary increase of contrast sensitivity up to 10 times in relation to film radiography. Restrictions in spatial resolution caused by pixel size of the DDA are compensated by increased contrast sensitivity. First CR standards were published in 2005 to support the application of phosphor imaging plates in lieu of X-ray film, but they need already a revision based on experiences reported by many users. One of the key concepts is the usage of signal-to-noise (SNR) measurements as equivalent to the optical density of film and film system class. The contrast sensitivity, measured by IQI visibility, depends on three essential parameters: The basic spatial resolution (SRb) of the radiographic image, the achieved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the specific contrast (µeff - effective attenuation coefficient). Knowing these 3 parameters for the given exposure condition, inspected material and monitor viewing condition permits the calculation of the just visible IQI element. Furthermore, this enables the optimization of exposure conditions. The new ISO/FDIS 17636-2 describes the practice for digital radiography with CR and DDAs. It considers the first time compensation principles, derived from the three essential parameters. The consequences are described.
Perforated gas diffusion layers (GDLs) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were investigated by means of in-situ synchrotron X-ray radiography during operation. We found a strong influence of perforations on the water distribution and transport in the investigated Toray TGP-H-090 GDL. The water occurs mainly around the perforations, while the holes themselves show varying water distributions. Some remain dry, while most of them fill up with liquid water after a certain period or might serve as drainage volume for effective water transport.
Neutron tomography was applied to study the 3D water distribution in full polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks. The water distribution after switch-off of the fuel cell was analyzed over a period of 36 h. We found a slowly increasing water amount in the fuel cell, but only few changes within a time period of 5 h, which is about the time necessary for neutron tomography. In this way, the requirement for successful tomography was obtained. It is demonstrated how the quasi in-situ tomography technique enables us to study the water content in individual flow field channels of three-fold stacks. Flow field as well as stack design issues are addressed by this visualization method showing weak points due to a non-uniform water distribution that can be identified by means of neutron imaging.
We present transmission electron microscope (TEM) tomography investigations of ruthenium-based fuel cell catalyst materials as employed in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The digital three-dimensional representation of the samples not only enables detailed studies on number, size, and shape but also on the local orientation of the ruthenium particles to their support and their freely accessible surface area. The shape analysis shows the ruthenium particles deviate significantly from spherical symmetry which increases their surface to volume ratio. The morphological studies help to understand the structure formation mechanisms during the fabrication as well as the high effectiveness of these catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode side of fuel cells.
A novel approach to strongly suppress artifacts in radiography and computed tomography caused by the effect of
diffuse background signals ('backlighting') of 2D X-ray detectors is suggested. Depending on the detector
geometry the mechanism may be different, either based on the optical scattering of the fluorescent screen
materials into optical detection devices or Compton or X-ray fluorescence scattering by the detector components.
Consequently, these erroneous intensity portions result in locally different violations of Lambert Beers law in
single projections (radiographs) as function of the detector area coverage and the magnitude of the attenuation.
The absorption of multiple metal sheets is investigated by monochromatic synchrotron radiation, thus excluding
beam hardening. The proposed correction procedure simply requires the individual subtraction of one and the
same fraction of the primary and transmitted mean intensity, as a constant (non-local) scattering mechanism is
assumed.
Determining scatter ratios at high energies (> ~ 1MeV) presents challenges not immediately obvious from measurements at conventional X-ray energies. This includes reduced attenuation even in heavy elements as well as a stronger forward bias of scattering. In order to check the reliability of different measurement setups with regard to material thicknesses, distances, and collimation, attenuation and scattering were separately simulated using a Monte Carlo model. The simulation results help in understanding the sources of radiation scattered into the detection area, thereby aiding in eliminating undesired contributions.
The three-dimensional water distribution and water transport paths in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and the adjacent micro-porous layer (MPL) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) were analyzed during cell operation. The technique of quasi in-situ X-ray tomography was used for a 3D visualization of the water distribution and the structure of the GDL at different operating conditions. Based on findings from in-situ radiographic measurements water transport paths were detected and subsequently examined by tomography. The combination of these 2D and 3D techniques allows for a fully three-dimensionally resolved visualization of transport paths through the GDL.
An algorithm has been developed to remove reliably dotted interferences impairing the perceptibility of objects within a radiographic image. This particularly is a major challenge encountered with neutron radiographs collected at the NECTAR facility, Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II): the resulting images are dominated by features resembling a snow flurry. These artefacts are caused by scattered neutrons, gamma radiation, cosmic radiation, etc. all hitting the detector CCD directly in spite of a sophisticated shielding. This makes such images rather useless for further direct evaluations.
One approach to resolve this problem of these random effects would be to collect a vast number of single images, to combine them appropriately and to process them with common image filtering procedures. However, it has been shown that, e.g. median filtering, depending on the kernel size in the plane and/or the number of single shots to be combined, is either insufficient or tends to blur sharp lined structures. This inevitably makes a visually controlled processing image by image unavoidable. Particularly in tomographic studies, it would be by far too tedious to treat each single projection by this way. Alternatively, it would be not only more comfortable but also in many cases the only reasonable approach to filter a stack of images in a batch procedure to get rid of the disturbing interferences.
The algorithm presented here meets all these requirements. It reliably frees the images from the snowy pattern described above without the loss of fine structures and without a general blurring of the image. It consists of an iterative, within a batch procedure parameter free filtering algorithm aiming to eliminate the often complex interfering artefacts while leaving the original information untouched as far as possible.
Biocompatible materials such as porous bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics or titanium are regularly applied in dental surgery: ceramics are used to support the local bone regeneration in a given defect, afterwards titanium implants replace lost teeth. The current gold standard for bone reconstruction in implant dentistry is the use of autogenous bone grafts. But the concept of guided bone regeneration (GBR) has become a predictable and well documented surgical approach using biomaterials (bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics) which qualify as bone substitutes for this kind of application as well. We applied high resolution synchrotron microtomography and subsequent 3d image analysis in order to investigate bone formation and degradation of the bone substitute material in a three-dimensional manner, extending the knowledge beyond the limits of classical histology. Following the bone regeneration, titanium-based implants to replace lost teeth call for high mechanical precision, especially when two-piece concepts are used in order to guaranty leak tightness. Here, synchrotron-based radiography in comparison with classical laboratory radiography yields high spatial resolution in combination with high contrast even when exploiting micro-sized features in these kind of highly attenuating objects. Therefore, we could study micro-gap formation at interfaces in two-piece dental implants with the specimen under different mechanical load. We could prove the existence of micro-gaps for implants with conical connections as well as to study the micromechanical behavior of the mating zone of conical implants during loading. The micro-gap is a potential issue of failure, i. e. bacterial leakage which can induce an inflammatory process.