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Virtual CT with aRTist
(2023)
The software aRTist is a simulation tool for the generation of realistic radiographs of virtual radiographic superstructures.
With radiographic simulations, virtual component models can be scanned as in a computer tomograph.
Industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) enables the non-destructive detection of internal and external surfaces as well as inhomogeneities of technical objects. Virtual CT offers new possibilities for the investigation of parameter influences of this complex testing and measuring technique. In addition to the option of switching physical effects on and off, scanning movements can also be tested before their technical realization.
The virtual CT generates projection images from different directions for the subsequent reconstruction of a volume model of the examined object. The reconstruction of the simulated scans is carried out with the algorithms and programs for real scans. Tomographic scans consist of a large number of projections, which practically cannot be generated individually by the user of a simulation. The software offers various options for the automated simulation of tomographic scans. These range from standard CT to scans on free trajectories or with individual projection matrices.
The project series CTSimU was initiated with the goal to develop a set of procedures to enable the determination of the task-specific measurement uncertainty of a CT system numerically by radiographic simulation. The first project (2019-2022) “Radiographic Computed Tomography Simulation for Measurement Uncertainty Evaluation - CTSimU” was focused on the sufficient physical correctness of the radiographic simulation and created as a result a test framework for simulation softwares and a draft of a VDI standard in the series VDI/VDE 2630 for this application. However, for the realistic simulation of a CT system in a simulation software (i.e. a digital twin), not only the correctness of the simulation software itself is crucial, but also the quality of the parameterization of the CT system in the simulation software - this represents the starting point of the 2nd project “Realistic Simulation of real CT systems with a basic-qualified Simulation Software - CTSimU2” (2022-2024).
The parameterization of a CT system in a simulation software can be divided into four steps: after the data acquisition at the real CT system (step 1) follows the evaluation of the acquired data for the generation of general parameter specifications (step 2). It follows the transfer of the parameters into the specific simulation software (step 3) and the validation of the resulting simulation parameters by a suitable test (step 4). The intended result of the project CTSimU2 is a draft VDI standard (for VDI/VDE 2630) for this test, which contains an informative annex on the state of the art regarding the possibilities for parameter determination.
A software toolbox is introduced that addresses several needs common to computed tomography (CT). Built for the WIPANO CTSimU project to serve as the reference implementation for its image processing and evaluation tasks, it provides a Python 3 interface that is adaptable to many conceivable applications. Foremost, the toolbox features a pipeline architecture for sequential 2D image processing tasks, such as flat field corrections and image binning, and enables the user to create their own processing modules. Beyond that, it provides means to measure line profiles and image quality assessment algorithms to calculate modulation transfer functions (MTF) or to determine the interpolated basic spatial resolution (iSRb) using a duplex wire image. It can also be used to calculate projection matrices for the reconstruction of scans with arbitrary industrial CT geometries and trajectories. The CTSimU project defined a framework of projection- and volume-based test scenarios for the qualification of radiographic simulation software towards its use in dimensional metrology. The toolbox implements the necessary evaluation routines and generates reports for all projection-based tests.
Traceable determination of non-static XCT machine geometry: New developments and case studies
(2022)
It is fundamental to determine the machine geometry accurately for dimensional X-ray computed tomography (XCT) measurements. When performing high-accuracy scans, compensation of a non-static geometry, e.g. due to rotary axis errors or drift, might become necessary. Here we provide an overview of methods to determine and account for such deviations on a per projection basis. They include characterisation of stage error motions, in situ geometry measurements, numerical simulations, and reconstruction-based optimization relying on image quality metrics and will be discussed in terms of their metrological performance. Since a radiographic calibration is always required to provide an initial absolute geometry, this method will be presented as well. The improvements of the XCT geometry correction methods are presented by means of case studies. The methods can be applied individually or in combination and are intended to provide a toolbox for XCT geometry compensation.
Virtual CT with aRTist
(2021)
Simulation becomes more and more important in modern CT imaging. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for educational purposes. The radiographic simulator aRTist is a modelling tool which simulates X-ray imaging using a hybrid analytical and Monte Carlo method to efficiently model the radiation transport. In addition to the relevant physical effects such as absorption, scattering and fluorescence, simplified fast models are employed to describe the characteristics of the X-ray source and the detector. aRTist is well equipped to model realistic X-ray imaging setups due to the ability to load exported CAD object descriptions. A simple CT scan module is contained in aRTist which allows the simulation of standard (circular cone beam) scanning trajectories.
This training session starts with a general introduction to aRTist and will highlight its basic usage. Furthermore, the focus is on the configuration of scan trajectories and batch simulations for virtual CT. The aim is to enable the audience to use the aRTist software for their own experiments in virtual CT.
AdvanCT Virtual CT
(2021)
Simulation becomes more and more important in modern CT imaging. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, and for educational purposes. Simulation can also be used for uncertainty estimation of dimensional CT measurements. The radiographic simulator aRTist is a modelling tool which simulates X-ray imaging using a hybrid analytical and Monte-Carlo method to efficiently model the radiation transport. In addition to the relevant physical effects such as absorption and scattering, simplified fast models are employed to describe the characteristics of the X-ray source and the detector. aRTist is well equipped to model realistic X-ray imaging setups due to the ability to load exported CAD object descriptions. By repetitive simulation runs aRTist can function as virtual CT device. A simple CT scan module is contained in aRTist which allows the simulation of standard (circular cone beam) scanning trajectories.
AdvanCT is a module for aRTist which allows to set up more complex scanning trajectories by attaching geometrical modification functions to the objects in the radiographic scene. In this way, advanced scanning modes can be realized. In addition to deterministic motion, also random variations can be introduced. By combining random variations with deterministic motion, non-ideal (realistic) CT scan geometries can be simulated, e.g. focal spot drift and mechanical instability of the axis of rotation. The AdvanCT module conveniently allows to construct these scenarios in a graphical interface and provides a preview before starting the (potentially long running) batch job. Therefore, deviations from ideal CT scan trajectories can be easily adjusted which is a necessary step towards uncertainty determination from simulation.
Die industrielle Röntgen-Computertomographie (CT) ist in der geometrischen Messtechnik die einzige Technologie, die sowohl innen- als auch außenliegende Merkmale eines Werkstücks mit einer Messung zerstörungsfrei messen kann. Die Güte der Messung kann mittels einer dem Messwert beigeordneten Messunsicherheit angegeben werden. Allerdings sind zur Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit für eine Messgröße einer CT-Messung nach Stand der Technik (VDI/VDE 2630 Blatt 2.1) zwanzig Wiederholmessungen an kalibrierten Werkstücken notwendig. Da die Messung mit realen CT-Messgeräten zeit- und kostenintensiv ist, wird analog zur taktilen Koordinatenmesstechnik eine numerische Messunsicherheitsbestimmung durch Simulation angestrebt (vgl. VDI/VDE 2617 Blatt 7, GUM Supplement 1). Die Simulation bietet den Vorteil, dass sie sowohl zeitsparend als auch kosten- und ressourceneffizient ist. Allerdings ist die Zuverlässigkeit der verschiedenen Simulationsumgebungen momentan nicht quantifizierbar. Für eine glaubwürdige Anwendung von Simulationsumgebungen für die Messunsicherheitsbestimmung benötigen Anwender eine Beurteilung derselben – auch um eine Norm- bzw. Richtliniensicherheit in der Praxis sicherzustellen.
Das Ziel dieses Projekts ist es daher, einen Richtlinienentwurf VDI/VDE 2630 Blatt 2.2 „Basisqualifizierung von Softwaresystemen für die Simulation geometrischer Messungen mit Röntgen-Computertomografie“ zu erstellen. Auf dieser Basis soll es möglich sein, die Eignung von Simulationsumgebungen zur Ermittlung der aufgabenspezifischen Messunsicherheit zu bewerten. Dazu wird ein Testframework entwickelt, mit welchem Durchstrahlungssimulationssoftwares basisqualifiziert werden können.
Das Projekt wird in der Förderrichtlinie WIPANO durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie gefördert.
Virtuelle CT
(2020)
Das Computerprogramm aRTist ist ein praktisches Simulationswerkzeug zur Erzeugung realistischer Radiographien virtueller Durchstrahlungsaufbauten. Mit Durchstrahlungssimulationen können Bauteile, repräsentiert durch STL-Geometrien, wie in einem Computertomografen gescannt werden. Dabei werden verschiedenste Parameter gezielt und exakt berücksichtigt.
Die Virtuelle Computertomografie bietet neue Möglichkeiten der Untersuchung von Parametereinflüssen. Neben der Möglichkeit, physikalische Effekte an- und abzuschalten, z.B. die Streustrahlung, können auch Scanbewegungen getestet werden, bevor diese technisch realisiert werden.
Das für die Forschung entwickelte Simulationsprogramm aRTist bietet mit seiner intuitiven grafischen Benutzeroberfläche vielfältige Anwendungsmöglichkeiten auch in Praxis und Entwicklung, beispielsweise zur Parameteroptimierung, für Machbarkeitsstudien oder zur Abschätzung der Unsicherheit dimensioneller Messungen.
The simulator aRTist combines analytical and Monte Carlo methods to efficiently model the radiographic process of industrial radiology. In this contribution we focus on virtual computer tomography, the simulation of tomographic scans. The possibilities to simulate complex scanning trajectories are shown in combination with the tomographic reconstruction using individual projection matrices.
aRTist is an easy-to-use and practical simulation tool to generate realistic radiographic images from CAD objects. A dedicated add-on module makes CT simulation easy (virtual computer tomography). Just choose the number of projections.
Unlike in the practice, simulation can separately image the primary and scatter radiation. This allows studying the scattering artefacts in CT (gray-level variations in regions of homogeneous material).
Virtual CT acquisition and reconstruction of complex and noisy scanning trajectories in aRTist
(2019)
In modern CT imaging, simulation has become an important tool to minimize cost- and time-intensive measurements. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for educational purposes. We extended the CT simulation software ‘aRTist’ with a module to set-up arbitrary trajectories including disturbing influences during the scan. Moreover, such geometric deviations can be compensated by the internal reconstruction tool.
X-ray scatter imaging is a well-established NDT technique to inspect complex objects using only a single-sided access. We present a specially designed multi-slit scatter camera consisting of several twisted slits which are parallelly arranged in a metal block. The camera projects one image per slit to the digital detector array, where the images are overlaying each other. The aperture is corrected based on a de-convolution algorithm to focus the overlaying projections into a single representation of the object. To achieve high scatter intensities from an object, it is necessary to optimize the parameters of the scatter system by simulation.
This work presents an investigation of the accuracy of a radiographic simulation model applied to subsea pipeline inspections. Experimental measurements of a sample in a water tank are used to develop a set of calibrated simulation parameters for the modelling software aRTist. Image quality parameters such as signal-tonoise ratio, contrast and basic spatial resolution are compared with the aim of matching simulated values to experimental results. With this method signal-to-noise ratio was successfully matched while differences were still found in contrast-to-noise ratio comparisons. This means that measurements depending on absolute intensity are not accurate enough, however wall thickness measurements in tangential images, which are not based on absolute intensity, were found to produce similar results in simulated and experimental cases. The differences in contrast and intensity are thought to be due to detector backscatter and additional scatter from out-of-setup objects within the exposure bay, due to a lack of source collimation. These would affect the experimental results but were not included in the simulated setup. This was investigated by including different proportions of peripheral water and other objects in the modelled setup and examining the effect on Image quality parameters. Results show that this additional scatter has a significant impact on the radiograph, particularly on image contrast, and is therefore the likely cause of differences between experimental and simulated images. This implies that it will be very difficult to completely match simulated to experimental results, as including all possible scattering objects in the model would be very complex. An improvement could be made by using real subsea data to estimate this additional scattering, which could then be used to calibrate the model. However there would still be significant uncertainty in the ability of the model to accurately produce realistic intensity and contrast.
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.
A special slit collimator was developed earlier for fast acquisition of X-ray back scatter images. The design was based on a twisted slit design (ruled surfaces) in a Tungsten block to acquire backscatter images. The comparison with alternative techniques as flying spot and coded aperture pin hole technique could not prove the expected higher contrast sensitivity. In analogy to the coded aperture technique, a novel multi slit camera was designed and tested. Several twisted slits were parallelly arranged in a metal block. The CAD design of different multi-slit cameras was evaluated and optimized by the computer simulation packages aRTist and McRay. The camera projects a set of equal images, one per slit, to the digital detector array, which are overlaying each other. Afterwards, the aperture is corrected based on a deconvolution algorithm to focus the overlaying projections into a single representation of the object. Furthermore, a correction of the geometrical distortions due to the slit geometry is performed. The expected increase of the contrast-to-noise ratio is proportional to the square root of the number of parallel slits in the camera. However, additional noise has to be considered originating from the deconvolution operation. The slit design, functional principle, and the expected limits of this technique are discussed.
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.
Accurate and reliable detection of subsea Pipeline corrosion is required in order to verify the integrity of the pipeline. A laboratory trial was conducted with a representative pipe sample. The accurate measurement of the wall thickness and corrosion was performed with high energy X-rays and a digital detector array. A 7.5 MV betatron was used to penetrate a stepped pipe and a welded test pipe of 3 m length and 327 mm outer diameter, with different artificial corrosion areas in the 24 mm thick steel wall. The radiographs were taken with a 40 x 40 cm² digital detector array, which was not large enough to cover the complete pipe diameter after magnification. A C-arm based geometry was tested to evaluate the potential for automated inspection in field. The primary goal was the accurate measurement of wall thickness conforming to the standard. The same geometry was used to explore the ability of a C-arm based scanner in asymmetric mode for computed tomography (CT) measurement, taking projections covering only two thirds of the pipe diameter. The technique was optimized with the modelling Software aRTist. A full volume of the pipe was reconstructed and the CT data set was used for reverse engineering, providing a CAD file for further aRTist simulations to explore the technique for subsea inspections.
Modeling of the photon-electron cascade process in multicomponent objects of complex geometrical structure by use of hybrid supercomputers is considered. An approach to computing the cascade processes is developed. The approach has three key properties allowing the effective use of heterogeneous structure of computers for solving the tasks of radiation transport in complex multi-scale geometries. Firstly, two different discreet geometrical description of an object being under radiation is used: triangulated model for photon transport and voxel model for elec-tron transport. Secondly, small parameter of the problem is explicitly taking into ac-count for modeling surface effects (for instance, electron emission). Thirdly, the ef-fective calculation decomposition between CPU and GPU is developed for signifi-cant increasing the speed of calculations of processes in question. Modeling of ex-periment on researching the bremsstrahlung generated by electron beam in Ta target is carried out. Comparison of computing and experimental results shows satisfactory consent.
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.
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.
A fast quantitative model for the energy spectra of radiation emitted by X-ray tubes is described, handling thin as well as thick plane targets of arbitrary materials. The developed model is based on fundamental interaction cross sections, describing electron and photon transport via numerical integration of discretized distributions. While the focus lies on bremsstrahlung production, modeling of characteristic radiation is fully integrated. The model does not include any free parameters. The validity of the model is shown through comparison with measurements and Monte Carlo simulations for several combinations of target material and acceleration potential between 30 kV and 450 kV.
Focus of this work is the detection of vertical movements behind the casing of groundwater observation wells within the seal. A new multi-methodical and azimuthal logging tool, named Azimuthal-Annulus-Convection-Identification (AACI)-Log has been developed and tested. The measurement concept of this probe is based on the combination of three azimuthal measuring logs – contact temperature on the inside of the casing wall, backscattered gamma-rays (gamma-gamma density), and natural radioactivity (gamma ray). Consequently, a direction-oriented image of the annular space can be derived. Not only the reason (void, potential channel) but also the resulting effect (vertical movement of fluids) can be detected with the Azimuthal-Annulus-Convection (AACI) – Log at the same time.
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.
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.
Modelling becomes more and more important in modern NDE. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications and to support the preparation of written procedures. Hence, computer simulation nowadays has to be able to handle all significant properties of an NDE system with sufficient accuracy. In case of radiographic applications this includes models of the radiation source, of the interaction of radiation with materials, of the detection process, and the geometrical description of the part or the construction. 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. Simulation is a powerful tool to separate different influencing factors. Here we focus on Monte-Carlo simulation of scatter contributions within aRTist.
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.
Ziel des Projektes war, mit Hilfe von Computersimulationen die Brennfleckgröße, das Spektrum und die erreichbare Dosisleistung von Transmissionsröhren vorherzusagen sowie diese Kenngrößen zu optimieren. Hierbei sollten insbesondere die Materialien und Schichtdicken von Substrat und strahlungserzeugender Schicht untersucht werden. Eine Voraussetzung für die Überprüfung der Ergebnisse ist die reproduzierbare, korrekte messtechnische Erfassung von Brennfleckgrößen unterhalb 5 μm.
The new standard ISO 176362:2013 'NDT of welds: Radiographic testing - Part 2: X- and gamma ray techniques with digital detectors' describes a complex procedure for film replacement by phosphor imaging plates and digital detector arrays. RT modeling software should consider these detector types, X-ray film, and the standard requirements for image quality. Practitioners expect the same visibility of image quality indicators (IQI) in the simulated radiographs as in the experimental exposures. The proposed benchmark test is based on the comparison of experimental radiographs taken at BAM with modeled ones of participants. The experimental setup and the determination of the equivalent penetrameter sensitivity (EPS) as described in the procedure of ASTM E 746 are used for quantitative evaluation of the achievable contrast sensitivity for step hole IQIs as considered in Annex B of ISO 17636-2. System classification data for Computed Radiography (CR) and film systems will be provided by BAM according to ISO 116991 for selected film systems and according to ASTM E 2446 for selected CR systems. The classification of films and digital detectors is based on the measurement of the dose response function, the basic spatial resolution (SRb) of the image, and the measured image noise, which depends on the detector efficiency, the quantum statistics, and the detector fixed pattern noise.
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.
Computer simulation of radiography can be used for different purposes in NDT, such as qualification of NDT systems, optimization of radiographic parameters, feasibility analysis, model-based data interpretation, and training of NDT/NDE personnel. BAM has been working on modeling in the field of radiographic testing for many years. With the gathered theoretical background and the familiarity with practical requirements of industrial application the simulation software aRTist has been developed. This analytical simulator includes a description of the radiation source, the interaction of radiation with test pieces and flaws, and the detection process with special focus on film and digital industrial radiology. It features high processing speed with nearinteractive frame rates and a high level of realism. Here we focus on the recent developments of the simulator, notably the release of aRTist version 2. Extended functionality regarding automated virtual computed tomography now allows for arbitrary scan paths. Another program extension supports reliability investigations and provides a user interface for planning automatic simulations with varying parameters and defects.
Ziel des Vorhabens ist die hochgenaue und vollständige Erfassung innerer und äußerer Geometrien von Mikrobauteilen mittels Mikro-Computertomographie (µCT). Industriell wichtige Mikrobauteile sind z.B. Einspritzsysteme, Festplattenkomponenten oder Instrumente für die minimal-invasive Chirurgie. Typische Bauteilgrößen liegen hier im Bereich 0,1 mm - 100mm; typische zu messende Strukturen haben Größen von 0,5 µm - 500 µm. Mit klassischen Methoden der Messtechnik ist eine schnelle und hochgenaue Erfassung der gesamten Oberfläche von Mikrobauteilen bisher kaum möglich. Innenstrukturen von Mikrobauteilen können mit keiner optischen oder taktilen Messtechnik zerstörungsfrei gemessen werden. Diese Einschränkungen sollen mittels hochgenauer µCT überwunden werden. Hierzu soll der Messprozess simuliert werden, um die Anwendung von Korrekturverfahren zur Genauigkeitssteigerung zu ermöglichen. CT-Messungen an kalibrierten Mikroprüfkörpern sollen die Korrekturverfahren verifizieren. Für die Kalibrierung der Prüfkörper sollen Multisensor-Verfahren entwickelt und getestet werden. Diese sollen es erlauben, Prüfkörper gleichzeitig hochgenau und mit großer Messpunktdichte zu kalibrieren. Es ist geplant, die an Prüfkörpern erreichten Messunsicherheiten und Auflösungen zum Projektabschluss an realen, industriellen Mikrobauteilen (z.B. Mikrozahnrädern) messtechnisch nachzuweisen.
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.
Die Mikro- und Nanotechnologie gehört zu den Schlüsseltechnologien des 21. Jahrhunderts mit hohen Wachstumsprognosen, wie auch die im Auftrag des BMBF durchgeführte Studie “Nanotechnologie als wirtschaftlicher Wachstumsmarkt” von 2004 ausführlich darstellt. Aus diesem Trend resultiert ein steigender Bedarf an Messsystemen, die Nanostrukturen prozessnah bzw. im Fertigungsprozess charakterisieren können. Virtuelle Messgeräte liefern Erkenntnisse zur Entwicklung neuartiger Messsysteme, Analyse und Optimierung bestehender Verfahren sowie die Bestimmung der Messunsicherheit und modellbasierten Korrektur systematischer Fehler. Der virtuelle Messprozess umfasst neben dem Messmittel auch die Probe und die Wechselwirkungen zwischen beiden. In diesem Beitrag werden virtuelle Messgeräte vorgestellt sowie deren Anwendung diskutiert.
Carrying out dimensional measurements by CT means assessing coordinates in space. CT must therefore be treated as a coordinate measuring technique similar to optical or tactile Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs). The well-established standards and guidelines for the acceptance- and verificationtesting of CMMs require the use of calibrated reference standards to achieve measurement machine characteristics.
Hence, transferring these concepts from coordinate metrology to CT, a dedicated CT-specific reference standard was designed, manufactured and calibrated using a tactile CMM. For comparison purposes, a CAD model was created by reverse engineering using the calibration data. The calibrated model was fed into a virtual CT and the measurement process was simulated. The reference standard was measured by micro-CT.
By comparing the characteristics of the measurement output of CT and the output gained from simulation, the influences of measurement artefacts can be judged, for the first time, in analogy to existing Guidelines of coordinate metrology.