Wissenschaftliche Artikel der BAM
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- NDT (8)
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- Computed tomography (3)
- Helium (3)
- Non-destructive testing (3)
Die Anwendung thermoanalytischer Methoden für die Polymercharakterisierung hat aufgrund der makromolekularen Struktur von Polymere Vorteile. Es wurden zwei neue thermoanalyti-sche Verfahren entwickelt und deren Einsatz anhand von Anendungsbeispielen demons-triert, sowie mit etablierten, thermoanalytischen Methoden verglichen.
Für die thermische- und thermo-oxidative Zersetzungsgasanalytik wurde die Thermogravi-metrie (TGA) gekoppelt mit der Thermodesoptions-Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie (TDS-GC-MS). Die Zersetzungsgase der TGA wurden dafür über ei-nen Festphasenadsorber geleitet, auf dem eine repräsentative Auswahl von polymerspezifi-schen Analyten adsorbiert wurde. Die thermische Extraktion der Analyten erfolgte in der TDS-GC-MS. Dies ermöglichte die Trennung der Analyten sowie die eindeutige Identifizie-rung mittels charakteristischer Massenfragmentmuster. Sie wurde als TED-GC-MS bezeichnet. Es stellte sich heraus, dass sie sich besonders für die Analyse von komplexen Kohlen-wasserstoffgemischen mit Molmassen von mehr als 100 g/mol eignet. In Kombination mit anderen Kopplungstechniken wie beispielsweise die TGA-FTIR/MS, die speziell für die Ana-lyse von kleineren Molekülen verwendet wurde, konnten neue grundlegende Zersetzungs-mechanismen entwickelt werden. Es wurde beispielsweise sichtbar, dass sowohl bei der thermischen als auch bei der thermo-oxidativen Degradation von Polyamid 66 (PA 66) Kon-densationsreaktionen eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Die Methode erwies sich darüber hinaus als besonders geeignet für die Identifizierung und Quantifizierung von Polymeren in Umweltproben. Es entstand dazu eine erste grundlegende Arbeit für die quantitative Bestimmung von Polyethylen (PE) Mikroplastik in Umweltproben.
Im zweiten Teil der Arbeit wurde eine steuerbare beheizbare Zelle eingeführt. Mit ihr war es möglich, mit Hilfe der Nahinfrarotspektroskopie (NIR), sich verändernde Netzwerkstrukturen während der Härtung sichtbar zu machen. Vergleichend dazu wurden etablierte, kalorische Messungen durchgeführt. Somit konnten für verschiedene Epoxidsysteme die Aushärtegrade während der Härtung mit variablen Heizraten bestimmt werden. Dadurch konnten Aushär-tungskinetiken erstellt werden, die durch isotherme und komplexe Aushärtungsszenarien validiert wurden.
Radiation induced attenuation in perfluorinated polymer optical fibres for dosimetry applications
(2016)
Real-time measurement of radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) in a commercial perfluorinated polymer optical fibre (PF-POF) is performed with regard to on-line Radiation monitoring purposes. Spectral character and dose dependence of fibre’s RIA is measured in 450-900 nm spectral region. Fibre exhibited high radiation sensitivity in the visible region with strong increase towards the UV wavelengths. Good linearity and high sensitivity reaching up to 130 dBm-1/kGy was demonstrated in the VIS region for a low-dose range. This of-the-shelf PF-POF could be therefore interesting for on-line remote dosimetry applications.
Impact of gamma radiation on transmission of a commercial Cytop polymer optical fibre (Lucina, Asahi Glass Company) is investigated. Spectral dependence of radiation induced attenuation in the investigated fibre is measured in the VIS-NIR spectral region. Besides attenuation increase, radiation is found to increase fibre susceptibility to water as well. While pristine Cytop fibre is rather humidity insensitive, strong humidity related absorption in the NIR region is observed after fibre irradiation. Selective irradiation of separate fibre sections is proposed as a way of fibre humidity sensitization and quasi-distributed water detection is demonstrated using optical time domain reflectometry at 1310 nm.
This author interview is by Dr Michael G. Weller, Head of Division 1.5 Protein Analysis at Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). BAM (www.bam.de/en) is a senior scientific and technical institute with responsibility to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Dr Weller's review paper, Quality issues of research antibodies is available for download in Analytical Chemistry Insights.
Investigation of manuscripts found in sites along the Silk Road shows the history of communication and exchange between Asia and the Mediterranean over the centuries. Different scripts and languages preserved on paper in certain styles provide information about traditions and provenance.
To get an idea of the cultural background of the highly developed painting techniques obvious in some illuminated manuscripts, the material used for writing and painting is analyzed. Singular Sogdian and Tocharian manuscripts from Turfan show text on one side with a colorful painting on the other side of the document. In comparison with other productions of different periods or usages from the site, special features are worked out to characterize cultural roots or influence in the network of relationships. Details analyzed in the most elaborated documents Show various influences led to the colorful masterpieces.
The content of the paper is the assessment of the performance of (conventional) measurement techniques (MTs)with respect to the classification of disperse materials according to the EC recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial. This performance essentially refers to the accurate assessment of the number weighted median of (the constituent) particles. All data and conclusions are based on the analytical study conducted as real-world performance testing.
It comprised different types of MTs (imaging, counting, fractionating, spectroscopic and integral) as well as different types of materials. Beside reference materials with well-defined size distribution the study also included several commercial powders (variation of particle composition, morphology, coating, size range and polydispersity). In order to ensure comparability of measurement results, the participants were guided to use uniform protocols in sample preparation, conducting measurements, data analysis and in reporting results. Corresponding documents have been made public, in order to support the reviewing process of the paper, respectively to ensure the reproducibility of data by other users under the same conditions.
The scientific paper relies on a comprehensive set of revised measurement data reported in uniform templates, completely describes the experimental procedures and discusses the MTs’ performance for selected materials in detail. Even more, the study is summarised and evaluated, which leads to recommendations for the use of MTs within a tiered approach of NM characterisation. In addition, the paper critically examines the factors that may affect the outcome of such a comparison among different MTs.
The detection and characterization of surface cracks in steel specimens prior to damage is a technologically and economically highly significant task and is of utmost importance when it comes to safety-relevant structures. In steel production where steel billets at high temperatures have to be inspected while moving a number of well-established NDT methods cannot be applied. Laser thermography however is a promising candidate to serve as a fast, non-contact and remote tool in this case. We present a study that shows that the crack detection capabilities of laser thermography can be extended also to specimens at high temperature. A combination of inductive and laser heating allows to systematically study the contrast formation as well as the optimization of the important measurement parameters. The experiments are accompanied by FEM simulations that provide a better insight of the physical correlations and support the experimental developments. The aim of these studies is to develop a system with high inspection speed and detection performance to be in-line operated under the hostile environment of steel production lines.
In this study, the feasibility of using non-contact Infrared thermography as a potential tool to monitor the CMT welding process is explored. The presence of internal defects such as porosity, lack of filler material deposition and formation of improper weld bead produce perturbations in the surface temperature which can be identified using an Infrared thermography technique. We present recent results obtained from online monitoring of the the dissimilar joining using CMT weld brazing of Aluminum and Steel using a transmission mode measurement approach. The effect of loss of zinc coating on the weldability of the cold metal transfer joining of aluminum to galvanised steel was investigated. A correlation between measured online thermal indications with the weld anomalies is successfully attempted and the results are compared with the conventional post-weld NDT inspection methods.
IND15 JRP SurfChem: Traceable quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial applications
(2016)
The SurfChem project has made a significant contribution to traceable quantitative surface chemical analysis for industrial applications by delivering new certified reference materials and test samples for specific technical applications. Regular performance tests of instruments, metrological methodology for the detection of (bio)organic surface species, ambient and non-destructive surface chemical analysis for in-line process control and new in situ characterisation techniques of catalytically active surfaces have been achieved.
Materials and chemical producers require detailed knowledge of surface chemistry for research into new products. One way to understand a surface without damaging it is to bombard it with an electron beam, causing its atoms to emit characteristic X-rays enabling identification. The measurement of these must be precise as many elements emissions are close in energy – traceable reference materials will ensure instruments using this technique are stable and accurate.
Ultrasonic imaging systems usually require an array of ultrasonic transducers for data acquisition on a wide area on top of an object under investigation. The goal of an imaging algorithm is the use of reflected ultrasound data to form a recognizable image. Conventional algorithms like SAFT are based on an inverse Huygens' principle and need therefore a dense measurement grid. This requires a big effort in data capturing. For simple and inexpensive measurement different strategies of imaging with reduced amount of data and examples with a manual scanning device on concrete elements are presented.
Rekonstruktion des Bestandsplans im Zuge der Nachrechnung der Brücke über die Leine bei Schwarmstedt
(2016)
Der aktuell im Rahmen der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie geforderte Nachweis von Tragfähigkeit, Gebrauchstauglichkeit und Ermüdung der Brückenbauwerke im Bestand der Länder und des Bundes stellt eine enorme Herausforderung dar. Insbesondere bei unvollständigen oder fehlenden Bestandsplänen der Bauwerke sind Maßnahmen erforderlich, um die erforderlichen Informationen zu beschaffen. Ein wirkungsvolles Instrument können hierfür die zerstörungsfreien Prüfverfahren des Bauwesens sein. In dem präsentierten Forschungsprojekt erfolgte die Rekonstruktion eines Bestandsplanes direkt auf die Anforderungen des mit der Nachrechnung beauftragten Ingenieurbüros. Darüber hinaus wurde der Entwurf eines Leitfadens erstellt, der im Falle von unvollständigen oder fehlenden Bestandsplänen die Grundlagen für die Beauftragung und Durchführung der Nachrechnung schafft.
Die zerstörungsfreien Prüfverfahren konnten ihre Fähigkeit bei der Untersuchung von Elementwänden in einzelnen Fallstudien erbringen. Aufbauend auf den Kenntnissen aus der Praxis und auf Testreihen im Rahmen von Laboruntersuchungen wurde ein erster Ringversuch geplant und durchgeführt. Im Rahmen dieses Ringversuchs wurden verschiedene Strukturdefekte und Einbauteile in Elementwände eingebaut. Die Messung der Wände erfolgte anschließend durch mehrere Messteams mit unterschiedlichen zerstörungsfreien Prüfverfahren. Zum Einsatz kamen hierbei das Ultraschall-Echo- und das Impact-Echo-Verfahren sowie das Impuls-Radar-Verfahren. Zur Verbesserung der Vergleichbarkeit zwischen den unterschiedlichen Prüfverfahren wurde auf die Elementwände ein einheitliches Messraster aufgebracht. Für eine möglichst objektive Messung der Wände erhielten die Messteams vor den Messungen keine Details zu den Strukturdefekten oder Einbauteilen. Die Prüfaufgabe bestand darin, die Wände mit dem jeweiligen Prüfverfahren zu untersuchen. Anschließend wurden die Ergebnisse der Messteams zentral gesammelt und ausgewertet. Anhand der zentralen Auswertung sollten Aussagen zu den eingebauten Inhomogenitäten ableitet werden. Hierdurch kann zum einen die Leistungsfähigkeit der Prüfverfahren an unterschiedlichsten Inhomogenitäten getestet werden, zum anderen können die Ergebnisse und somit die Prüfverfahren untereinander verglichen werden. Zu diesen in der Praxis immer häufiger vorkommenden Fragestellungen können grundsätzliche Aussagen zum Einsatz von zerstörungsfreien Prüfungen bei Elementwänden gewonnen werden. Über die Ergebnisse dieses Ringversuches wird nachfolgend berichtet.
Die naturwissenschaftliche Analyse historischer Materialen ermöglicht die Beantwortung kulturhistorischer Fragestellungen, die mit kunsthistorischen oder archäologischen Ansätzen allein nicht zu leisten sind. In dieser Studie wurden sechs römische Münzen mit unterschiedlich stark ausgeprägten Korrosionsschichten an unbehandelten und polierten Stellen mit vier zerstörungsfreien analytischen Methoden untersucht: Hoch- und Niederenergie Protonen Induzierter Röntgenemission (HE-/PIXE), Synchrotronstrahlungsinduzierte-Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse (SY-RFA) und Mikro-Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse (Mikro-RFA) mit einem mobilen Gerät. Aufgrund von Unterschieden in den Messbedingungen und dem Einfluss der Patina-Schichten auf diese ergaben sich nur für wenige Elemente Übereinstimmungen in den quantitativen Daten. Zur Validierung zukünftiger Messkampagnen mit verschiedenen Methoden sind daher Vergleichstudien unerlässlich.
Process monitoring of an intensified continuous production unit with compact NMR spectroscopy
(2016)
Monitoring chemical reactions is the key to chemical process control. Today, mainly optical online methods are applied. NMR spectroscopy has a high potential for direct loop process control. Compact NMR instruments based on permanent magnets are robust and relatively inexpensive analyzers, which feature advantages like low cost, low maintenance, ease of use, and cryogen-free operation. Instruments for online NMR measurements equipped with a flow-through cell, possessing a good signal-to-noise-ratio, sufficient robustness, and meeting the requirements for integration into industrial plants (i.e., explosion safety and fully automated data analysis) are cur-rently not available off the rack. Recently, promising benchtop NMR instruments with acceptable performance came to market and process integrated sensors developed on basis of such laboratory instruments are on their way.
Grating interferometric set-ups have been established in the last decade. They are promising candidates to obtain enhanced image contrast from weakly absorbing micro and nano structures. They are based on X-ray refraction and near-field diffraction using the Talbot effect.
At the expense of taking multiple images, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry allows separating the absorption, refraction, and scattering contributions by analysing the disturbances of a phase grating interference pattern. Contrary to other refraction enhanced methods, this technique can be applied using conventional X-ray tubes (divergent, polychromatic source). This makes it attractive to solve typical non-destructive testing problems.
We investigated the efficiency of phase gratings, i.e. the visibility (the amplitude of oscillations) upon variation of propagation distance and phase grating rotation around an axis parallel to the grid lines. This grating rotation changes the grating shape (i.e. the distributions of phase shifts). This can yield higher visibilities than derived from rectangular shapes.
Our study includes experimental results obtained from synchrotron radiation, as well as simulations for monochromatic radiation. The advantages of Talbot-Lau interferometry are demonstrated at the example of glass capillaries.
With increased usage of highly demanded, modern materials on safety
relevant parts (e.g. railway wheel sets, generator shafts, turbine disks, medical
implants, etc.) comprehensive analyses regarding the quality of the material are
requested. This gives a focus to non-destructive methods using ultrasound immersion
tank testing for classifying the degree of purity. Two autonomous standards,
ASTM E588 and SEP 1927, have been established for the definition, execution and
evaluation for this high resolution ultrasonic measurements on steel products.
The propagation of ultrasonic waves and the resulting sound field are strongly
dependent on the acoustical properties of the inspected material and the geometry
of probes and specimen. The definition of the measurement setup and the evaluation
methods appear to differ significantly in the given standards. ASTM E588 and
SEP 1927 prescribe the requirement for surface roughness and probe selection, are
using threshold based methods for cleanliness detection, but differ in computation
for the degree of purity. This has been the motivation for a comparison between
both standards with the main focus on amplitude depth dependency and overall spatial
resolution taking the influence of different material characteristics, geometry of
the specimen and sound fields into account.
A performance comparison between the use of non-focusing and focusing probes
respective to the threshold based detection will be presented in this contribution. In
addition, the usage of complex reconstruction algorithms (e.g. SAFT, echo tomography)
is compared with the traditional approaches of inclusion detection and
estimation of the degree of purity
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is a well-known solid lubricant for tribosystems running in vacuum or dry gases. Problems arise due to its sensitivity to humidity, which is a drawback for its application under ambient conditions. However, by using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, deposition parameters can be optimized not only to gain a coatings structure with favorable frictional properties but also to minimize the sensitivity to attack by water molecules. Therefore, an improved tribological behavior even under moist conditions can be achieved. MoS₂coatings are also candidates for being applied at cryogenic temperatures. They already have proven their suitability, e.g., for sliding support elements between superconducting magnets of the nuclear fusion-experiment Wendelstein 7-X. However, these coatings were exclusively produced for this particular application and the utilization for more common tribosystems may be precluded due to cost considerations. In view of a wider range of applications, pure and Cr containing PVD-MoS₂ coatings with an optimized structure were tested under varying environments including hydrogen gas and cryogenic temperatures. Results of the most promising variant are presented in this paper.
Distickstoffmonoxid (N2O, Lachgas) und Helium (He) sind gängige Prüfgase für Dichtheitsprüfungen. Die einfachste Leckgeometrie stellt ein ideal zylindrisches Rohr dar. Es wurden Glaskapillaren verschiedener Abmessungen mit Lachgas und Helium durchströmt. Der Überdruck am Kapillareingang lag zwischen 100 mbar und 400 mbar. Es handelte sich um vier annähernd zylindrische Glaskapillaren mit den mittleren Durchmessern: Kapillare 1: ca. 102 μm; Kapillare 2: ca. 71 μm; Kapillare 3B: ca. 49 μm; Kapillare 4: ca. 53 μm. Zudem wurde eine nichtzylindrische Kapillare geprüft (Kapillare 3A). Die Kapillaren 1, 2 und 3B wurden mit beiden Prüfgasen getestet. Kapillare 3A wurde nur mit Lachgas durchströmt, Kapillare 4 nur mit Helium. Für die Messung der Leckageraten kam das Überdruckverfahren mit Ansammlung (Verfahren B3 nach DIN EN 1779: 1999-10) zum Einsatz. Als Detektor für Lachgas diente der Lachgasdetektor Maihak Unor 6 N, für Helium der Leckdetektor T-Guard der Firma Inficon.
Es wurden verschiedene Theorieansätze verglichen. Beim Theorieansatz Ib erfolgte die Umrechnung der Lachgas-Messwerte auf die Helium-Messwerte und umgekehrt anhand der Druck-, Temperatur- und Gasartabhängigkeit der Leckagerate für laminar-viskose Gasströmung (DIN EN 1779: 1999-10; DGZfP-Richtlinie DP2: 2009-12). Beim Theorieansatz II wurde die Berechnung der Leckagerate für die laminar-viskose Rohrströmung unter der Annahme einer ideal zylindrischen Kapillare durchgeführt. Zusätzlich wurde mit „ANSYS Fluent“ eine CFD-Simulation vorgenommen. Bei Kapillare 3A wurde eine Serienschaltung der Strömungsleitwerte von Rohr und Düse angesetzt. Bei Anwendung des Ansatzes Ib werden bei Umrechnung der Helium-Messwerte auf Lachgas die Lachgas-Messwerte überschätzt. Umgekehrt werden bei der Umrechnung der Lachgas-Messwerte auf Helium die Helium-Messwerte unterschätzt. Bei Analyse der Einlauflängen der Rohrdurchströmung ist festzustellen, dass diese für Lachgas stets größer als für Helium sind. Bei Lachgas liegt daher für einige Messwerte noch keine ausgebildete laminare Rohrströmung vor. Einlaufeffekte können somit nicht vernachlässigt werden. Als Fazit ergibt sich, dass bei Verwendung von Helium als Prüfgas und Umrechnung der Helium-Messwerte auf Lachgas die Lachgas-Leckageraten sicherheitstechnisch konservativ abgeschätzt werden.
The sliding behaviors of two simplified tribofilms with amorphous structure consisting either of SiO₂ molecules or C atoms were simulated by molecular dynamics modeling. The objective was to identify mechanisms explaining the experimentally observed lubricating properties of the two amorphous films. The impacts of layer thickness, normal pressure, temperature and different substrate materials were studied systematically, while the sliding velocity was kept constant at 30 m/s. While the layer thickness was not critical, all the other parameters showed special effects under certain conditions. Normal pressure impeded void formation and could even eliminate voids if applied at high temperature. Stick-slip sliding was changed to smooth sliding at high temperature due to void healing. Considering the carbon film, high friction forces and shearing of the entire film was observed with diamond substrates, whereas interface sliding at low friction forces and an amorphous layer of iron mixed with carbon was observed if the supporting substrates consisted of α-Fe. Both films show a decrease of friction forces and smooth sliding behavior at elevated temperature, corresponding well to the tribological behavior of and advanced nanocomposite sliding against a steel disc under severe stressing conditions when high flash temperatures can be expected.
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.
Currently at Deutsche Bahn (DB) ultrasonic inspections in maintenance procedures for wheelset axles with a bore hole are, to the greatest possible extent, carried out using automated ultrasonic inspection system. Although the acceptance levels are in accordance with DIN 27201 part 7, the testing results have shown in recent years that in the case of true indications, the effective defect sizes were far below the level of acceptance. Due to this experience it can be assumed that the automated ultrasonic inspection systems are testing substantially more sensitively than required. This increased sensitivity leads to an increase in false indications, generally resulting in the unnecessary demounting of wheelsets. In Research cooperation between Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) and DB the effective flaw detection sensitivity of existing automated ultrasonic inspection system will be determined and the true/false indication ratio optimised. Through systematic investigations with the Probability of Detection method on the existing automated ultrasonic inspection system the results could be directly applied to the optimisation of existing ultrasonic inspections of wheelset axles with a bore hole in maintenance procedures and the level of reliability can be considerably increased.
The General Guidance in the Swedish regulations state that the safety assessment for a final repository for spent nuclear fuel should be 1 million years after closure. SKB developed the KBS-3 method, according to which the spent nuclear fuel is protected by three barriers. It is encapsulated in canisters with a diameter of 1 metre and a length of 5 metres. The canister consists of a cast iron insert surrounded by a 5 centimetre thick shell of copper. The canisters are disposed in the bedrock at a depth of about 500 meters surrounded by bentonite clay. In order to assess the safety over this extremely long period, an extensive quality control programme is applied to the canisters before deposit. In this programme, the use of
non-destructive testing (NDT) is vital. The safety assessment of the canister in turn places high demands on the coverage, detectability, and reliability of the applied NDT inspections of the canister parts, i.e. cast iron insert, copper base, tube and lid, and the copper friction stir welds (FSW). This paper presents the extensive full-scale inspection development programme that runs at the Canister Laboratory in Oskarshamn (Sweden). In order to fulfil the high demands, phased array ultrasonic inspection techniques are developed using practical trials aided by ultrasonic modelling. The techniques apply, for example, different frequencies, inspection angles, focus depths, and both longitudinal and shear waves. Increased inspection reliability of the FSW is achieved by applying digital X-ray technique using a 9 MeV linear accelerator and a line detector. To complete the coverage, complementary surface inspections methods, i.e. eddy current array, magnetic flux sensor techniques and magnetic particle inspection, are applied. The canister safety assessment was the driving force to include reliability studies during the NDT development. Initially, the technical reliability was considered, resulting in development of advanced POD models (probability of detection). In combination with human factors studies, these models were implemented as tools in the development of the NDT techniques. Human factors studies were also applied to improve the inspection procedures to be more user-friendly enabling reliable inspections.
Ultrasonic phased array is, currently, the technology which is being applied as the solution to a lot of inspection problems. The perceived benefits are seen to be worth the outlay on equipment and specialised personnel. Yet, there is a source of knowledge, freely available, which can also deliver immediate benefits, through more reliable inspection results, and consequently increased client confidence, but which is largely ignored by the greater part of the NDT community. This talk will review the latest Human Factors knowledge and provide practical illustrations of how companies can use it to improve their competitive edge.
The usefulness and purpose of evaluating nondestructive testing (NDT) systems and their capabilities has changed in the last decade. The conventional method of simply applying a familiar statistical algorithm to say whether the system is usable for the tasks is history.
Nowadays, multiple parameter methods which describe the probabilities of detection (POD) of different systems or real defects need new characteristics and a broader variety of statistical models to describe the true system behaviour. The appraisal of the NDT system involves diverse departments within a company (engineering, NDT-operators, and statisticians), but is, at the same time, more needed and requested than in the past. In this article, an approach is discussed in which professionals from different fields worked well together, accomplishing cost-intensive metallographic studies in correlation with well-understood physical behaviour of NDT-methods as well as deep-discussed mathematical methods to create a holistic evaluation of the technical reliability for a specific radiographic testing (RT) equipment. The first part of the publication will show the comparison between metallographic grinding and the RT indications. An essential innovation over past evaluation methods was the use of a multi-scale smoothing algorithm, which describes physical parameters, which were not used in evaluation like the POD in this way in the past.
In the second part the statistical requirements for the POD take the focus. It can often be hard to make significant statements; especially in the case where only a small amount of data is available. The combination of data and the use of knowledge from simulations are essential. One possible solution will be shown for the RT evaluation. The methodology is used for evaluating the digital RT system for the inspection of electron-beam welds, which was method considered to seal the Finnish copper canisters for the final deposit of spent nuclear fuel.
Analyzing the reliability of non-destructive tests using the modular modell - a practical approach
(2016)
Non-destructive testing is an important tool to guarantee the safety of railway traffic.
The infrastructure with tracks, switches and sleepers is regularly tested, the
locomotives and wagons with their wheels, bogies and axles as well. Many years of experience and some events lead in Germany to a good practice in testing the railway components. Now, European authorities are drafting a system of common requirements and standards for the European Railway Market. The German practice combines an intensive training of the NDT-personnel including sufficient time for practical exercises with organizational measures of the companies, responsible for rolling stock and infrastructure. Through the example of UT-testing of railway axles it will be shown, how training and organizational measures influence the reliability of such testing.
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) are more and more used in modern civil aircrafts. These days the whole fuselage is made of this material (B787; A350). Due to strict certification standards the normal in-service loading gives a low stress level compared to the static and even the fatigue strength of the material. Hence CFRP are assumed to have an infinite life. To evaluate this assumption, fatigue tests on CFRP-specimens were performed up to 108 load cycles and the first inter-fibre failure was evaluated non-destructively by accompanying Xray-refraction topography. A tensile testing machine was integrated in a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) setup. X-ray refraction topography was performed while the CFRP samples were tensile loaded. This non-destructive technique enables the detection of micro-cracking and inter-fibre failure especially for CFRP. For Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) X-ray refraction and in-situ loading has already been successfully used. The increase of inner surfaces due to inter fibre failure was measured as a function of the stress state. Fatigue tests were performed at and below the limit of inter-fibre failure strength. State of the art is to assume the failure of the samples under cyclic loading as the fatigue life. Accompanying non-destructive X-ray refraction measurements reflects the damage state and enables to trace its evolution even if the total failure of the specimens does not occur. This investigation technique is of high interest to give the engineer a design value of infinite life which is practically often reached due to knock down factors of certification standards. Finally the infinite life was found for cyclic fatigue loaded CFRP-samples even under high inter fibre transverse and shear loading investigated up to 108 load cycles.
Sub-aerial biofilms (SAB) are ubiquitous, self-sufficient microbial ecosystems found on mineral surfaces at all altitudes and latitudes. SABs, which are the principal causes of weathering on exposed terrestrial surfaces, are characterized by patchy growth dominated by associations of algae, cyanobacteria, fungi and heterotrophic bacteria. A recently developed in vitro system to study colonization of rocks exposed to air included two key SAB participants - the rock-inhabiting ascomycete Knufia petricola (CBS 123872) and the phototrophic cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme ATCC29133. Both partners are genetically tractable and we used them here to study weathering of granite, K-feldspar and plagioclase. Small fragments of the various rocks or minerals (1–6 mm) were packed into flow-through columns and incubated with 0.1% glucose and 10 μM thiamine-hydrochloride (90 μL min−1) to compare weathering with and without biofilms. Dissolution of the minerals was followed by: (i) analysing the degradation products in the effluent from the columns via Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy and (ii) by studying polished sections of the incubated mineral fragments/grains using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses. K. petricola/N. punctiforme stimulated release of Ca, Na, Mg and Mn. Analyses of the polished sections confirmed depletion of Ca, Na and K near the surface of the fragments. The abrupt decrease in Ca concentration observed in peripheral areas of plagioclase fragments favored a dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism. Percolation columns in combination with a model biofilm can thus be used to study weathering in closed systems. Columns can easily be filled with different minerals and biofilms, the effluent as well as grains can be collected after long-term exposure under axenic conditions and easily analyzed.
Bei der Power-to-Gas-Technologie wird überschüssiger Strom aus erneuerbaren Ener-gien durch Elektrolyse von Wasser in Wasserstoff umgewandelt. Dieser Wasserstoff kann als „chemischer Energiespeicher“ dienen und rückverstromt werden oder aber in das Erdgasnetz eingespeist werden. Die BAM hat die Auswirkungen von Wasserstoffzu-sätzen zum Erdgas im Hinblick auf den Explosionsschutz untersucht und sicherheitstechnische Kenngrößen für Erdgas-Wasserstoff-Gemische bestimmt.
Von besonderem Interesse waren dabei die Explosionsgrenzen, die Sauerstoffgrenzkonzentration, die maximalen Explosionsdrücke, die KG-Werte und die Normspaltweiten. Für die Messungen sind zwei Modellgase eingesetzt worden, reines Methan und ein Modell-Erdgas mit Anteilen höherer Kohlenwasserstoffe. Sie repräsentieren die Bandbreite der in Deutschland eingesetzten Erdgase.
Die Untersuchungen ergaben, dass bei einem Zusatz von bis zu 10 Mol-% Wasserstoff keine der untersuchten Kenngrößen signifikant beeinflusst wird. Die Gemische haben nur geringfügig erweiterte Explosionsbereiche und bleiben, wie die reinen Erdgase, in der Explosionsgruppe IIA. Auch die maximalen Explosionsdrücke und die zeitlichen Druckanstiege bei den Gasexplosionen werden nur wenig beeinflusst.
The International Dangerous Goods Regulations prescribe the immersion under water method (“bubble test”) as standard method for the leakproofness test of dangerous goods packagings. But this test procedure acts as a test method for leak localisation, not for quantitative leakage rates measurement. Additionally, the sensitivity in detecting leaks of small diameters is restricted, depending on the test liquid and the test pressure. The bubble test is not suitable for a comparison with quantitative limit leakage rates based on realistic transport conditions. This is especially important when estimating the risk of the formation of an explosive atmosphere during the intercontinental carriage of dangerous goods packagings in freight containers. To compare measured leakage rates with limit leakage rates, a quantitative leak testing procedure is required. Therefore a new approach for dangerous goods packagings is implemented: The pressure technique by accumulation using Helium as a tracer gas. This work presents the test equipment necessary for the quantitative measurement of Helium leakage rates through closures of different kinds of dangerous goods packagings. The essential steps to achieve good repeatable results are: A controlled Helium filling process to reach a defined test pressure in the test sample, a sufficient homogenisation of the Helium-air-mixture inside the test sample and the ensuring of a constant pressure level of the test sample during the test. The Helium loss rate of the accumulation chamber has to be measured separately to receive a correction factor for the measured leakage rates. Different constructional measures are introduced to prevent a disturbing influence of the Helium leakage rate of the filling valves on the measurement results. Methods to estimate the disturbing effect of Helium permeation through permeable parts of the test sample are also presented. As a supporting method for the experimental investigations the Helium sniffer test can be applied. This practical application-oriented advice can enable other users to establish a pressure technique by accumulation for their own technical field.
A new concept that comprises both time- and lateral-resolved X-ray absorption fine-structure information simultaneously in a single shot is presented. This uncomplicated set-up was tested at the BAMline at BESSY-II (Berlin, Germany). The primary broadband beam was generated by a double multilayer monochromator. The transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111) crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by either an energy-sensitive area detector, the so-called color X-ray camera, or by an area-sensitive detector based on a CCD camera, in θ-2θ geometry. The first tests were performed with thin metal foils and some iron oxide mixtures. A time resolution of lower than 1 s together with a spatial resolution in one dimension of at least 50 µm is achieved.
Der einwandfreie Zustand der Radsätze von Schienenfahrzeugen ist von größter Bedeutung für den sicheren Betrieb. Die Radsatzwellen werden durch eine große Zahl von Lastwechseln individuell unterschiedlich beansprucht. Dabei spielen viele Einflüsse wie äußere statische und dynamische Lasten, innere Lasten aufgrund von Unwuchten und inneren Spannungen und Umweltbedingungen entscheidende Rollen. Eine regelmäßige Prüfung ist daher obligatorisch.
BTD entwickelt im Rahmen eines MNPQ-Projektes in Kooperation mit der BAM eine Phased Array Technik zur automatisierten Prüfung von Radsatzwellen im eingebauten
Zustand. Die schwierigen Ankoppelbedingungen aufgrund der begrenzten Zugänglichkeit, der komplexen Geometrie und möglicherweise vorhandener Farbschichten und Schmutz
auf der Radsatzwelle stellen hierbei große Herausforderungen dar. Um diesen zu begegnen,
werden neben optimierten Prüfköpfen, einer in die Wasservorlaufstrecke integrierten
akustischen Linse und einer speziellen Ankoppeltechnik auch Signalverarbeitungsalgorithmen
eingesetzt.
Die Darstellung der Signalverarbeitung ist der Schwerpunkt dieses Beitrages. Mit Hilfe von Messdatensätzen präparierter Testwellen werden verschiedene Algorithmen
erprobt und hinsichtlich der Stabilität, dem Verhalten bezüglich der
Ankoppelschwankungen und veränderter Wellengeometrien und der Fähigkeit zur
automatischen Unterscheidung von Fehler- und Formanzeigen bewertet. Letztlich wird die
beste Lösung im entwickelten Prüfsystem eingesetzt.
Amongst various other NDT methods, within the EMRP-project
‘VITCEA’ active thermography is validated for testing of CFRP and
GFRP structures constructed for energy application. In this
contribution, the optical and thermal properties of CFRP and GFRP
reference defect artefact (RDA) and natural defects artefact (NDA)
test specimens are characterized. Different excitation techniques
and techniques for data analysis are compared for optimizing the
number of detected defects.
In respect of modern approaches in material sciences and highly increased
requirements on materials on safety relevant components, quality management
and non-destructive testing reclaims a steadily increased meaning. The
destructive meaning of measuring the degree of purity is defined in DIN EN 10247
through metallurgical investigations, especially microsections.
For and comparable, but non-destructive testing due ultrasonic testing, the material
the SEP 1927 is a well-defined industry standard. A novel and alternative way
of reference block construction was focused by this work. The proposed amendments,
regarding the manufacturing and machining, are less time and cost consuming.
Verified by measurements the presented reference block fits the same acoustical
characteristics and the requirements of the guideline.
Novel air-coupled ultrasonic transducer combining the thermoacoustic with the piezoelectric effect
(2016)
In recent years, there has been an increasing industrial demand for one-sided inspection of various structures by means of air-coupled ultrasonic technique. Lightweight structures based on carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers may have very complex shapes, making air-coupled transmission difficult or even impossible. The inspection of concrete structures is another example where one-sided inspection is required.
To address these challenges a new type of transducer for air-coupled pulse-echo inspection was developed, which unites two principles: thermoacoustic emission and piezoelectric reception. The thermoacoustic emitter is a titanium electrode with a thickness of several tens of nanometer. This electrode was deposited onto charged cellular polypropylene, which serves as a piezoelectric receiver. The thermoacoustic transmission is based on a transformation of the thermal energy of an electrically heated electrode into the acoustic energy of an ultrasonic wave. Thermoacoustic emitters provide resonance-free behaviour and thus extremely broadband pulses. Charged cellular polypropylene is piezoelectric due to the polarization of its cells and it is well matched to air, with a Young modulus in the order of magnitude of MPa. In this contribution we present some pulse-echo measurements with the first prototypes of the combined thermoacoustic-piezoelectric transducer.
Characterization of multiphase metal matrix composites by means of CT and neutron diffraction
(2016)
The present study examines the relationship between the microstructure of multiphase metal matrix composites and their damage mechanisms. The matrix AlSi12CuMgNi was combined with 15% vol. Al₂O₃ (short fibers), and with 7% vol. Al₂O₃ + 15% vol. SiC (short fibers and whiskers, respectively). The experimental approach encompasses 3D microstructure characterization by means of computed tomography of samples (a) as-cast, (b) after heat treatment, and (c) after compression tests at room temperature. The volume fraction of different phases, their distribution, their orientation, and the presence of defects and damage are studied.
The influence of the addition of SiC particles on mechanical properties of composite was investigated. Phase-specific load partition analysis for samples with fiber plane parallel to load was performed by using neutron diffraction (ND) during in-situ compression. ND results show damage in the Si phase, while Al₂O₃ short fibers carry load without damage until failure. The computed tomography observations confirm the load partition analysis.
Reliability analysis of the ultrasonic inspection system for the inspection of hollow railway axles
(2016)
Axles are safety critical train components that are subjected to significant cyclic loading during operation. If the crack is initiated in the axle, cyclic loading will lead to crack propagation. To maintain structural integrity, axles must be periodically inspected for fatigue cracks in the material. Deutsche Bahn uses mechanized ultrasonic inspection system to inspect hollow railway axles. The inspections are performed from the bore surface, using several conventional transducers with different incident angles, inspecting the axle along the entire length. As with the every safety critical system, the reliability of these inspections must be determined with regard to their flaw detection capabilities. Traditionally this is done according to the relevant standards for railway vehicles. To investigate the capability of the NDT system more thoroughly, we want to evaluate the capability of the inspection system to detect flaws by means of probability of detection (POD) curves. It will be shown that other parameters, beside the size of the crack, for example crack position in the axle, influence the detection of the crack. The influence of these parameters was evaluated using ultrasonic simulation. The evaluation served as an input for the manufacturing of the flaws in the real scale axle. Once these axles are inspected and the data evaluated, using data from both measurement and simulation, we will express the POD of the crack as function of influencing parameters using the multiparameter POD model.
The canister for the permanent storage of spent nuclear fuel used by SKB in Sweden consists of a cast iron insert surrounded by a five centimetre thick shell of copper. It is a safety critical component and in order to secure long-term structural integrity non-destructive methods are used to inspect 100% of the volume of each canister, before it is disposed of in the repository. One of the critical components that requires inspection is a sealing weld, joining the copper tube and the lid. The friction stir weld is inspected using an ultrasonic phased array system. The area of the weld is inspected with several inspection channels with different angles and varying coverage. To make sure that no defects that might occur in the weld are overseen, the reliability of the inspection must be quantified. The reliability of NDT is usually quantified with the probability of detection curves. The influence of the parameters that might influence the POD of the flaws in the weld is investigated analysing the experimental results, as well as with a help of a numerical simulation of the inspection.
A round robin test on flash thermography was organized within the scope of a standardization research project. This test gives information on reliability, comparability and efficiency of different testing situations. Data recorded on metal and CFRP test specimens with flat bottom holes (FBH) were analysed by evaluating the detectability and by calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the defect signatures as a function of defect parameters. For the investigation of the influence of material properties on the spatial resolution as well as on penetration depth, test specimens made of steel and copper with crossed notches and a notch ramp were constructed and investigated. Here, the minimum resolvable notch distance and the maximum detectable depth of the ramp were analysed.
Active thermography is well suited for the detection of delaminations and cracks in façade elements like plaster and tiles. Not only artificial heating but also solar heating can be used if the adjustment of the façade and the weather conditions are suitable. Optical methods like laser scanners, photogrammetric methods and crack tracking sensors are providing geometrical 3D data which can be used for a 3D mapping of thermograms and for providing data with higher geometrical resolution. Thus, by the combination and fusion of these data, a comprehensive mapping and monitoring of damages of façade systems is possible.
Carbon-fiber reinforced composites are becoming more and more important in the production of light-weight structures, e.g., in the automotive and aerospace industry. Thermography is often used for non-destructive testing of These products, especially to detect delaminations between different layers of the composite.
In this presentation, we aim at methods for defect reconstruction from thermographic measurements of such carbon-fiber reinforced composites. The reconstruction results shall not only allow to locate defects, but also give a quantitative characterization of the defect properties. We discuss the simulation of the measurement process using finite element methods, as well as the experimental validation on flat bottom holes.
Especially in pulse thermography, thin boundary layers with steep temperature gradients occurring at the heated surface need to be resolved. Here we use the combination of a 1D analytical solution combined with numerical solution of the remaining defect equation. We use the simulations to identify material Parameters from the measurements.
Finally, fast heuristics for reconstructing defect geometries are applied to the acquired data, and compared for their accuracy and utility in detecting different defects like back surface defects or delaminations.
3D Crack analysis in hydrogen charged lean duplex stainless steel with synchrotron refraction CT
(2016)
Hydrogen in metals can cause a degradation of the mechanical properties, the so-called hydrogen embrittlement. In combination with internal stresses, hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC) can occur. This phenomenon is not completely understood yet. To better characterise the cracking behaviour, it is important to gain information about the evolution of the 3D crack network. For this purpose samples of lean duplex stainless steel were loaded with hydrogen by means of electrochemical charging and investigated by means of synchrotron refraction CT and SEM fractography after uniaxial tensile loading. Synchrotron refraction CT is an analyser-based imaging (ABI) technique. It uses a Si (111) single crystal as analyser, which is placed into the beam path between sample and detector. According to Bragg’s law only incident x-rays within a narrow range around the Bragg-angle are diffracted from the analyser into the detector. Hence, the analyser acts as an angular filter for the transmitted beam. This filtering allows to turn the refraction and scattering of x-rays into image contrast. Refraction occurs at all interfaces, where the density of the material changes and is more sensitive to density changes than the attenuation. Therefore, it is possible to detect smaller cracks than with classical x-ray imaging techniques, like CT, with comparable spacial resolution. It also visualises the 3D structure of the cracks and gains quantitative information about their morphology and distribution. Since cracks introduced by HAC are usually very small and have a small opening displacement, synchrotron refraction CT is expected to be well suited for imaging this cracking mechanism and can be a valuable tool to characterise the formation and the evolution of a 3D crack network.
Injection of poly(methyl methacrylate) cements, one standard Treatment for osteoporotic vertebral body fractures, may lead to critical loads and subsequent fractures in adjacent vertebral bodies. Biodegradable calcium phosphate cements (CPC) with bioinductive growth factors may be an alternative, since they have a Young’s modulus comparable to that of cancellous bone. Non-destructive tests with μCT and quantitative Image evaluation are used to assess new bone growth and material resorption following intravertebral injection of CPC. Immediate deep-freezing of excised bone prevents shrinkage or tissue disintegration and the samples have to be kept frozen for all following steps, including transport, μCT measurements, and subsequent biomechanical tests. Here we will report on a set-up to preserve the frozen state of the material and allow stable long-term serial μCT measurements. In addition, the image processing technique for the evaluation of bone growth and selected results on subsequently carried out compressive strength tests will be presented.
The permanently increasing number of wind turbines requires suited inspection and monitoring methods to ensure liability and security. Concerning the inspection of ro-tor blades, only manual inspections are state of the art. Thermographic Testing (TT) has the potential to detect typical failures and damages on rotor blades. The paper presents some results of onsite measurements carried out as “passive thermogra-phy”, i.e. without a defined heating procedure. Due the totally contactless meas-urement principle, TT can be applied to rotating blades as well as to resting blades. Both methods will be compared with respect to their possible realization.
The International Dangerous Goods Regulations prescribe the immersion under water method (“bubble test”) as standard method for the leakproofness test of dangerous goods packagings. But this test procedure acts as a test method for leak localisation, not for quantitative leakage rates measurement. Additionally, the sensitivity in detecting leaks of small diameters is restricted, depending on the test liquid and the test pressure. The bubble test is not suitable for a comparison with quantitative limit leakage rates based on realistic transport conditions. This is especially important when estimating the risk of the formation of an explosive atmosphere during the intercontinental carriage of dangerous goods packagings in freight containers.
To compare measured leakage rates with limit leakage rates, a quantitative leak testing procedure is required. Therefore a new approach for dangerous goods packagings is implemented: The pressure technique by accumulation using Helium as a tracer gas.
This work presents the test equipment necessary for the quantitative measurement of Helium leakage rates through closures of different kinds of dangerous goods packagings. The essential steps to achieve good repeatable results are: A controlled Helium filling process to reach a defined test pressure in the test sample, a sufficient homogenisation of the Helium-air-mixture inside the test sample and the ensuring of a constant pressure level of the test sample during the test. The Helium loss rate of the accumulation chamber has to be measured separately to receive a correction factor for the measured leakage rates. Different constructional measures are introduced to prevent a disturbing influence of the Helium leakage rate of the filling valves on the measurement results. Methods to estimate the disturbing effect of Helium permeation through permeable parts of the test sample are also presented. As a supporting method for the experimental investigations the Helium sniffer test can be applied. This practical application-oriented advice can enable other users to establish a pressure technique by accumulation for their own technical field.
The most substantial innovations in radiographic imaging techniques of the last two decades aim at enhanced image contrast of weakly absorbing micro and nano structures by taking advantage of X-ray refraction effects occurring at outer and inner surfaces. The applications range from fibre reinforced plastics to biological tissues. These techniques comprise, among others, X-ray refraction topography, diffraction enhanced imaging, phase contrast imaging, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry, and refraction enhanced imaging. They all make use of selective beam deflections up to a few minutes of arc: the X-ray refraction effect. In contrast to diffraction, this type of interaction has a 100 % scattering cross section, as shown experimentally. Since X-ray refraction is very sensitive to the orientation of interfaces, it is additionally a tool to detect, e.g., fibre or pore orientation. If the detector resolution exceeds the size of (small) individual features, one detects the integral information (of inner surfaces) within the gauge volume. We describe the above-mentioned techniques, and show their experimental implementation in the lab and at a synchrotron source. We also show strategies for data processing and quantitative analysis.
Grating interferometric set-ups have been established in the last decade. They are promising candidates to obtain enhanced image contrast from weakly absorbing micro and nano structures. They are based on X-ray refraction and near-field diffraction using the Talbot effect.
At the expense of taking multiple images, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry allows separating the absorption, refraction, and scattering contributions by analysing the disturbances of a phase grating interference pattern. Contrary to other refraction enhanced methods, this technique can be applied using conventional X-ray tubes (divergent, polychromatic source). This makes it attractive to solve typical non-destructive testing problems.
We investigated the efficiency of phase gratings, i.e. the visibility (the amplitude of oscillations) upon variation of propagation distance and phase grating rotation around an axis parallel to the grid lines. This grating rotation changes the grating shape (i.e. the distributions of phase shifts). This can yield higher visibilities than derived from rectangular shapes.
Our study includes experimental results obtained from synchrotron radiation, as well as simulations for monochromatic radiation. The advantages of Talbot-Lau interferometry are demonstrated at the example of glass capillaries.
For non-destructive testing (NDT) appropriate reference blocks are required in order to verify and calibrate a testing procedure. At BAM a special electric discharge machining (EDM) system has been developed which is able to manufacture artificial defects having a width down to 30 μm.
Especially in the case of austenitic materials conventional EDM leads to a transformation of austenite to martensite. The martensite transformation causes a higher sensitivity of electromagnetic NDT methods (e. g. eddy current testing) at the artificial defects compared to natural defects of same size. The EDM system developed at BAM uses very low energy to avoid this material transformation. A side effect of the low-energy EDM is a lower surface roughness compared to conventional EDM. The artificial defects manufactured at BAM are measured optically and delivered with a certificate. A comparison of artificial defects shows the influence of material transformation on NDT and how differently the quality of the artificial defects can be.
One essential step on the way towards accurate quantitative simulation of radiographic testing is an accurate description of the utilized energy spectrum of X-ray photons. For use in general purpose simulation tools, the spectra of X-ray tubes have to be described by a model covering at least the intended range of applications. This range includes transmission tubes as well as direct beam tubes with varying angles of incidence and emission, for a number of typical target materials. In radiographic testing acceleration voltages frequently reach up to 450 kV for direct beam targets and up to 225 kV for transmission targets, with even higher voltages available or being developed. Currently used models are unable to cover the whole range of configurations.
Here a model is presented that employs a unified approach for simulating the photon energy spectra for transmission and direct beam targets composed of arbi-trary 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.
Modeling of the photon-electron cascade progress 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 electron transport. Secondly, small parameter of the problem is explicitly taking into account for modeling surface effects (for instance, electron emission). Thirdly, the effective calculation decomposition between CPU and GPU is developed for significant increasing the speed of calculations of processes in question. Modeling of experiment on researching the bremsstrahlung generated by electron beam in Ta target is carried out. Comparison of computing and experimental results shows satisfactory consent.
In this contribution, we discuss the influence of scattered radiation on materials’ effective attenuation coefficients at higher X-ray energies. The selected X-ray spectra for the dual-energy experiments correspond to 3 MV and 7.5 MV acceleration potential of the used betatron. Experiments were performed on a test phantom containing step wedges of different low- and high-Z materials. We evaluated the ratio between low- and high-energy X-ray attenuation coefficients quantitatively based on simulated poly-energetic high-energy X-ray source spectra and the detector sensitivity using the “analytical Radiographic Testing inspection simulation tool” (aRTist) developed at BAM. Furthermore, the influence of scattered radiation is evaluated using an efficient Monte-Carlo simulation. The simulation results are compared quantitatively with experimental investigations. Finally, important applications of the proposed technique in the context of aviation security are discussed.
X-ray backscatter imaging is a well established NDT technique to inspect complex objects using only a single-sided access. In difference to conventional transmission X-ray radiography, the X-ray backscatter imaging utilizes the scattered radiation caused by the Compton scattering effect. In order to achieve high backscatter intensities from a test object, it is necessary to optimize the backscatter system parameters namely the angle between source and slit camera, the slit collimator system, the shielding between source and scatter camera, and the type of detector. In addition, the scatter phenomena in to the investigated object need to be understood.
In this contribution, we present a Monte Carlo model McRay which considers all relevant single and multiple interactions of photons and electrons. This model can be used to simulate back scatter techniques. It allows not only calculating the scatter image for a given experimental setup but also registering the spectrum of the detected scattered photons. Both aspects are important to understand the imaging process, to interpret the results, and to optimize the backscatter camera investigated here. Additionally experimental results will be presented and compared with simulations.
Electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 0.1 and 10 THz are described as THz-radiation (T-ray). The ability to penetrate dielectric materials makes T-rays attractive to reveal discontinuities in polymer and ceramic materials. THz-Time Domain Spectroscopy Systems (THz-TDS) are available on the market today which operates with THz-pulses transmitted and received by optically pumped semiconductor antennas. In THz-TDS the travelling time (ToF) and shape of the pulse is changed if it interacts with the dielectric material and its inherent discontinuities.
A tomogram of the object under the test can be reconstructed from time of flight diffraction (ToFD) scans if a synthetic focusing aperture (SAFT) algorithm is applied. Otherwise, planar discontinuities like cracks in plastics or delaminated layers in composites can be abstracted as layers located at any angle in relation to the outer sample surface direction. A tomogram from the scanned sample can then be reconstructed in case the interactions of electromagnetic pulses with the existing inherent interfaces are detectable and a model is assumed which describes the device under the test as multilayer structure composed of thin layers with different dielectric properties.
A short description of both the SAFT – and Optical Layer algorithm for the reconstruction of the inherent structure is initially given. Measurements on representative samples with a variety of artificially produced small and large scale. Reconstructed tomograms are presented to discuss and evaluate the benefits and limits of the two different reconstruction approaches.
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.
Since a few years the direct detection of X-ray photons into electrical signals is possible by usage of highly absorbing photo conducting materials (e.g. CdTe) as detection layer of an underlying CMOS semiconductor X-ray detector. Even NDT energies up to 400 keV are possible today, as well. The image sharpness and absorption efficiency is improved by the replacement of the unsharp scintillation layer (as used at indirect detecting detectors) by a photo conducting layer of much higher thickness. If the read-out speed is high enough (ca. 50 – 100 ns dead time) single X-ray photons can be counted and their energy measured. Read-out noise and dark image correction can be avoided. By setting energy thresholds selected energy ranges of the X-ray spectrum can be detected or suppressed. This allows material discrimination by dual-energy techniques or the reduction of image contributions of scattered radiation, which results in an enhanced contrast sensitivity. To use these advantages in an effective way, a special calibration procedure has to be developed, which considers also time dependent processes in the detection layer. This contribution presents some of these new properties of direct detecting digital detector arrays (DDAs) and shows first results on testing fiber reinforced composites as well as first approaches to dual energy imaging.
Forderungen nach höherer Geschwindigkeit und die Komplexität der Fragen geben der analytischen Chemie neue Impulse. So nutzt die Prozessanalytik gepulste Ramanspektrometer, die Elemente Arsen und Quecksilber dominieren die Forschung in der Speziesanalytik, und die Omics-Techniken entwickeln sich zu Multi-Omics-Ansätzen. Ambiente MS-Techniken benötigen keine aufwendige Probenvorbereitung, multidimensionale Trenntechniken werden verstärkt in der Routine eingesetzt, und Chip-basierte Trennungen fallen durch Schnelligkeit auf. Molekülspektroskopie und Massenspektrometrie dominieren die bildgebenden Verfahren, und die Lateralauflösung der ToF-Sekundärionenmassenspektrometrie hat sich bei Oberflächenuntersuchungen verbessert.
Abstract Investigations on metal halide systems carried out by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry in the period 1990-2014 are reviewed in the present paper.163 original papers were published focused on metal halides showing still considerable activity in this area. The fundamentals of the Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry method and thermodynamic background of the investigation are briefly reported. Data to the system studied, temperature ranges, Knudsen cell materials, vapor species identified in the equilibrium vapors and the thermodynamic properties obtained in the study are presented. The important issues of metal halide vaporization studies are briefly discussed and commented. The studies of the vaporization of metal halogens by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry aimed firstly atthe determination of gaseous complexes species in the vapor and determination of its thermodynamic data like sublimation enthalpy etc. and secondly at the determination of negative ions formation and various ion-molecule equilibria reactions of metal halide systems. Many of the studied materials have a crucial role for modern technologies, for example metal halide lamps, hot corrosion caused by halide salts, phosphorus recovery technologies or gas assisted separation of lanthanides. The investigation of such systems gives information on mechanisms of vaporization, volatility of the systems under various conditions (temperature, pressure etc.), reactivity, thermal stability, resistance etc. that could be further applied for various calculations and to predict the behavior of various components under various technological aspects.
Ein wesentliches Grundbedürfnis ist die Sicherheit, d. h. die Gewissheit, in einer sicheren Umgebung zu leben und zu arbeiten. Die existenzielle Sicherheit ist eine notwendige Voraussetzung zur Befriedigung aller weiteren notwendigen Bedürfnisse. Auch die Technik ist ohne Sicherheit nicht denkbar. Trotz aller Bemühungen kommt es aber immer wieder zu Unfällen, aus welchen Gründen auch immer. Eine Strategie, Unfälle zu verhindern bzw. deren Eintrittswahrscheinlichkeit zu minimieren ist es, zwischen einem Objekt mit einem hohen Gefährdungspotenzial und seiner Nachbarschaft, Barrieren zu errichten, z. B. durch eine schützende Isolierung, Sicherheitsabstände oder durch eine Erdüberdeckung. Die erdgedeckte Verlegung von Pipelines ist Stand der Technik. Über die Überdeckungshöhen scheint es jedoch verschiedene Auffassungen zu geben. Im folgenden Beitrag werden dazu einige Beispiele vorgestellt.
In 2011, the German Association of Engineers (VDI) started working on a set of guidelines dealing with the improvement of resource efficiency. These guidelines represent a framework that defines resource efficiency and outlines proposals for the producing industry. A special guideline for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is included as well as guidelines on methodologies for evaluating resource use indicators, such as the cumulative raw material demand of products and production systems. The work on resource use indicators is still in progress. The evaluation of raw materials expenditure will include water, soil and land use. The model will include the availability of raw materials (criticality). Improving resource efficiency at the end-of-life stage is illustrated in this paper by the example of materials recovery from waste, here from residues out of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). With mechanical treatment valuable materials like ferrous and non-ferrous metals and secondary construction material can be extracted from MSWI bottom ash. The potential contribution on the resource efficiency is discussed.
Applications of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composites in modern industries are increasing due to their considerable advantages such as light weight and excellent mechanical properties. Accordingly, importance of operational safety of modern structures made of advanced composites by ensuring the material quality has led to increasing demands for development of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) systems. In the context of a European project entitled “Validated Inspection Techniques for Composites in Energy Applications” (VITCEA), the aim is to develop and validate traceable procedures for novel NDE techniques with contrasting damage detection capabilities in energy related applications such as wind and marine turbine blades, nacelles, oil and gas flexible risers. Accordingly, VITCEA focuses on optimization of ultrasonic tests (UTs) for quantitative defect detection and quality characterization of FRP structures. In this context, the present study describes the ultrasound field in heterogeneous composite materials. The theoretical predictions are compared with simulation results obtained from CIVA a software package dedicated to NDT simulations based on the asymptotic ray theory.
This review article comprises of three parts. Firstly, reports of brake manufacturers on the beneficial impact of solid lubricants for pad formulations are surveyed. Secondly, since tribofilms were identified to play a crucial role in friction stabilization and wear reduction, the knowledge about tribofilm structures formed during automotive braking was reviewed comprehensively. Finally, a model for simulating the sliding behavior of tribofilms is suggested and a review on modelling efforts with different model structures related to real tribofilms will be presented. Although the variety of friction composites involved in commercial brake systems is very broad, striking similarities were observed in respect to tribofilm nanostructures. Thus a generalization of the tribofilm nanostructure is suggested and prerequisites for smooth sliding performance and minimal wear rates have been identified. A minimum of 13 vol.% of soft inclusions embedded in an iron oxide based tribofilm is crucial for obtaining the desired properties. As long as the solid lubricants or their reaction products are softer than magnetite, the main constituent of the tribofilm, the model predicts smooth sliding and a minimum of wear.
Rising importance of composite lightweight structures in aircraft and automobile industries increases the demand on reliable non-destructive testing methods for these structures. Air-coupled ultrasonic testing emerged to suit these requirements as it does not require any liquid coupling medium. In conventional air-coupled ultrasonic transducers, matching layers are used in order to decrease the impedance mismatch between transducer and air. Matching layers can be omitted by using ferroelectrets, which are charged cellular polymers having ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. Especially a low Young’s modulus, low density and low sound velocity of cellular polypropylene (cPP) are properties being required for well-matched air-coupled ultrasonic transducers.
In our contribution we show recent enhancements of cPP transducers resulting in focused sound fields and thus improved lateral sensitivity. The influence of different transmitter apertures was evaluated using measurements of the emitted sound field. Further we show a transmission of a test specimen of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) containing artificial damages. Results of focused transducers were compared to planar ferroelectret transducers, as well as to conventional air-coupled transducers.
Mit dem KorroPad Verfahren ist es dem Anwender möglich den Zustand der Passivschicht nichtrostender Stähle auf sehr einfache und schnelle Weise einschätzen zu können. Das Verfahren eignet sich dazu, den Grad der Passivität in Abhängigkeit der Umgebungsbedingungen und der Zeit nachzuvollziehen. Dies ermöglicht dem Anwender und Verarbeiter von nichtrostenden Stählen, die Lagerungsbedingungen und –zeiten einer frisch bearbeiteten Stahloberfläche zu ermitteln, welche für die Ausbildung einer stabilen Passivschicht notwendig sind, bevor diese risikoarm eingesetzt werden kann. Wie die hier dargestellten Beispiele und auch weitere zahlreiche praktische Anwendungen gezeigt haben, eignet sich das KorroPad ebenfalls für die Identifikation kritischer Prozessparameter bei der Verarbeitung nichtrostender Stähle. Mit dem Verfahren lassen sich viele prozessbedingte Einflussfaktoren auf die Oberflächengüte wie auch auf den Werkstoff charakterisieren. Aufgrund der schnellen und einfachen Auswertung der Prüfergebnisse können positive wie auch negative Veränderungen hinsichtlich der Passivschichtstabilität zügig erkannt werden. Dies ermöglicht es dem Anwender schnell zu reagieren, um kritische Einflüsse zu korrigieren und um eine Optimierung von Inhouse-Prozessen durchzuführen. Weitere Einsatzgebiete sind im Bereich der Wareneingangs- und/oder Warenausgangskontrolle denkbar, überall wo es um die Frage der Passivschichtstabilität einer nichtrostenden Stahloberfläche geht.
Within the scope of a DIN INS project, a flash thermography round robin test that evaluates reliability, comparability and efficiency of different testing situations is organized. The results give information about the detectability of defects e.g. by their size and depth, the evaluation method and by the materials used. Besides, the influence of equipment and parameters used by the participants on the results were analysed. All of the quantitative results as well as the feedback given by the participants will be presented in a DIN committee in order to contribute to a flash thermography standard.