Radiography

and
Advanced NDT Methods

1
 Radiography Principles
Radiography uses penetrating radiation (of shorter wavelength):

• As it passes through an object, is absorbed in differing amounts according

to the material density and thickness.

Industrial radiograph uses:

1. X-ray tube
2. Radioisotope as the source of penetrating radiation.

Can penetrate dense materials

• Denser materials will be light grey, less dense will vary black to grey

2
 X-Ray Dash 8

3
 Radiography
The radiation used in radiography testing is a higher energy
(shorter wavelength) version of the electro-magnetic waves that
we see as visible light.

4
 Radiography Principles
Primarily the use of X-Rays or Gamma Rays for penetration
into and through the area of interest :
1. X-Rays: the transfer of energy between the high speed
interaction of electrons
2. Gamma Rays: are emitted from the disintegrating nuclei of
radioactive substances

5
 X-ray tube
X-Ray Tube
Cathode (Negative -)
• current passed through filament (electrons boiled off)
• greater current = hotter = more electrons
Anode (Positive +)
• Copper - electrical conductor for impacting electrons

6
 Scatter Radiation
Scatter:
• As x-rays interact with
material beams are
scattered indifferent
direction.
• Back-scatter, deflected by
surrounding walls
• Can cause fogging (reduced
film contrast)

7
 Common Characteristics

X-Rays & Gamma Rays

• Travel in straight lines
• Penetration depends amount of energy, density and
material thickness
• Absorbed and scattered by matter
• Expose photographic emulsions (film)
• Cannot be detected in any way by the human body
• WILL ALWAYS DAMAGE LIVING TISSUE

8
 Radiograph
• A radiograph is a shadow picture of an object that has been placed in the
path of an x-ray or gamma-ray beam:

• Between the source of the radiation and the film

• The image of a part or item being inspected by radiography is viewed on

photographic medium is in the negative

9
 Film Construction
Film Construction
Consists of 2 Parts: Base & Medium
• Base: polyester, provide support for the emulsion
• When x-ray passes through film, it interacts with medium
crystals (medium or emulsion)
• Image made visible when developed

10
 SAFETY
Time: keep exposure time as short as possible
Shielding: lead or depleted uranium
Collimator: a device that surrounds radiation source
Safety Barriers: to prevent unauthorized entry
Warning horns: sounded when x-ray shoot is tasking place

11
 Exposure Factors
 Material thickness and density
 Shape and size of object
 Type of defect to be detected
 Exposure distance
 Exposure angle
 Film characteristics
 Characteristics of equipment used

12
 Advantages/Disadvantageous
Advantages
1. Many materials: metallic & non-metallic
2. Permanent record of inspection
3. Penetrates dense materials
4. No calibration on job

Disadvantageous
1. Radiation hazards
2. Depth of defect not indicated
3. Expensive
4. Limited depth penetration
5. Access to both sides required

13
 Advanced Inspection Methods

A variety of advanced methods of inspection are available to aid

in determining the extent and degree of damage or discontinuity

1. Acoustic emission
2. Holographic Imagery
3. Shearography
4. Thermography
5. Computed Tomography

14
 Acoustic Emission
Acoustic Emission (AE) – (similar to ultrasound)
•Noise emitted by materials and structures when they are subjected to stress.
(Example; while in flight with engines running)

• AE has found applications in monitoring the health of aerospace structures

because sensors can be attached in easily accessed areas that are
remotely located from damage prone sites.

• The sensor is a transducer that converts the mechanical wave into an

electrical signal.

15
 Acoustic Emission
Acoustic Emission (AE) – (cont’d)
• Data about the existence and location of possible damage
sources is obtained.
• Cannot determine the size flaws but can greatly reduce area to
be inspected by other NDT methods

16
 Thermography
• Detects the relative amounts of heat in components to detect flaws and
cracks
• Discontinuities will have different rates of thermal conductivity
• Due to constant temperature changes, pressurization and
depressurization, vibration, and high wind loads, material fatigue
occurs.

17
 Holographic Imagery

Holography
•Uses two laser beams (light waves) to create 3-
dimensional image then beams are compared and
recorded
• Commonly used for surface flaws on composite
structures
• Can detect entrapped water in composites

18
 Computed Tomography

• Radiation Inspection that can provide density and geometric images

of cross section of the test component

• Allows inspector to slice open the component

• Uses computer to construct an image

• Internal structure is not hidden or shaded by other structure that

may be in the beam path

• Requires full access to test part

19
20
21
4