Enhanced analysis of x-ray images of complex geometries
Project challenges
X-ray images of complex geometries are frequently hard to interpret and relate back to the inspected component, due to the lack of depth information in the images and spatial variations in magnification across the component.
Business challenge
Product Innovation
Sector
Aerospace
Technology or capability
Digital Manufacturing
Metrology & NDT
The Challenge
X-ray images of complex geometries are frequently hard to interpret and relate back to the inspected component, due to the lack of depth information in the images and spatial variations in magnification across the component.
This is particularly relevant to components produced by new manufacturing methods, such as Additive Manufacturing (AM).
MTC's Solution
MTC developed two tools:
- An algorithm that allows a simulation of the inspection to be used as a quantitative baseline for an experimental image;
- An image viewer tool that allows a set of experimental radiographs to be related to the geometry (CAD) of the component being tested and explored interactively.
This project enables the greater use of simulation power in the analysis – manual or automated – of radiographs from complex geometries, to allow a higher quality inspection to be provided.
Dr Nick Brierley - Principal Research Engineer, MTC.
The Outcome
The tools were demonstrated, illustrating their potential for enabling an improved inspection.
Further details can be found in N. Brierley, Simulation-supported analysis of complex radiographs, in 10th International Symposium on NDT in Aerospace, 2018.
Benefits to the Client
An improved analysis of radiographs acquired from complex-shaped components, including the highlighting of deviations from the nominal component (1st tool) and the ability to locate and correlate features seen in different images on the physical sample (2nd tool).
