Assessing efficacy of standard impregnation techniques on die-cast aluminum alloys using X-ray micro-CT

Utilizing lightweight Al alloys in various industrial applications requires achieving precise pressure tightness and leak requirements.Vacuum pressure impregnation(VPI)with thermosetting polymers is commonly used to address leakage defects in die-cast Al alloys.In this study,the efficacy of the VPI technique in sealing alloy parts was investigated using a combination of nondestructive micro X-ray computed tomography(micro XCT)and a standard leak test.The results demonstrate that the commonly used water leak test is insufficient for determining the sealing performance.Instead,micro XCT shows distinct advantages by enabling more comprehensive analysis.It reveals the presence of a low atomic number impregnates sealant within casting defects,which has low grey contrast and allows for visualizing primary leakage paths in 3D.The effective atomic number of impregnated resin is 6.75 and that of Al alloy is 13.69 by dual-energy X-ray CT.This research findings will contribute to enhancing the standard VPI process parameters and the properties of impregnating sealants to improve quality assurance for impregnation in industrial metals.

Improvements to conventional X-ray tube-based cone-beam computed tomography system

Conventional X-ray tube-based cone-beam computed tomography(CX-CBCT) systems have great potential in industrial applications. Such systems can rapidly obtain a three-dimensional(3D) image of an object.Conventional X-ray tubes fulfill the requirements for industrial applications, because of their high tube voltage and power. Continuous improvements have been made to CX-CBCT systems, such as imaging time shortening,acquisition strategy optimization, and imaging software development, etc. In this study, a CX-CBCT system is developed. Additionally, some improvements to the CX-CBCT system are proposed based on the hardware conditions of the X-ray tube and detector. A near-detector(ND)geometry condition is employed to obtain a sharper image and larger detection area. An improved acquisition strategy is proposed to simplify operations and reduce total imaging time. In the ND geometry condition, a simplified method called FBP slice stacking(SS-FBP) is proposed, which can be applied to 3D image reconstruction. SS-FBP is timesaving relative to traditional methods. Furthermore, imaging software for the CX-CBCT system is developed in the MATLAB environment. Several imaging experiments were performed. The results suggest that the CX-CBCT system works properly, and that the above improvements are feasible and practical.

A fast and adaptive method for automatic weld defect detection in various real-time X-ray imaging systems

A first and effective method is proposed to detect weld deject adaptively in various Dypes of real-time X-ray images obtained in different conditions. After weld extraction and noise reduction, a proper template of median filter is used to estimate the weld background. After the weld background is subtracted from the original image, an adaptite threshold segmentation algorithm is proposed to obtain the binary image, and then the morphological close and open operation, labeling algorithm and fids＇e alarm eliminating algorithm are applied to pracess the binary image to obtain the defect, ct detection result. At last, a fast realization procedure jbr proposed method is developed. The proposed method is tested in real-time X-ray image,s obtairted in different X-ray imaging sutems. Experiment results show that the proposed method is effective to detect low contrast weld dejects with few .false alarms and is adaptive to various types of real-time X-ray imaging systems.

Values of high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests in managements of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

AIM:To investigate pulmonary involvement via pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomocjraphy (HRCT) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS:Thirty-four patients with chronic HCV infection without diagnosis of any pulmonary diseases and 10 healthy cases were enrolled in the study,PFT and HRCT were performed in all cases. RESULTS:A decrease lower than 80% of the predicted value was detected in vital capacity in 9/34 patients,in forced expiratory volume in one second in 8/34 patients,and in forced expiratory flow 25-75 in 15/34 patients,respectively.Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) was decreased in 26/34 patients.Findings of interstitial pulmonary involvement were detected in the HRCT of 16/34 patients.Significant difference was found between controls and patients with HCV infection in findings of HRCT (X^2=4.7,P=0.003).Knodell histological activity index (KHAI) of 28/34 patients in whom liver biopsy was applied was 9.0±4.7.HRCT findings,PFT values and DLCO were not affected by KHAI in patients with HCV infection.In these patients,all the parameters were related with age. CONCLUSION:We suggest that chronic hepatitis C virus infection may cause pulmonary interstitial involvement without evident respiratory symptoms.

Non-destructive study of fruits using grating-based X-ray imaging

Grating-based X-ray imaging can make use of conventional tube sources to provide absorption, refraction and scattering contrast images from a single set of projection images efficiently. In this paper, a fresh cherry tomato and a dried umeboshi are imaged by using X-ray Talbot–Lau interferometer. The seed distribution in the scattering image of the cherry tomato, and the wrinkles of epicarp in the refraction image of the umeboshi, are shown distinctly. The refraction and scattering images provide more information on subtle features than the absorption image. Also, the contrast-to-noise ratio values show distinguishing capacity of the three kinds of imaging techniques. The results confirm that grating-based X-ray imaging is of great potential in non-destructive fruit testing.

Application of molybdenum target X-ray photography in imaging analysis of caudal intervertebral disc degeneration in rats

BACKGROUND Conventional plain X-ray images of rats,the most common animals used as degeneration models,exhibit unclear vertebral structure and blurry intervertebral disc spaces due to their small size,slender vertebral bodies.AIM To apply molybdenum target X-ray photography in the evaluation of caudal intervertebral disc(IVD)degeneration in rat models.METHODS Two types of rat caudal IVD degeneration models(needle-punctured model and endplate-destructed model)were established,and their effectiveness was verified using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.Molybdenum target inspection and routine plain X-ray were then performed on these models.Additionally,four observers were assigned to measure the intervertebral height of degenerated segments on molybdenum target plain X-ray images and routine plain X-ray images,respectively.The degeneration was evaluated and statistical analysis was subsequently conducted.RESULTS Nine rats in the needle-punctured model and 10 rats in the endplate-destructed model were effective.Compared with routine plain X-ray images,molybdenum target plain X-ray images showed higher clarity,stronger contrast,as well as clearer and more accurate structural development.The McNemar test confirmed that the difference was statistically significant(P=0.031).In the two models,the reliability of the intervertebral height measured by the four observers on routine plain X-ray images was poor(ICC<0.4),while the data obtained from the molybdenum target plain X-ray images were more reliable.CONCLUSIONMolybdenum target inspection can obtain clearer images and display fine calcification in the imaging evaluation of caudal IVD degeneration in rats,thus ensuring a more accurate evaluation of degeneration.

Measurement of niobium reaction rate for material surveillance tests in fast reactors

A highly accurate and precise technique for measurement of the 93 Nb(n,n’)93m Nb reaction rate was established for the material surveillance tests,etc.in fast reactors.The self-absorption effect on the measurement of the characteristic X-rays emitted by 93m Nb was decreased by the dissolution and evaporation to dryness of niobium dosimeter.A highly precise count of the number of 93 Nb atoms was obtained by measuring the niobium solution concentration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.X-rays of 93m Nb were measured accurately by means of comparing the X-ray intensity of irradiated niobium solution with that of the solution in which stable 93 Nb was added.The difference between both intensities indicates the effect of 182 Ta,which is generated from an impurity tantalum,and the intensity of X-rays from 93m Nb was evaluated.Measurement error of the 93 Nb(n,n’)93m Nb reaction rate was reduced to be less than 4%,which was equivalent to the other reaction rate errors of dosimeters used for Joyo dosimetry.In addition,an advanced technique using Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry was proposed for the precise measurement of 93m Nb yield,and 93m Nb will be resonance-ionized selectively by discriminating the hyperfine splitting of the atomic energy levels between 93 Nb and 93m Nb at high resolution.

Computer-Aided Design of X-Ray Microtomographic Scanners

The article is to study the development of computer-aided design of X-ray microtomography—the device for investigating the structure and construction of three-dimensional images of organic and inorganic objects on the basis of shadow projections. This article provides basic information regarding CAD of X-ray microtomography and a scheme consisting of three levels. The article also shows basic relations of X-ray computed tomography, the generalized scheme of an X-ray microtomographic scanner. The methods of X-ray imaging of the spatial microstructure and morphometry of materials are described. The main characteristics of an X-ray microtomographic scanner, the X-ray source, X-ray optical elements and mechanical components of the positioning system are shown. The block scheme and software functional scheme for intelligent neural network system of analysis of the internal microstructure of objects are presented. The method of choice of design parameters of CAD of X-ray microtomography aims at improving the quality of design and reducing costs of it. It is supposed to reduce the design time and eliminate the growing number of engineers involved in development and construction of X-ray microtomographic scanners.

Fast and Low Cost X-Ray Stereoradiography Displayed on a 3D Monitor

Conventional x-ray stereoradiography based on film radiography is not practical due to its inconvenient and time-consuming procedures. In this research, an image viewing system consisted of a 30 cm × 30 cm gadolinium oxy-sulfide (GOS) fluorescent screen and a Cannon 500D digital camera were designed and constructed for real-time and near real-time x-ray imaging. The camera was connected to a laptop computer via USB port to allow remote camera setting and control as well as view image on the computer. The system was tested with x-rays generated from a Rigaku x-ray tube for its response at various camera settings and exposure times. The image brightness increased with increasing of the camera ISO setting and with the exposure time as expected. To test the system performance, two test specimens were radiographed including a video camera and a floppy disk drive as well as two simulated specimens. Each of the test specimens was also radiographed at two positions by moving the specimens approximately 6 cm from the first position. The two radiographs of each specimen were then combined to make an anaglyph image that could be viewed in 3D on a normal LCD or LED monitor by using appropriate color glasses. When the two radiographs were combined to make MPO (multiple object) file format, it could be viewed in 3D on a 3D monitor with or without 3D glasses depending on type of the monitor. The developed system could be conveniently employed for routine inspection of a specimen both in 2D and 3D within a minute.

Quantitative analysis of deformation in hollow cylinder tests on anisotropic clay formations

A series of triaxial laboratory experiments are performed on thick-walled hollow cylindrical samples of boom clay.The aim of this testing program is to better understand the anisotropic deformation during the excavation.The testing conditions are similar to those to be experienced by host rocks around disposal galleries for radioactive waste.X-ray computed tomography is performed at different steps for each test with the samples remaining inside the loading cell.Initial analysis of the tomography images allows of the observation of the deformation of the central hole.In addition,particles manual tracking and 3D volumetric digital image correlation processing methods are considered being used to analyze the particles displacements and the boundary deformation of the sample quantitatively.An unsymmetrical damaged zone is induced around the hole,with a reverse deformation trend being found at the boundary after unloading,which indicates that the significant anisotropic deformation of boom clay can be induced by mechanical unloading.

The Calibration and Use of a New Ring-Shaped Ionization Chamber for Monitoring and Dosimetry of X-Ray Beams

Today, dosimeters are used generally for dosimetry of the diagnostic X-ray beam. Ionization chambers are appropriate instruments for monitoring and also the dosimetry of X-ray beam in medical diagnostic equipment. The present work introduces design and investigation of a new ring-shaped monitor chamber with a PMMA body, graphite-coated PMMA windows (0.5 mm thick), a special graphite-foil central electrode (0.1 mm thick, 0.7 g/cm3 dense) that creating two sensitive volumes and a central hole for crossing the radiation beam with less attenuation. The results of performance tests conducted at the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, AEOI in Karaj- Iran proved the high short and long-term stability, the very low leakage current, the low directional dependence and very high ion collection efficiency through the special design of the collecting electrode. Moreover, the FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations certified the negligible effect of central electrode on this new ring-shaped monitor chamber. According to the results of the performance tests, the new monitor chamber can be used as a standard dosimeter in order to monitor X-ray beam in primary standard dosimetry laboratories.

X-Ray Image Interpretation Guide for Aviation Aluminum Alloy Castings

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the basic steps of X-ray image interpretation of aviation castings,so as to provide a learning guidance for beginners and reduce the exploration time.Among them,the introduction of specifications,the requirements for image quality,and the application of reference radiographs are just a sorting out the key points.If there is a need for practical application,we should conduct a deeper exploration and understanding of each specification,not just cite this article.

Three-dimensional finite element simulation and reconstruction of jointed rock models using CT scanning and photogrammetry

The geometry of joints has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of rocks.To simplify the curved joint shapes in rocks,the joint shape is usually treated as straight lines or planes in most laboratory experiments and numerical simulations.In this study,the computerized tomography (CT) scanning and photogrammetry were employed to obtain the internal and surface joint structures of a limestone sample,respectively.To describe the joint geometry,the edge detection algorithms and a three-dimensional (3D) matrix mapping method were applied to reconstruct CT-based and photogrammetry-based jointed rock models.For comparison tests,the numerical uniaxial compression tests were conducted on an intact rock sample and a sample with a joint simplified to a plane using the parallel computing method.The results indicate that the mechanical characteristics and failure process of jointed rocks are significantly affected by the geometry of joints.The presence of joints reduces the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS),elastic modulus,and released acoustic emission (AE) energy of rocks by 37%–67%,21%–24%,and 52%–90%,respectively.Compared to the simplified joint sample,the proposed photogrammetry-based numerical model makes the most of the limited geometry information of joints.The UCS,accumulative released AE energy,and elastic modulus of the photogrammetry-based sample were found to be very close to those of the CT-based sample.The UCS value of the simplified joint sample (i.e.38.5 MPa) is much lower than that of the CT-based sample (i.e.72.3 MPa).Additionally,the accumulative released AE energy observed in the simplified joint sample is 3.899 times lower than that observed in the CT-based sample.CT scanning provides a reliable means to visualize the joints in rocks,which can be used to verify the reliability of photogrammetry techniques.The application of the photogrammetry-based sample enables detailed analysis for estimating the mechanical properties of jointed rocks.

轻武器光学瞄具的视差参数测试

在对传统的视差测量方法进行充分研究的基础上,提出了基于自动调焦技术的轻武器光学瞄具的视差参数测试方法。介绍了自动调焦技术的工作原理及其系统组成框图;根据轻武器瞄具性能指标的具体要求,结合自动调焦技术设计了一套轻武器瞄具的视差参数测试系统,并介绍了被测瞄具放入该测试系统前后的自动调焦过程;最终通过求取视度之差得到视差。根据轻武器瞄具光学系统的实际测试要求进行了5次测试实验,并对这5次实验数据进行了分析。结果表明:视差测试精度为0.0296m-1,达到了轻武器光学瞄具技术指标<0.1m-1的要求,保证了测量精度。

平视显示器视差自动测量技术研究

平视显示器是一种大视场大出瞳的光学系统,常用的测视差的方法是摆头法,但测量精度较低,并且有人眼读数误差。为了提高平视显示器视差的调校精度及效率,消除人眼读数误差,介绍了一种基于CCD视频图像处理的视差自动测量系统。用CCD像机对平视显示器图像画面进行采集,在出瞳的范围内进行平移,比较在出瞳边缘采集的图像,计算两幅图像的偏移量,自动得出平视显示器的视差。详细论述了该方法的测量原理,并对该视差测量仪的光机结构进行了详细说明,对各技术参数的选择进行了分析,对测量精度进行了分析,最后对几种视差测试精度进行了对比分析。

视差法射线图像检测系统的模型及误差分析

以双目视觉为理论基础,建立数学模型,通过X射线成像方法对试件内部缺陷进行定位。通过视差(parallax)的方法求出缺陷深度。对数学模型进行了仿真验证,并对可能影响测量结果的误差进行了分析,给出各误差和测量结果的关系,提出了调整系统参数、设置参考点等减小误差影响的方法。

射线检测中视差法定位仿真与误差分析

以双目视觉为理论基础,建立数学模型,通过X射线成像方法对试件内部缺陷进行定位。在检测过程中,使试件移动一个小的距离,获得移动前后两幅图像,用视差方法求出缺陷深度。用仿真方法对数学模型进行了验证,用误差理论分析方法对可能影响测量结果的误差进行了重点分析,给出了各误差和测量结果的关系曲线,依据分析结果提出了调整系统参数等减小误差影响的方法。

X射线检测技术定位管道焊缝缺陷深度的方法及应用

采用X射线检测技术可以定位焊缝内部缺陷的深度,常用的方法有立体观测法、工业CT法、黑度计测定法及视差法,其中最常用的是视差法。本文采用精确式视差法对某电厂锅炉再热器冷段管道对接焊缝气孔缺陷进行深度定位试验,试验计算结果与实际测量结果对比表明,采用精确式视差法进行缺陷深度定位的误差在现场处理返修焊缝时是可接受的。试验证明,在超声波检测条件受限情况下,精确式视差法可作为超声波检测缺陷深度方法的补充。

一种基于CCD的视度视差测试新系统

传统的视度视差测量装置都采用平行光管视差仪或者视度筒进行测量,人为主观因素对测量结果影响较大。本文设计了一种基于CCD成像的短焦摄像系统,测量器件采用高分辨率CCD,经过图像处理后由计算机给出测量结果,消除了人为主观因素影响,视度测量精度达到0.05屈光度,给出了视度视差计算公式,并对系统进行了误差分析。

一种光学对准器视差检测方法研究

针对小视场光学对准器视差无法利用传统方法借助平行光管检测的问题,通过专用组合工装、二轴位移台、经纬仪和光学平台搭建一个视差检测系统,它是以光学经纬仪为测量基准,然后通过专用工装将光学对准器固定在光学平台上,调整好经纬仪后,移动导轨至光学系统出瞳的方位或俯仰方向极限位置处检测光学系统的最大光学视差。最后通过试验验证了此系统的稳定性,且该方法简单易于操作,测量结果精确直观。