Project Title:
New Digital Radiography System for Nondestructive Testing
04.17-2701
911473
New Digital Radiography System for Nondestructive Testing
Quantex Corporation
2 Research Court
Rockville
MD
20850
Peter K.
Soltani
301-258-2701
LaRC
NAS1-19538
067
04.17-2701
911473
Abstract:
New Digital Radiography System for Non-Destructive Testing
This project addresses a new technology for the digital radiography employing a patented
storage-phosphor material. Planar screens fabricated from this material can acquire
radiation images in much the same way as radiographic film, with the key exception
that the images are obtained digitally. This innovative technology will be superior
to radiographic film, in that it exhibits a linear response over a radiation exposure
range of 100,000:1, exhibits potentially greater exposure sensitivity, and can be
re-used. Because of these properties, the storage-phosphor imaging screens can be
calibrated to allow quantitative analysis of structural changes in engineering materials
and components, as well as precise flaw detection and characterization. The objective
of this project will be to demonstrate the specific characteristics of the technology
in radiographic imaging. These will include quantification of performance characteristics
relative to film and current digital radiography systems, such as fluoroscopy and
related scintillator-based system. These will lead to the development of a prototype,
digital radiography system during Phase II that can be used by NASA to perform quantitative
non-destructive evaluation of structural components.
A digital radiography system is expected to be useful in aerospace applications (e.g.,
inspection of aircraft structures), power generation facilities, inspection of composite
and electronic components, and generally in any industry that currently employs radiography
as an inspection method.
radiography, digital imaging, non-destructive testing