High Resolution Computed Tomography

High resolution greater than 4 line pairs per millimeter computed tomography CT has been studied for its potential use for engineering evaluation of aerospace components. The CT images provide two dimensional maps of material linear x-ray attenuation coefficients for small volume elements, smaller than 0.001 cubic millimeters. These images are similar to micrographic images of polished surfaces from sectioned components, but are achieved nondestructively. For investigating materials where destructive sectioning relieves stresses, changing the internal configuration of features, such as gaps, high resolution CT provides superior diagnostic information for engineering evaluation. The primary benefits of CT are realized in accelerating schedules through faster data acquisition and reducing engineering risk by providing increased information nondestructively. High resolution CT is particularly well suited to assist in failure analysis investigations. Multiple slice or volume reconstruction high resolution CT can provide full three dimensional models. The cost and performance of high resolution CT systems are functions of the component size and ultimate resolution capability. For many common evaluation needs, the capital cost can be as low as a 50 percent cost add-on to a real-time radiographic imaging system. Relative to micrography, CT can be performed in about on-fifth the time, depending on the number of samples.