The Detection and Sizing of Flaws in Components From the Hot-End of Gas Turbines Using Phase Contrast Radiography: A Feasibility Study

Published

July 1, 2003

Author(s)

J Thornton, P J. McMahon, B E. Allman, J E. Murphy, K A. Nugent, David L. Jacobson, Muhammad D. Arif, S. A. Werner

Abstract

In this paper we present a feasibility study of the use of phase contrast radiography in the examination of components from the hot-section of gas turbine engines. These components are usually made from dense materials (nickel or cobalt based superalloys) and consequently, radiographic examination requires either high energy x-rays (above 60 keV) or neutrons. The relative merits of employing X-rays and neutrons for phase contrast radiography are compared. It is shown that for similar penetration, neutrons offer better sensitivity and that it should be possible to detect even micron wide cracks orientated perpendicular to the incident rays. Simulation shows that for cracks parallel to the incident rays, micron increments of crack growth can be resolved by monitoring the development of the Fresnel diffraciton pattern. Some preliminary experimental results are also presented that demonstrate an improvement over conventional neutron radiography.

Citation

Insight

Volume

36

Issue

5

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

imaging, neutron radiography, non-destructive investigation, phase contrast

Citation

Thornton, J. , McMahon, P. , Allman, B. , Murphy, J. , Nugent, K. , Jacobson, D. , Arif, M. and Werner, S. (2003), The Detection and Sizing of Flaws in Components From the Hot-End of Gas Turbines Using Phase Contrast Radiography: A Feasibility Study, Insight (Accessed July 18, 2024)