Radiation Imaging Fiber Orientation Tomography
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting fiber orientation in composite materials are destructive and provide only two-dimensional information, leading to inaccuracies in assessing the quality of fiber-reinforced products, particularly in applications like automotive and aeronautics where three-dimensional fiber orientation is critical for strength and stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive method using radiation imaging that acquires projection images at various angles, performs tomographic reconstruction, and detects fibers using a parametric three-dimensional numerical model, refining initial estimates through a projection-matching approach to accurately determine fiber position, orientation, and geometrical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical microscopy is used for fiber inspection, then two-dimensional fiber orientation information is obtained, but the method is destructive and lacks three-dimensional information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical microscopy (mechanical/optical system) with X-ray computed tomography (radiation imaging system) to achieve non-destructive three-dimensional fiber orientation measurement. The X-ray imaging system penetrates the composite material without physical contact or destruction, providing volumetric data that captures fiber orientation in three dimensions rather than limited two-dimensional surface information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical microscopy to three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography. By acquiring projection images from multiple angles and performing tomographic reconstruction, the system generates volumetric data that reveals fiber orientation throughout the entire sample volume, adding the depth dimension that was previously inaccessible.
2Loss of information
If conventional tomographic reconstruction is used for fiber-containing materials, then 3D reconstruction is obtained, but numerous artifacts are introduced during segmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering and preprocessing steps before full tomographic reconstruction. By initially identifying fiber locations and orientations from projection data, then using this information to guide the reconstruction process, the method avoids many segmentation artifacts that would otherwise be introduced when attempting to segment fibers directly from conventional reconstructed images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a specialized segmentation approach that recognizes fiber structures based on their characteristic linear geometry and attenuation patterns. By using fiber-specific segmentation criteria rather than general-purpose segmentation algorithms, the method accurately distinguishes fibers from the matrix material even when fibers intersect or touch, avoiding artifacts like virtual fiber breakage or false connections.
3Measurement precision
If many projection images are acquired for accurate tomographic reconstruction, then reconstruction quality is improved, but inspection time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acquires a limited number of projection images at specific angles rather than using a full 360-degree rotation with numerous projections. By strategically selecting projection angles that provide maximum information about fiber orientation, the method achieves adequate reconstruction quality with fewer images, thereby reducing inspection time and increasing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for reliable, non-destructive inspection of fiber-reinforced composites with reduced reconstruction artifacts, providing accurate three-dimensional information on fiber orientation, which enhances quality control and reduces the number of required projection images, enabling inline inspection and improving manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray imaging techniques can be used to resolve individual fibers
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a plurality of projection images of the item at a plurality of projection angles, using a radiation imaging device
Implementation Method 3
obtaining a tomographic reconstruction based on the plurality of projection images
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for inspection of an item, and a use thereof, are presented. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of projection images of an item at a plurality of projection angles for performing a tomographic reconstruction of the item. A plurality of objects are detected in the tomographic reconstruction and each object has a generic shape described by a parametric three-dimensional numerical model. Said detection comprises determining initial estimates of position and/or orientation of each object and at least one geometrical parameter of the three-dimensional model for each object. The initial estimates are iteratively refining by using a projection-matching approach, in which forward projection images are simulated for the objects according to operating parameters of the radiation imaging device and a difference metric between acquired projection images and simulated forward projection images is reduced at each iteration step.