X-ray CT Analysis of Fiber Composite Layer Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray computed tomography methods struggle to non-destructively test fiber composite components with complex structures, particularly in recognizing the structural directions of material layers due to low contrast in reconstructed layers, leading to increased manufacturing costs and the need for early corrections.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the preferred direction of X-ray absorption in material layers by analyzing gray value and gradient curves along evaluation directions parallel to the x-y plane, allowing for the recognition of structural directions and layer information, including number, orientation, and position, using X-ray computer tomography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional X-ray computed tomography is used to examine preforms, then non-destructive testing is achieved, but the structure direction of material layers is hardly recognizable due to low contrasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of X-ray absorption analysis by determining preferred absorption directions and analyzing gray value curves along multiple evaluation directions. This transforms the low-contrast structural information into high-contrast directional absorption patterns, enabling clear recognition of fiber bundle orientations and seam gap directions without compromising the non-destructive testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by examining X-ray absorption in multiple directions (evaluation directions) rather than relying on single-view grayscale images. By analyzing absorption characteristics along different angular directions and determining preferred absorption directions, the method extracts structural information that is invisible in conventional tomographic slices
2Manufacturing precision
If complex correction processing steps are performed later, then manufacturing defects can be addressed, but production costs increase and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of structural directions and layer characteristics during the manufacturing process itself. By identifying preferred absorption directions and analyzing gray value curves early in production, defects can be detected and corrected before complex subsequent processing is required, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The method enables the manufacturing process to self-diagnose structural characteristics by analyzing X-ray absorption patterns. The automatic determination of preferred absorption directions and extraction of structural information allows the system to identify defects and guide corrections without requiring complex external inspection and correction procedures
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
Enables reliable non-destructive testing of fiber composite components by clearly identifying structural directions and layer characteristics, reducing the need for complex correction processes and lowering production costs through precise evaluation of material layers during production.
Implementation Method 1
the absorption of the X-rays for the individual material layers has a preferred direction that runs essentially parallel to the x-y plane and has a fixed and known dependence on the structural direction of the respective material layer
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for the non-destructive testing of objects constructed from material layers (17) running substantially parallel to an x-y plane (E), grey-scale value profiles and associated gradient profiles are determined from object data, obtained using X-ray computer tomography, along a plurality of evaluation directions (A1 to A5) running parallel to the x-y plane (E) and at a plurality of positions (Si) in a z direction which runs perpendicular to the x-y plane (E). An associated structure direction (22) can be inferred for each material layer (17) by evaluating the gradient profiles since the absorption of X-rays has a preferred direction which can be discerned in one of the gradient profiles. Objects constructed from a plurality of material layers (17) can be simply and reliably checked in a non-destructive manner in this way.