How Radiographic Testing Works: Basic Principles
To fully understand radiographic testing, it is important to be generally familiar with radiation and how it interacts with and affects materials at the atomic level.
Discover the advantages of the radiographic testing (RT) method, understand the basic principles of RT, and explore the variety of techniques for applying this highly adaptable method in nondestructive testing across industries.
The ability of RT to evaluate the internal structure of an object without damaging it makes it invaluable in many industries.RT is a versatile method applicable in many industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, oil and gas, and more.
To fully understand radiographic testing, it is important to be generally familiar with radiation and how it interacts with and affects materials at the atomic level.
Understanding the fundamental building blocks of matter is crucial for comprehending the principles behind RT. Atoms, the basic units of matter, play a key role in how materials interact with radiation.
By exploring the structure of atoms, elements, isotopes, and radioisotopes, we can better understand how RT detects and analyzes defects within materials.
When atoms become radioactive, they can emit different types of radiation that each have different ways of interacting with materials. Gamma and X-ray radiation are used in radiographic testing due to their high energy and ability to penetrate through many materials.
X-ray Radiation: X-rays are generated from a tube head powered by an electrical current. High-speed electrons are abruptly halted by a tungsten target, converting their kinetic energy into heat and X-ray photons. Unlike gamma radiation, X-rays have controls that allow for adjustment in both quantity and energy intensity.
Gamma Ray Radiation: Energy photons (packets of electromagnetic radiation) are emitted from the nucleus of unstable isotopes. Gamma waves penetrate most matter but can be stopped by a dense (high atomic number) material such as lead, depleted uranium, and very thick steel. It is most applicable in remote areas where electrical power to produce X-rays is not practical.
Radiographic Testing (RT) employs a variety of techniques to detect and measure discontinuities in materials. These techniques can be categorized based on how the ultrasonic waves are introduced into the material and the specific modes and advanced methods used to enhance flaw detection and measurement.
There are four primary methods used.
ASNT certifications enable you to become a qualified Level II or Level III in RT or obtain your industrial radiography radiation safety personnel (IRRSP) certification.
What Certification Is Right for Me?Radiographic Testing (RT) can be used on a wide range of materials, including metals, composites, and concrete. Its ability to offer detailed internal imaging, high penetration capability, and permanent records makes it invaluable for ensuring the integrity and safety of critical components and structures.
These characteristics make it an important nondestructive testing (NDT) method that’s widely used across a range of industries.
In the oil and gas industry, NDT professionals use RT responsible for inspecting pipelines, storage tanks, and offshore structures for defects and corrosion to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent environmental hazards. RT is crucial in ensuring the safety and integrity of nuclear power plants.
Learn MoreRT is used in the aviation industry to ensure the structural integrity of aircraft components, engines, and airframes. Professionals in aviation NDT conduct inspections using techniques such as X-ray inspection and computed tomography to check critical components and ensure they meet stringent safety standards.
Learn MoreRT is vital for inspecting critical components for boats and submarines, ensuring castings made with copper-nickel alloys are free of conditions such as shrinkage or porosity.
Learn MoreRT is used to ensure the quality and reliability of automotive components such as engine parts, chassis, and welds, to detect defects and deviations from specifications. With new technologies like 3D printing and additive manufacturing, NDT is crucial for quality control and ensuring dimensional accuracy and material integrity.
Learn MoreIn infrastructure and construction, NDT practitioners use RT is used to inspect structural steel, welds, and other critical components during construction and maintenance to detect flaws such as cracks, voids, and inclusions.
Learn MoreASNT offers both members and nonmembers learning opportunities and resources for NDT specialists certifying in and using UT.
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