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(Radiography)

Radiographic Testing (RT)

(RT)

German physicist Professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen (18451923) Discovered X-rays on 8 Nov. 1895 In 1896 H. Becquerel discovered the gamma rays In 1913 W. Coolidge made the first X-ray device Approx 100 kV

The first radiograph Mrs. Roentgens hand An African Chamelon Feb. 1896

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(radiology) (film radiography) (paper radiography or xerography) (radioscopy or real-time radiography) (fluroscopy) (neutron radiography) (computed tomography)

Typical X-ray Machines Maximum Screens voltage (kV) 50 None Applications and Approximate Thickness Limits Thin sections of most metals; moderate thickness of graphite and beryllium; small electronic components; wood, plastics, etc. 5-inch aluminum or equivalent. 1-inch steel or equivalent. 11/2-inch steel or equivalent. 31/2-inch steel or equivalent. 41/2-inch steel or equivalent. 5-inch steel or equivalent. 8-inch steel or equivalent. 8-inch steel or equivalent. 16-inch steel or equivalent. 20-inch steel or equivalent.

X-rays are produced by an X-ray generator system. These systems typically include an X-ray tube head, a high voltage generator, and a control console.

150

None or lead foil Fluorescent Lead foil Fluorescent Lead foil Fluorescent Lead foil Lead foil Fluorescent

400 1000 2000 8 to 25 MeV

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X-rays are produced by establishing a very high

voltage between two electrodes, called the anode and cathode. To prevent arcing, the anode and cathode are located inside a vacuum tube, which is protected by a metal housing.

The cathode contains a small

High Electrical Potential

filament much the same as in a light bulb. Current is passed through the filament which heats it. The heat causes electrons to be stripped off. The high voltage causes these free electrons to be pulled toward a target material (usually made of tungsten) located in the anode. The electrons impact against the target. This impact causes an energy exchange which causes xrays to be created.

Electrons + -

X-ray Generator or Radioactive Source Creates Radiation

Radiation Penetrate the Sample

Exposure Recording Device

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Shull, P.J, Nondestructive Evaluation: Theory: Techniques, and Applications, CRC, 2002.

Gamma Radiography (cont.)

Unlike X-rays, which are produced by a machine, gamma rays cannot be turned off. Radioisotopes used for gamma radiography are encapsulated to prevent leakage of the material. The radioactive capsule is attached to a cable to form what is often called a pigtail. The pigtail has a special connector at the other end that attaches to a drive cable.

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Z A

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Radioactive Materials Used in Industrial Radiography Radioactive Element Thulium 170 Energy of Gamma Rays (MeV) 0.084 and 0.54 0.137 to 0.651 0.66 1.17 and 1.33 0.06-0.31 Gamma-Ray Dosage Rate (roentgens per hour per curie at 1 meter) -0.55 0.39 1.35 Approx. 0.0025

Half-Life 127 days 70 days 33 years 5.3 years 31 days

Iridium 192 Cesium 137

Cobalt 60 Ytterbium 169

Industrial Gamma-Ray Sources and Their Applications Applications and Approximate Practical Source Thickness Limits Thulium 170 Plastics, wood, light alloys. 1/2-inch steel or equivalent. Iridium 192 11/2- to 21/2-inch steel or equivalent. Cesium 137 1 to 31/2-inch steel or equivalent. Cobalt 60 21/2- to 9-inch steel or equivalent.

cobalt 60 (solid lines)

iridium 192 (dashed lines)