Computed tomography of bridge pins, cast aluminum automotive components and human joints

Conference · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:9106

Martz, H E ^[1]

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1. LLNL

X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging techniques in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) have seen increasing use in an array of industrial, environmental, military, and medical applications (Goebbels, et al., 1999). A brief overview and three diverse application studies of x-ray CT at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) will be discussed. (1) Bridge pins are fracture critical elements for some multi-span steel bridges. Recently, pins were removed from their hanger pin assemblies. These pins were selected for further examination by laboratory NDE techniques. High-energy x-ray radiography and CT were used to characterize these pins. (2) Cast light metals, aluminum and magnesium, are being used in an ever increasing number of applications to reduce automobile weight for improved gas mileage and lower emissions. After mechanical testing, the damage in notched Al-tensile test specimens was first determined using CT and subsequently by metallography analysis intended to benchmark the CT technique. (3) A computational approach to normal joint kinematics and prosthetic joint analysis offers an opportunity to evaluate and improve prosthetic joint replacements before they are manufactured or surgically implanted. Computed tomography data are combined with computational analysis to reveal regions where the joint design can be improved for better performance and longevity, prior to expensive manufacturing, laboratory tests, and clinical evaluation.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP) (US)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 9106
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC-133573; YN0100000; YN0100000
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
42 ENGINEERING
ALUMINIUM
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
EVALUATION
MAGNESIUM
METALLOGRAPHY
STEELS
X-RAY RADIOGRAPHY