Electronic, Digital X-Radiologic Imaging Systems for Field Inspections

A primary objective is the development of digital x-ray systems that can be used to minimize x-ray film and chemicals use at Air Force aircraft maintenance facilities. The review of existing and in-development x-ray systems will result in a meaningful comparison of technical capabilities and ease of field use, and for the cost justification that will be necessary for field level implementation. The x-ray test piece proposed for digital system comparisons will provide images of typical aircraft x-ray NDI applications, such as crushed core, water intrusion and adhesive variables, plus quantitative data on contrast sensitivity and spatial resolution. Information concerning Air Force field location x-ray inspection applications and x-ray film use will be analyzed to make recommendation for cost-effective digital x-ray systems. An innovative addition will be a review of advantages of digitial x-ray imaging, in terms of wide dynamic range images that can easily be processed, archived, retrieved, transferred and compared with other inspection results. Advantages for digital systems include reduced costs for film and fewer environmental problems due to process chemicals. The program will lead to signficant improvement in the efficiency and quality of field level aircraft x-ray inspection.