Coherent X-Ray Imaging for Corrosion Evaluation: A Preliminary Assessment

Abstract

Corrosion products sometimes complicate the task of measuring metal loss. For example, in layered joints in aircraft, the products of corrosion usually remain trapped between layers. Their presence interferes with ultrasonic and x-ray measurements. Recently, Compton backscatter tomography has been suggested as a means of measuring the amount of metal loss resulting from corrosion. This x-ray method is appealing in that it is one-sided. However, no successful results seem to be yet reported. Suggested reasons for this have included long counting times [1] and poor contrast between metal and corrosion products [2]. Both these problems are related to the high resolution required.