Characterization of Advanced Composite Materials by X-Ray Compton Scattering

Abstract

Non destructive evaluation by Compton scattering uses an industriel X-ray tube and allows three-dimensional (3D) imaging of materials. The X-ray tube and detector are set on the same side of the object. By that way, non destructive evaluation of the wall of a tank, even full, is possible without the use of very high energy, because X-ray do not cross the whole object. Beside 3D imaging, this method allows point by point density measurements in the near-surface zone of any component (even dense and bulky). An accuracy of 1% was achieved not only on light composite materials, but also on dense (p ≈ 6.5) components provided by powder metallurgy. A method allowing thickness measurement of a wall was also developed, especially suitable for multilayers compounds. The accuracy is ± 0.01 mm.