Theoretical basis for the relationship between mechanical properties and X-ray computed tomography data

Аuthors

Sachenkov O. A.

Kazan Federal University, 18, Kremlyovskaya St., 420008, Russia

e-mail: 4works@bk.ru

Abstract

This study investigates the physical relationship between X-ray computed tomography data and the mechanical properties of structural materials. The relevance of this topic stems from the growing need for non-destructive testing methods for the internal structure of components, which is particularly important for the defect inspection of aircraft structural elements. It is experimentally demonstrated that the linear X-ray attenuation coefficient directly correlates with the local material density. Since density inevitably changes during mechanical deformation, it becomes possible to estimate volumetric strain by digitally comparing tomograms obtained before and after sample loading. Based on the fundamental principle of mass conservation, the authors derived an analytical relationship linking changes in attenuation coefficients to the magnitude of strain. Furthermore, an original model is proposed that allows correlating the average attenuation coefficient with key elastic constants of the material, such as Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. However, the implementation of this method has practical limitations. Careful material calibration is required to account for compositional heterogeneity. Reconstruction artifacts arising from metallic loading equipment also have a significant impact. Despite these challenges, the approach opens new perspectives for diagnosing hidden damage and predicting the service life of components in the aerospace and mechanical engineering industries without destroying the samples.

Keywords:

X-ray computed tomography; mechanical properties; stress-strain state; non-destructive testing; defect inspection; elastic properties

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