Method for the Nondestructive 3d Analysis of a Test Specimen by Means of Computer Tomography

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This patent describes a method for nondestructive 3D analysis of test specimens using computer tomography (CT). The approach intelligently selects when to perform high-resolution scans by first assessing changes in the specimen with lower-resolution scans and then performing more detailed imaging only where changes are detected. The system updates its reference data incrementally, enabling continuous monitoring of internal structural changes (like cracks or material fatigue) in real time, while keeping data volumes and computation efficient. In addition, it provides an advanced 3D digital image correlation technique for evaluating deformation and damage propagation within the specimen.

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• Real-time monitoring of fatigue and crack propagation in structural components during mechanical tests.
• Non-destructive quality control in manufacturing (e.g., for aerospace or automotive components) to detect internal defects early.
• Predictive maintenance by assessing remaining life and integrity of parts under cyclic stress.
• Material research to study how metals, ceramics, polymers, or composites behave under load without destroying them.
• Continuous, time-resolved imaging of complex objects (biological, electronic, or mechanical) under varying conditions.

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• Highly precise, three-dimensional and time-resolved detection of internal material damage, even before macroscopic cracks appear.
• Enables earlier and more reliable prediction of component lifespan and failure risk.
• Minimizes the amount of data and computation by focusing detailed imaging only where changes are detected, optimizing both storage and processing speed.
• Allows for almost real-time visualization and assessment of structural changes during stress testing.
• Provides deeper understanding of material behavior by combining CT imaging with advanced correlation analysis, yielding more comprehensive and actionable data than traditional methods.
• Can improve product safety and reduce costs by enabling earlier intervention or part replacement, especially in safety-critical industries (transport, aerospace, etc.).

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Patent Abstract

In the method for data determination for a nondestructive 3D analysis of a test specimen by means of computer tomography, first a reference data record comprising image information of a first sequence of radiography images of a test specimen is provided, the first sequence of radiography images having a first average angle increment ?a. Then, image information of a second sequence of radiography images of the test specimen, which has a first state, are generated with an average angle increment ?ß, the second angle increment ?ß being larger than the first angle increment ?a. Thereafter, the respective image information of the second sequence of radiography images is compared with the angularly associated image information of the first sequence of radiography images by means of 2D image correlation, so as to obtain a comparison result. If the comparison result, at an angle position ßi of the second sequence, reaches a threshold value, image information of a third sequence of radiography images of the test specimen is generated in regions around the angle position ßi and with a third average angle increment ??, the third angle increment ?? being smaller than the second angle increment ?ß. Finally, the reference data record is updated on the basis of the image information of the third sequence of radiography images so as to obtain an updated reference data record.