Application of digital radiography in evaluation of crack propagation rate in cast steel specimens

A technology that utilizes penetrating X-rays is one of the oldest non-destructive testing methods. Digital radiography combines modern digital image processing algorithms with traditional X-ray testing method. The following paper describes the present use of digital radiograms in flaw detection, and the use of identification and classification algorithms in detection of cracks that occur under the effect of thermal fatigue process in creep-resistant steel castings operating as structural elements in heat treatment furnaces. The number and length of cracks formed in specimens of [...]37x5 mm dimensions as a result of shock heating and cooling was evaluated. The test alloy was austenitic cast steel of 30Ni-18Cr type, containing 1.75% Nb and 0.93% Ti (wt.%). It has been indicated that the applied methods of non-destructive testing using digital radiography are fully successful in evaluation of the fatigue crack propagation rate in steel castings.