X-ray Methods Research Articles

Insight into anti-corrosion behavior of Cladanthus mixtus (L.) flower extracts as a biodegradable inhibitor for carbon steel in acid medium: Experimental and theoretical studies

This study conducted a comprehensive investigation into the corrosion inhibition potency of the essential oil of flowers (EOF) and the aqueous extract of flowers (AQEF), a by-product liquid waste derived from the extraction process of Clandanthus mixtus (L.), towards carbon steel in 1 M HCl. Phytochemical screening, gas chromatography (GC), and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to explore the chemical composition of the extracts. Flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins were identified as chemical families present in the extracts, while palmitic acid (10 %) and arcurcumene (39.1 %) were found to be the most important constituents, comprising 49.1 % of the total composition of the essential oil. Electrochemical techniques, including Tafel extrapolation methods and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were used to evaluate the inhibition efficiency of the extracts. The inhibition efficiencies reached a maximum of 80 % following a mixed-type inhibition mechanism. The temperature effect was evaluated, revealing a physisorption process followed by desorption at higher temperatures. The synergistic effect between the extract and potassium iodide was assessed at different doses, demonstrating their cooperative role in reducing steel surface deterioration. Surface micrographs were acquired through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) method in the presence of AQEF, confirming the establishment of a protective barrier that mitigates the corrosive effects of hydrochloric acid. Additionally, this study employed Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the behavior of AQEF compounds against corrosion.

Coconut husk waste products valorization for fabrication of luminescent titanium dioxide NPs as powerful tool for photodecomposition and food born infection: A sustainable strategy.

Fabricating metal oxide nanoparticles has garnered much attention lately because creating safe chemicals, sustainable materials, economic processes, and renewable resources is becoming increasingly important. This research shows how TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) could be generated in an ecologically responsible way using waste coconut husk with the help of tender coconut. This extract functions as both a reducing agent and a sealing agent. The investigation of TiO2 NPs exploited ultraviolet (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) methods. The germicidal properties of TiO2 NPs against food-borne pathogenic strains were studied using the agar well method. Employing Congo red pigment, the photodecomposition behavior was investigated. The TiO2 NPs produced had a crystallite size measuring 16.2nm. The average grain size of the sample, as measured by FE-SEM inspection, falls within the range of 15 to 25 nm. Impressive anti-germ effects against food-borne germs like Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes), Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) bacteria, and fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) have been proved by the sustainable fabrication of TiO2 NPs. The catalytic effectiveness of Congo red decreased by 88% after 90 min. The findings suggest that sustainable synthesis of TiO2 NPs is an effective tool for food-borne germicides and photodecomposition behaviors.

ASTM International Subcommittee E07.02 on Reference Radiological Images: A brief history and update of recent work

Radiographic interpretation is a combination of art and science. The radiograph interpreter must be well versed in x-ray physics, conditions of the exposure, characteristics of the source and image detector, the design of the part, its specifications, and potential flaws. But there is also an art to interpretation that is gained over years of looking at many radiographs taken in many different conditions. As an aid to interpretation, reference radiographs have been developed and well accepted as means of identifying different types of indications and grading those indications for accept/reject decisions. Industrial radiography began in 1922 under the direction of HH Lester at the US Army Watertown Arsenal. The first radiography standards and reference radiographs appeared in the 1930s. ASTM International Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing was formed out of Committee E04 on Metallography X-ray Methods subcommittee in 1938 when ASTM was the American Society for Testing Materials. An ASTM Subcommittee on Reference Radiographs was formed in 1950 and immediately adopted some of these first reference films as consensus standards. Since those first reference radiograph standards ASTM has developed both film and digital radiograph standards for 11 types of castings and 3 types of welds, several radiographic parameter demonstration films, a standard film for measuring film digitization performance, and films for evaluating visual acuity of radiograph interpreters. This paper discusses the history of reference films and the recent development of digital reference images, film digitizer performance film, and the visual acuity standard. The just-approved ASTM E3168 Standard Practice for Determining Low-Contrast Visual Acuity of Radiographic Interpreters is the first standard containing actual radiographic images of varying sharpness, contrast, and noise that can be used to evaluate interpreters and/or interpretation environments. This paper documents the initial statistical study performed on the visual acuity standard films.

Challenges in characterizing additively manufactured AlSi10Mg using X-ray Laue micro-beam diffraction

Abstract Additive manufacturing of metals using for example laser powder bed fusion systems generally results in grains of complex shapes with cellular structure of submicron sizes, accompanied by a high dislocation density. This paper presents preliminary results from characterizing an AlSi10Mg alloy manufactured by L-PBF using non-destructive three-dimensional X-ray Laue micro-beam diffraction. Both synchrotron and laboratory X-ray methods are used. The aim is to identify challenges in characterizing these microstructural features and to propose future research directions to address them.

Imaging of bones dysbarogenic changes in navy divers

The number of diving descents in the world is steadily growing, as is the complexity of the work performed under conditions of increased environmental pressure. Also, in order to increase efficiency and expand the range of tasks performed, the intensity, depth of dives and the time divers spend in hyperbaric conditions are increasing. These factors contribute to an increase in the number of diving pathologies, including damage to the skeletal bones of dysbarogenic genesis. X-ray diagnostic methods used during annual medical examinations of divers do not always allow the detection of dysbarogenic changes in the bones; in addition, the clinical manifestations of this pathology do not have obvious specificity. In this regard, it can be assumed that the occurrence of this pathology among divers has not been reliably established to date. This article is devoted to a review of the literature on the possibilities of radiodiagnosis of dysbarogenic changes in skeletal bones in specialists whose work involves being in conditions of high environmental pressure. The article highlights the results of a literature review of English-language and Russian-language publications presented in the databases of PubMed and scientific electronic libraries of Russia (eLIBRARY.RU and CYBERLENINKA.RU). In order to determine the optimal methods of radiation diagnostics, the etiological and pathogenetic aspects of the development of dysbarogenic degenerative and necrotic changes in the bones of the skeleton, as well as the experience of scientists in determining the corresponding radiation semiotics, were analyzed. Considering that the worst manifestation of bone pathology of dysbarogenic origin is dysbaric (aseptic) osteonecrosis, we studied the literature on the issues of its clinical and instrumental diagnosis. One of the directions in scientific research was the work of authors exploring the possibilities of early instrumental diagnosis of changes in bone tissue, in particular the possibilities of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of dysbaric osteonecrosis. In addition, data on modern x-ray methods were analyzed, which may be promising as a screening diagnosis of dysbarogenic degenerative and necrotic changes in the bones of the skeleton.

Very Strong Hydrogen Bond in Nitrophthalic Cocrystals.

This work presents the studies of a very strong hydrogen bond (VSHB) in biologically active phthalic acids. Research on VSHB comes topical due to its participation in many biological processes. The studies cover the modelling of intermolecular interactions and phthalic acids with 2,4,6-collidine and N,N-dimethyl-4-pyridinamine complexes with aim to obtain a VSHB. The four synthesized complexes were studied by experimental X-ray, IR, and Raman methods, as well as theoretical Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CP-MD) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations. By variation of the steric repulsion and basicity of the complex' components, a very short intramolecular hydrogen bond was achieved. The potential energy curves calculated by the DFT method were characterized by a low barrier (0.7 and 0.9 kcal/mol) on proton transfer in the OHN intermolecular hydrogen bond for 3-nitrophthalic acid with either 2,4,6-collidine or N,N-dimethyl-4-pyridinamine cocrystals. Moreover, the CP-MD simulations exposed very strong bridging proton dynamics in the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The accomplished crystallographic and spectroscopic studies indicate that the OHO intramolecular hydrogen bond in 4-nitrophthalic cocrystals is VSHB. The influence of a strong steric effect on the geometry of the studied cocrystals and the stretching vibration bands of the carboxyl and carboxylate groups was elaborated.

X-ray and neutron imaging for cultural heritage: the INFN-CHNet experience

This paper reports on the instrumentation and expertise developed within the INFN-CHNet network for X-ray and neutron imaging, which enable non-invasive identification of materials and production processes in the field of cultural heritage. INFN-CHNet is the network of the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics specifically dedicated to the development and application of scientific methods and technologies to cultural heritage. This article focuses on portable MA-XRF scanners, often complemented by additional techniques, PIXE imaging on a newly developed portable accelerator, X-ray radiography and tomography, exploited to their full potential also through the use of portable systems, and neutron radiography and tomography, which require large-scale facilities. In many respects, the information obtained from X-ray and neutron-based methods is complementary, facilitating a comprehensive characterisation of materials, structures, and manufacturing techniques.Graphical abstract

Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Lesser Toe Surgical Correction

INTRODUCTION: The relevance of improving algorithms of surgical correction of lesser toes (SCLT) is due to a high incidence of hammertoe deformity syndrome, its negative impact on the working capacity and quality of life, and to a considerable degree of dissatisfaction of patients with the results of surgical treatment. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of an improved SCLT algorithm using a modified fixed B. Helal osteotomy and combined plantar plate (PP) and toe flexor tendon repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 167 female patients with a severe deformity of the second lesser toe. In 83 patients of the control group, the stability of the metatarsophalangeal joint was restored through surgical PP repair. In the main group (n = 84), along with elimination of PP defect, the second toe flexor tendon repair was performed. The condition of the second lesser toe before and one year after its surgical correction was evaluated using clinical and X-ray methods and a questionnaire. RESULTS: At the stage of assessing the long-term results of treatment in the main group, the integral score of ACFAS Module 2 scale increased by 63 points relative to the preoperative value, which appeared to be 22 points more (Uemp = 3687, Ucr = 4894, р ˂ 0.01) than a similar change in the control group. One year after surgery, the incidence of the floating toe syndrome and its residual hyperextension in the main group decreased by 10.8% (φ*emp = 0.007, р ˂ 0.05) and 8.8% (φ*emp = 0.016, р ˂ 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the improved algorithm permitted to improve the SCLT effectiveness, which was confirmed by a statistically significant improvement of the long-term results of treatment of patients in the main group compared to the control group.

Benchmarking predictive methods for small-angle X-ray scattering from atomic coordinates of proteins using maximum likelihood consensus data.

Stimulated by informal conversations at the XVII International Small Angle Scattering (SAS) conference (Traverse City, 2017), an international team of experts undertook a round-robin exercise to produce a large dataset from proteins under standard solution conditions. These data were used to generate consensus SAS profiles for xylose isomerase, urate oxidase, xylanase, lysozyme and ribonuclease A. Here, we apply a new protocol using maximum likelihood with a larger number of the contributed datasets to generate improved consensus profiles. We investigate the fits of these profiles to predicted profiles from atomic coordinates that incorporate different models to account for the contribution to the scattering of water molecules of hydration surrounding proteins in solution. Programs using an implicit, shell-type hydration layer generally optimize fits to experimental data with the aid of two parameters that adjust the volume of the bulk solvent excluded by the protein and the contrast of the hydration layer. For these models, we found the error-weighted residual differences between the model and the experiment generally reflected the subsidiary maxima and minima in the consensus profiles that are determined by the size of the protein plus the hydration layer. By comparison, all-atom solute and solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are without the benefit of adjustable parameters and, nonetheless, they yielded at least equally good fits with residual differences that are less reflective of the structure in the consensus profile. Further, where MD simulations accounted for the precise solvent composition of the experiment, specifically the inclusion of ions, the modelled radius of gyration values were significantly closer to the experiment. The power of adjustable parameters to mask real differences between a model and the structure present in solution is demonstrated by the results for the conformationally dynamic ribonuclease A and calculations with pseudo-experimental data. This study shows that, while methods invoking an implicit hydration layer have the unequivocal advantage of speed, care is needed to understand the influence of the adjustable parameters. All-atom solute and solvent MD simulations are slower but are less susceptible to false positives, and can account for thermal fluctuations in atomic positions, and more accurately represent the water molecules of hydration that contribute to the scattering profile.

Unveiling Challenging Microbial Fossil Biosignatures from Rio Tinto with Micro-to-Nanoscale Chemical and Ultrastructural Imaging.

Understanding the nature and preservation of microbial traces in extreme environments is crucial for reconstructing Earth's early biosphere and for the search for life on other planets or moons. At Rio Tinto, southwestern Spain, ferric oxide and sulfate deposits similar to those discovered at Meridiani Planum, Mars, entomb a diversity of fossilized organisms, despite chemical conditions commonly thought to be challenging for life and fossil preservation. Investigating this unique fossil microbiota can elucidate ancient extremophile communities and the preservation of biosignatures in acidic environments on Earth and, potentially, Mars. In this study, we use an innovative multiscale approach that combines the state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray nanoimaging methods of ptychographic X-ray computed laminography and nano-X-ray fluorescence to reveal Rio Tinto's microfossils at subcellular resolution. The unprecedented nanoscale views of several different specimens within their geological and geochemical contexts reveal novel intricacies of preserved microbial communities. Different morphotypes, ecological interactions, and possible taxonomic affinities were inferred based on qualitative and quantitative 3D ultrastructural information, whereas diagenetic processes and metabolic affinities were inferred from complementary chemical information. Our integrated nano-to-microscale analytical approach revealed previously invisible microbial and mineral interactions, which complemented and filled a gap of spatial resolution in conventional methods. Ultimately, this study contributes to the challenge of deciphering the faint chemical and morphological biosignatures that can indicate life's presence on the early Earth and on distant worlds.

Structural and computational insights into two completely unanticipated Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes derived from a bifunctional salamo-type bis(pyridine)-arm ligand

A bifunctional Salamo-type bis(pyridine)-arm ligand H2L (4,4′-Methyl-6,6′-pyridinenitrilomethylidyne-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol) was designed and synthesized, which can react with Cu(II) and Ni(II) nitrates to hydrolyze & break the C = N double bonds of new ligand H2L′ (4,4′-Methyl-6,6′-formal-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol). The ligand reacted with Cu(II) and Ni(II) salts to form respectively complexes [Cu(L′)] (1) and [Ni2(L′)(H2O)2](NO3)2 (2). They were elucidated by single crystal X-ray method. Many important noncovalent interactions, such as intramolecular hydrogen bonding, intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π···π stacking interactions, can be observed in the crystal structures of the two complexes. IR & UV–Vis absorbent spectroscopic analysis showed that the ligand unit is involved in the coordination with copper(II) and nickel(II) atoms, and ultraviolet titration and fluorescence titration spectra verified that the coordinating radios of the two complexes formed in liquid phase are in accordance with those of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Through DFT theoretical calculations and electrostatic potential analyses (MESP) of the ligand and its complexes, the configuration of the ligand at the lowest energy were deeply understood, and it was demonstrated that the coordination reaction at salamo sites requires a great torsional force, and the weak intermolecular interaction force and the energy gaps of HOMO-LUMO orbitals were profoundly discussed, and the Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes exhibit anomalous fluorescence enhancement behaviors.

Diisopropylammonium hydrogen squarate: Synthesis and comprehensive analysis of non-linear optical co-crystal using X-ray, Hirshfeld, mechanical, optical and DFT methods

This research successfully synthesized a single co-crystal of diisopropylammonium hydrogen squarate using prolonged vaporization for crystal growth. Single-crystal X-ray spectrometry confirmed its monoclinic structure, and morphological predictions were made. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed its optical transmittance with a direct optical energy band gap of 3.45 eV. Photoluminescence studies showed a strong violet emission at 402 nm when excited by a 260 nm source. Microhardness study examined the crystal's mechanical attributes portraying the normal indentation size effect followed by a qualitative overview of half-penny crack dynamics. FTIR study aided in the discernment of varied vibrational modes with NH stretching being observed at 3078 cm−1. Thermal examination further revealed the crystal's stability up till 244 °C. Proton and carbon-13 NMR spectra were analyzed to verify the presence of functional groups and the overall molecular integrity. Intermolecular interactions were analyzed using Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint mapping. The Z-scan technique demonstrated the crystal's applicative potential in its third harmonic generation capability. Theoretical calculations with Density Functional Theory (DFT) supported the experimental findings, offering insights into optimized geometries, frontier molecular orbitals, natural population and bond orbital distributions, hyperpolarizability, molecular electrostatic potentials, IR vibrational modes, and UV absorbance profiles.

Lung Imaging for Suspected Tuberculosis in the Pregnant (Review)

The review presents modern ideas about X-ray examination for diagnosis of lung diseases including tuberculosis in the pregnant. The use of X-ray diagnostic tools in the pregnant is limited due to the lack of information about modern capabilities of equipment and special protection, and often by X-ray phobia among patients and physicians. The article presents data on the physical parameters of modern X-ray methods (digital radiography, low-dose CT) and highlights methods free of ionizing radiation, which are gradually entering phthisiologic practice.

СПОСОБЫ ВЫПОЛНЕНИЯ МЕСТНОГО ПРОВОДНИКОВОГО ОБЕЗБОЛИВАНИЯ НА ВЕРХНЕЙ ЧЕЛЮСТИ (ЛИТЕРАТУРНЫЙ ОБЗОР)

Currently, both classical and improved methods of performing local conduction anesthesia on the upper jaw in the area of the infraorbital foramen are used in dental practice. Classical techniques for performing infraorbital anesthesia do not provide a wide area of anesthesia and the palatal surface of the alveolar process is not anesthetized, so an intraosseous method of administering an anesthetic in the area of the “crow’s foot” projection was proposed, but this method has the disadvantage of traumatizing the cortical plate of the alveolar process of the upper jaw in areas of intraosseous injection of local anesthetic. The Ushnitsky-Chakhov apparatus is used to perform infraorbital anesthesia using the extraoral method, but its use does not provide individualization of all parameters and structural features of the infraorbital canal, which often opens on the anterior surface of the body of the upper jaw with not one hole, but two or three, and therefore the clinical effectiveness of this type of pain relief in certain clinical cases is low. The variability of the anatomical and topographic parameters of the location of the infraorbital foramen, the structural features of the facial skeleton of each patient necessitates the search for new personalized methods of performing infraorbital anesthesia through individualization and the process of performing local conduction anesthesia by using a combination of x-ray and digital diagnostic methods, as well as the use of an individual navigation template that allows ensure the accuracy, safety and high clinical effectiveness of this method of conduction anesthesia when performing dental and other types of medical manipulations on the upper jaw.

Evaluation of anatomical and radiological measurements of the proximal phalanx of the horse

When performing osteosynthesis by screw fixation, it is important to carry out operational planning (choosing the screw of the optimal length and diameter). Choosing the optimal osteosynthesis tactics and the correct screw size allows you to stimulate regeneration and prevent possible complications. The X-ray examination method is included in the mandatory criterion of preoperative examination, which allows you to determine the size of the deformation and bone parameters. The present study is based on the hypothesis that the lifetime X-ray measurement of the bone of the proximal phalanx of a horse (longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the proximal and distal epiphysis and diaphysis, bone length), allows us to justify the size and technique of fixing the screw in the treatment of fractures. Morphometric studies included macroscopic dissection; morphometry of bone preparations; Xray measurement of the putus bone; documentation of the data obtained, photographing. A morphometric study was performed on 20 bone preparations (10 thoracic and 10 pelvic) and 40 X-ray images (20 in lateromedial and 20 in dorso-palmar/plantar projections) of the proximal phalanx of the horse. As a result of the work performed, it was found that the variability of parameters (longitudinal and transverse size of the proximal epiphysis, longitudinal and transverse size of the distal epiphysis; the longitudinal and transverse size of the diaphysis, bone length) of the fetal bone of the thoracic and pelvic limbs in horses for average values has no significant deviations (up to 1%), while the differences between the minimum and maximum values range from 20.0% to 66.6% for values obtained by anatomical method; from 12.2% and 33.3% for the Xray method.

Determination of α lamellae orientation in a β-Ti alloy using electron backscatter diffraction.

The spatial orientation of α lamellae in a metastable β-Ti matrix of Timetal LCB (Ti-6.8 Mo-4.5 Fe-1.5 Al in wt%) was examined and the orientation of the hexagonal close-packed α lattice in the α lamella was determined. For this purpose, a combination of methods of small-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction was used. The habit planes of α laths are close to {111}β, which corresponds to (1320)α in the hexagonal coordinate system of the α phase. The longest α lamella direction lies approximately along one of the 〈110〉β directions which are parallel to the specific habit plane. Taking into account the average lattice parameters of the β and α phases in aged conditions in Timetal LCB, it was possible to index all main axes and faces of an α lath not only in the cubic coordinate system of the parent β phase but also in the hexagonal system of the α phase.

Real-Time Ultrasound Tip Location Reduces Malposition and Radiation Exposure during Umbilical Venous Catheter Placement in Neonates: A Retrospective, Observational Study

Introduction: The umbilical venous catheter is a vital access device in neonatal intensive care units for preterm and critically ill infants. Correct positioning is crucial, as malpositioning can lead to severe complications. According to international guidelines, the position of the umbilical venous catheter tip must be assessed in real time; traditionally, the catheter is visualized with a thoracoabdominal X-ray, but one of the most effective and safest methods is therefore real-time ultrasound. Methods: This study compares real-time ultrasound and traditional X-ray methods for assessing umbilical venous catheter tip location in 461 cases. The rate of tip malposition was analyzed retrospectively. The secondary aim was to assess indwelling time of umbilical venous catheters and reasons of removal. Results: Real-time ultrasound tip location, found to be more reliable and efficient, demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of primary malpositioning compared to X-ray assessments (9.6 vs. 75.9%). The study also highlighted the association of real-time ultrasound with reduced catheter manipulation, fewer radiographs, and higher indwelling times of umbilical venous catheter. The multiple logistic regression showed a high probability of the central safe position of the umbilical venous catheter tip using real-time ultrasound tip location (odds ratio 29.5, 95% confidence interval: 17.4–49.4). Conclusion: The findings support the adoption of real-time ultrasound in clinical settings to enhance umbilical venous catheter placement accuracy and minimize associated risks. A minimal training investment is needed to attain the proficiency to visualize the umbilical venous catheters, offering a substantial advantage in terms of both cost-effectiveness for the procedure and enhanced patient safety.

Properties of low sulfur leached spodumene as supplementary cementitious material in ordinary Portland cement

In the context of the increasing demand for lithium, the extraction of lithium from spodumene is being pursued. During the processing of spodumene, large quantities of leached spodumene concentrate (LSC) are produced as a by-product. To avoid the deposition of the material, potential reuse of the material within the cement industry is investigated. XRD and XRF analyses show that the LSC consists predominantly of leached spodumene and thus of an Al2O3 and SiO2 containing material. The pozzolanic composition of the material suggests a reusability of the material as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) within the cement industry. To test this approach, the hydration properties of LSC powders in combination with OPC cement are investigated. The chemical and mineralogical composition was determined using X-ray methods, followed by the assessment of the hydration behavior of LSC by puzzolanity testing and calorimeter of the heat flow. The tests show that a low-sulfur LSC (up to 1.8 %) is very reactive for mixtures of up to 20 % and produces high mechanical strengths in combination with an OPC. The influence of different raw material sources and process-related fluctuations on the conversion rate from α to β spodumene is negligible.

Experimental study on grouting inspection of PC tendons by means of Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Tomography method

Evaluation of grouting condition of post-tensioned tendons in Prestressed Concrete (PC) structures is an important problem in a field of maintenance of civil engineering infrastructure. Existing methods of non-destructive testing (NDT) used for grouting inspection have some limitations. For example, Impact-Echo method has comparatively low accuracy and X-Ray method is expensive and time- and labor-consuming. At the same time, there are promising alternative methods of NDT, which can be used for grouting inspection. The authors carried out an experiment using several large-scale specimens simulating PC girders. Commercially available Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Tomography device with an array of dry-contact sensors was used. Several cases of grouting condition, PC sheath diameter and geometry and rebar placement were studied. It was confirmed that amplitude of reflected ultrasonic pulse in the case of not grouted PC sheath is larger, as compared with a case of a grouted PC sheath. However, depending on diameter of PC sheath, distance from PC sheath to concrete surface and presence of nearby reinforcement, evaluating grouting condition based only on amplitude of reflected ultrasonic pulse can be problematic. To solve this problem authors developed a more accurate method of evaluating grouting condition, which uses multiple parameters, such as amplitude of ultrasonic pulse reflected from PC sheath, backwall and phase of reflected ultrasonic pulse.

Machine learning driven instance segmentation providing new porosity insights into wire arc directed energy deposited Ti-22V-4Al

Non-destructive x-ray methods such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) are useful for investigating porosity defects in additively manufactured products. Understanding the porosity knowledge accessible to micro-CT technologies relies on quantifying the spatial and morphological characteristics of porosity instances. So far, machine learning-based semantic segmentation techniques and threshold-based image analysis methods have been employed for this purpose. However, the reliability of these methods is compromised by their limitations in segmentation accuracy and delineating connected pores. This work proposed a porosity investigation strategy involving a deep learning-based instance segmentation process on micro-CT slices followed by a 3D reconstruction process to reliably examine the spatial and morphological data of 3D porosities, cased studied by a wire arc directed energy deposited Ti-22 V-4Al alloy. Systematic data analysis captured new insights of pore defects in terms of pore formation tendency, the relationship between pore size and pore sphericity, pore evolution, and the discovery of pore-free zones. The proposed workflows are transferrable for the porosity investigation of other additively manufactured components. The new insights may also guide future advancements in porosity elimination and manipulation techniques to fabricate mechanically robust complex structured components.