X-ray imaging systems for NDT and general applications

Real-time digital image processing based on digital sensor arrays opens completely new application areas for X-ray inspections. Exciting developments are underway, and new dimensions of X-ray imaging are already apparent. New X-ray sytems provide information on material structures and processes, for which it was just a dream only 10 years ago. As example, solid metal foams can be employed for light- weight construction with good energy dissipation requirements and are thus interesting for ground transportation vehicles and aerospace applications. Fast radiography is a very helpful technique for visualizing the decay of metal foams in the liquid state which allows to draw conclusions on the physics of foaming and foaming technology. A careful analysis of future NDT systems is imperative to keep the competitiveness in broad areas of industrial NDT and consumer applications.