Abstract: A system for quantifying x-ray backscatter system performance is disclosed. The system includes one or more x-ray backscatter detectors, an x-ray tube, a support, and a plurality of rods mounted on the support and arranged in groups. Each group of rods includes at least two rods having the same width. The system also includes a user interface configured to connect to the x-ray backscatter detectors to receive a backscatter signal from the x-ray backscatter detectors associated with the x-ray tube, where the user interface plots a modulation transfer function representing x-ray backscatter for each rod of the plurality of rods from x-rays transmitted by the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A method includes receiving three-dimensional (3D) measurement data based on a measurement of a first used component of a particular component type. The method also includes performing a comparison of the 3D measurement data to in-service tolerances associated with the particular component type, the in-service tolerances determined based on a measurement of at least a second used component of the particular component type and an evaluation of structural characteristics of the second used component. The method further includes generating, based on the comparison, an output indicating whether the first used component is acceptable for reuse.

Abstract: A system for quantifying x-ray backscatter system performance is disclosed. The system includes one or more x-ray backscatter detectors, an x-ray tube, a support, and a plurality of rods mounted on the support and arranged in groups. Each group of rods includes at least two rods having the same width. The system also includes a user interface configured to connect to the x-ray backscatter detectors to receive a backscatter signal from the x-ray backscatter detectors associated with the x-ray tube, where the user interface plots a modulation transfer function representing x-ray backscatter for each rod of the plurality of rods from x-rays transmitted by the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A system for quantifying x-ray backscatter system performance may include a support; a plurality of rods mounted on the support; the rods of the plurality of rods arranged parallel to each other, having generally curved outer surfaces, and being arranged in groups of varying widths, each group of the groups having at least two of the rods of a same width; and a user interface configured to be connected to receive a backscatter signal from an x-ray backscatter detector associated with an x-ray tube, apply a transfer function to generate a transfer curve representing x-ray backscatter for each rod of the plurality of rods from x-rays transmitted by the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A method includes receiving three-dimensional (3D) measurement data based on a measurement of a first used component of a particular component type. The method also includes performing a comparison of the 3D measurement data to in-service tolerances associated with the particular component type, the in-service tolerances determined based on a measurement of at least a second used component of the particular component type and an evaluation of structural characteristics of the second used component. The method further includes generating, based on the comparison, an output indicating whether the first used component is acceptable for reuse.

Abstract: Inspection systems employing radiation filters with different attenuation characteristics to determine specimen irregularities, and related methods are disclosed. An inspection system includes a radiation emitter configured to emit a radiation beam along a radiation trajectory. Some of the radiation may be reflected by the specimen as backscatter and received by at least one radiation detector of the inspection system along the radiation trajectory. Irregularities and various materials of the specimen may produce backscatter radiation at different energies and/or scatter angles which may be identified by employing radiation filters having different attenuation characteristics. By employing these filters in communication with the radiation emitter and the radiation detector, the backscatter radiation passed through the filters may be measured and integrated at different positions of the radiation beam to produce a composite image of the specimen.

Abstract: A system for quantifying x-ray backscatter system performance may include a support; a plurality of rods mounted on the support; the rods of the plurality of rods arranged parallel to each other, having generally curved outer surfaces, and being arranged in groups of varying widths, each group of the groups having at least two of the rods of a same width; and a user interface configured to be connected to receive a backscatter signal from an x-ray backscatter detector associated with an x-ray tube, apply a transfer function to generate a transfer curve representing x-ray backscatter for each rod of the plurality of rods from x-rays transmitted by the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A method for detecting discrepancies in an item is provided. The method comprises: directing energy waves at the item along at least one dimension, wherein a portion of the energy waves are reflected back from the item; detecting reflected energy waves from the item along at least one dimension and recording the intensity of the detected reflected energy waves, and forming a one-dimensional image of the item from the detected reflected energy waves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented. X-rays are directed at a workpiece. The workpiece includes a fastener installed in an opening. Backscatter is received from the workpiece. It is determined if the fastener installed in the opening has an out of tolerance gap using the backscatter. An output is generated if the fastener installed in the opening has the out of tolerance gap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented. X-rays are directed at a workpiece. The workpiece includes a fastener installed in an opening. Backscatter is received from the workpiece. It is determined if the fastener installed in the opening has an out of tolerance gap using the backscatter. An output is generated if the fastener installed in the opening has the out of tolerance gap.

Abstract: A system for quantifying x-ray backscatter system performance may include a support, a plurality of rods mounted on the support, the rods of the plurality of rods arranged in parallel to each other, having generally curved outer surfaces, and being arranged in groups of varying widths, each group of the groups having at least two of the rods of a same width, and a user interface configured to be connected to receive a backscatter signal from an x-ray backscatter detector associated with an x-ray tube, and generate a display representing photon counts of x-ray backscatter for each rod of the plurality of rods from x-rays transmitted by the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting sealant on an object. First data is generated for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object. Second data is generated for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object. A difference is identified between the first data and the second data. The difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.

Abstract: Inspection systems employing radiation filters with different attenuation characteristics to determine specimen irregularities, and related methods are disclosed. An inspection system includes a radiation emitter configured to emit a radiation beam along a radiation trajectory. Some of the radiation may be reflected by the specimen as backscatter and received by at least one radiation detector of the inspection system along the radiation trajectory. Irregularities and various materials of the specimen may produce backscatter radiation at different energies and/or scatter angles which may be identified by employing radiation filters having different attenuation characteristics. By employing these filters in communication with the radiation emitter and the radiation detector, the backscatter radiation passed through the filters may be measured and integrated at different positions of the radiation beam to produce a composite image of the specimen.

Abstract: A system for quantifying x-ray backscatter system performance may include a support, a plurality of rods mounted on the support, the rods of the plurality of rods arranged in parallel to each other, having generally curved outer surfaces, and being arranged in groups of varying widths, each group of the groups having at least two of the rods of a same width, and a user interface configured to be connected to receive a backscatter signal from an x-ray backscatter detector associated with an x-ray tube, and generate a display representing photon counts of x-ray backscatter for each rod of the plurality of rods from x-rays transmitted by the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is present. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source. A beam is formed from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator. The collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure. The second structure is configured to hold the collimator. The second structure of the bearing system is moved using a movement system such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure. Rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam is directed.

Abstract: A system and methods to record a configuration record for components of an asset is provided. The system includes a user interface device comprising a screen having a plurality of attributes and a plurality of link hotspots coupled to the plurality of attributes. A database is coupled to the user interface device, wherein the database includes an aspect associated with each of the plurality of attributes. The system includes a processor coupled to the user interface device and the database, wherein the processor configured to couple the aspect to the plurality of link hotspots.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for generating a three-dimensional model of an object of interest in an aircraft. In response to transmitting a plurality of x-rays from a set of transmission points into the aircraft, backscatter x-ray data is received. The object identified from a two-dimensional diagram of the backscatter data. Points for the object are created from the identification of the object in the received data. The points are placed at a first distance from the transmission points to form a first curve. The points are placed at a second distance from the transmission points to form a second curve. A first surface is formed from the first and second curves. A second surface is formed that intersects the first surface to form an intersection. Three-dimensional data is generated for the three-dimensional model of the object from the intersection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in generating a volumetric reconstruction of an object using scattered X-ray radiography. An X-ray beam is directed towards a point within a target object. Scattered X-rays are measured by detectors and measurement data is stored. The X-ray beam is directed towards different points. Measurement data associated with each point is analyzed using a ray tracing methodology to assign contrast values to each point. A volumetric image is generated therefrom.

Abstract: A system and methods to record a configuration record for components of an asset is provided. The system includes a user interface device comprising a screen having a plurality of attributes and a plurality of link hotspots coupled to the plurality of attributes. A database is coupled to the user interface device, wherein the database includes an aspect associated with each of the plurality of attributes. The system includes a processor coupled to the user interface device and the database, wherein the processor configured to couple the aspect to the plurality of link hotspots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is present. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source. A beam is formed from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator. The collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure. The second structure is configured to hold the collimator. The second structure of the bearing system is moved using a movement system such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure. Rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam is directed.