Progress in in situ x-ray imaging of welding process
Xiaolin Zhang1, Zijue Tang1, Yi Wu1
1State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|August 3, 2022
Summary
X-ray imaging offers unprecedented in situ insights into welding processes, revealing melt pool dynamics and defect formation. This review highlights advancements in X-ray techniques for enhanced weld quality and additive manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Manufacturing Technology
- Non-Destructive Testing
Background:
- Welding is a critical industrial process requiring enhanced weld quality.
- Understanding the internal dynamics of the welding melt pool is essential for process optimization.
- X-ray imaging provides a powerful non-destructive method for in situ observation of welding phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current progress in in situ X-ray imaging of welding processes.
- To introduce experimental results on keyhole, melt pool, pore, and solidification crack evolution.
- To propose future trends in X-ray imaging for welding process monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Experiments utilizing laboratory-based single X-ray imaging systems.
- Experiments employing laboratory-based double X-ray imaging systems.
- Synchrotron radiation tomography for high-resolution in situ imaging.
Main Results:
- Detailed observations of keyhole formation and evolution.
- In situ analysis of melt pool dynamics and stability.
- Identification and characterization of defects like pores and solidification cracks.
Conclusions:
- In situ X-ray imaging provides a new understanding of welding, particularly in additive manufacturing.
- Advancements in X-ray imaging systems enable detailed observation of welding phenomena.
- Future developments will focus on enhanced monitoring and control of welding processes using X-ray technology.
