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Radiography

Introduction
Image Considerations History
Present State
Future Direction
The usual objective in radiography is to produce an image showing the highest amount of
detail possible. This requires careful control of a number of different variables that can Physics of Radiography
affect image quality. Radiographic sensitivity is a measure of the quality of an image in Nature of Penetrating
terms of the smallest detail or discontinuity that may be detected. Radiographic Radiation
X-rays
sensitivity is dependant on the combined effects of two independent sets of variables. Gamma Rays
One set of variables affects the contrast and the other set of variables affects the Activity
Decay Rate
definition of the image. -Carbon 14 Dating
Ionization
Inverse Square Law
Interaction of RT/Matter
Attenuation Coefficient
Half-Value Layer
Sources of Attenuation
-Compton Scattering
Geometric Unsharpness
Filters in Radiography
Scatter/Radiation Control
Radiation Safety

Equipment & Materials

X-ray Generators
Radio Isotope Sources
Radiographic Film
Exposure Vaults

Techniques & Calibrations

Imaging Consideration
Contrast
Definition
Radiographic Density
Characteristic Curves
Exposure Calculations
Controlling Quality
Film Processing
Viewing Radiographs
Radiograph Interp-Welds
Radiograph Interp - Castings

Advanced Techniques
Real-time Radiography
Computed Tomography
XRSIM

References

Radiographic contrast is the degree of density difference

Quizzes
between two areas on a radiograph. Contrast makes it easier to -
distinguish features of interest, such as defects, from the
surrounding area. The image to the right shows two radiographs
of the same stepwedge. The upper radiograph has a high level of
contrast and the lower radiograph has a lower level of contrast.
While they are both imaging the same change in thickness, the
high contrast image uses a larger change in radiographic density
to show this change. In each of the two radiographs, there is a
small circle, which is of equal density in both radiographs. It is
much easier to see in the high contrast radiograph. The factors
affecting contrast will be discussed in more detail on the
following page.

Radiographic definition is the abruptness of change in going

from one area of a given radiographic density to another. Like

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Image Considerations Page 2 of 2

contrast, definition also makes it easier to see features of

interest, such as defects, but in a totally different way. In the image to the right, the upper
radiograph has a high level of definition and the lower radiograph has a lower level of
definition. In the high definition radiograph it can be seen that a change in the thickness
of the stepwedge translates to an abrupt change in radiographic density. It can be seen
that the details, particularly the small circle, are much easier to see in the high definition
radiograph. It can be said that the detail portrayed in the radiograph is equivalent to the
physical change present in the stepwedge. In other words, a faithful visual reproduction
of the stepwedge was produced. In the lower image, the radiographic setup did not
produce a faithful visual reproduction. The edge line between the steps is blurred. This is
evidenced by the gradual transition between the high and low density areas on the
radiograph. The factors affecting definition will be discussed in more detail on a
following page.

Since radiographic contrast and definition are not dependent upon the same set of factors,
it is possible to produce radiographs with the following qualities:

Low contrast and poor definition

High contrast and poor definition

Low contrast and good definition

High contrast and good definition

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