3D Analysis of Textile Structures with High-Resolution Computed Tomography

Thanks to the knowledge of the 3D microstructure of a speciman by using a high-resolution X-ray Computed Tomogaphy (CT) system, it is not only possible to judge the actual state of that specimen, but also predict its characteristics. By means of generating full 3D information with sub-micron resolution and moving virtually through the inner parts of the object slice by slice, complete new possibilities for analysis are available for research and quality control. Especially for new materials like textile 3D-structures used in safety relevant or cost intensive applications, CT systems are used more and more often through the complete process of development up to the final quality check. With the new nanotom (R) small objects can be examined with voxel sizes < 500nm (0.5 mu m). Further fields of applications are the analysis of metals, plastic materials and composites, ceramics and much more. Every difference within the specimen with regards to material composition, density or porosity influencing the X-ray absorption can be visualised in the 3D image. This provides exact information about the spatial distribution of different materials, density or orientation of fibres without destroying the object. By this means the CT will partially replace destructive methods like cross-sectioning - saving costs and time per sample inspected. In addition defects like cracks, voids or inclusions can not only be visualised but also their volume can be calculated.