Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Computerized axial tomography is applied to study the evolution of materials deterioration with increasing plastic straining. Tomographic measurements of the X-rays intensity are presented for uniaxially loaded pure aluminium specimens. Various permanent elongations are considered. Observed changes in local properties and their global variation in the scanned slice are related to permanent strains. For reference, the data recorded are reported to values and features concerning an undeformed specimen. Histograms and standard deviations of the quantity measured in the scanner employed are given. From the results of tomographic and mechanical tests, pertinence of the method to nondestructive qualification of the deformed material can be estimated. Further necessary studies regarding radiological properties of deformed metals are outlined when attempting a specification of the relation between tomographic measurements of the X-ray absorption or intensity and density variations due to the straining induced internal damage.