Nondestructive Inspection of Composite Structures based on Limited Angle X-ray Computed Tomography

New methods for nondestructive inspection and structural diagnostics of composites based on X-ray Computed Tomography led to improved evaluation of subsurface condition of composites. Currently, strict limitations related to generating X-ray projections all around the inspected object in a full CT scan prohibit CT application to large structures as the commercial industrial X-ray Computed Tomography systems utilize full 360-degree projection angle range for high-quality three-dimensional reconstruction of the inspected objects. The objective of this work is to assess the possibility for breaking through the current limits of X-ray Computed Tomography in order to enable high-fidelity nondestructive inspection of large aircraft structures. This work presents methods that use limited (less than 180-degree) number of angular projections for three-dimensional volume reconstruction. The limited-angle reconstructions are demonstrated on detection of the defects in composite articles pertinent to rotorcraft industry.