Flaw detection by X-ray scanning using the rolling-window template-matching procedure

An X-ray scanning method to nondestructively detect flaws that are hidden from direct observation is demonstrated. The method employs a rolling-window template-matching procedure that identifies statistically significant deviations between a response matrix characteristic of an unflawed sample and a response matrix obtained from a test sample. The methodology is illustrated with simulated data and implemented to measure the thickness of missing material hidden within engineered samples. The technology has application in detecting flaws in systems such as aircraft.