Computerized radiographic sensing and control of an arc welding process

This paper summarizes an effort in which real-time radiography was implemented for on-line arc welding process study and control. X-ray penetrating radiation was used for volume observation in the welding pool and the heat-affected zone during the weld process. The advantages of such a technique are online detection and monitoring of defect formation in the weld and capability to study metal fusion and filler metal/base metal interaction and metal transfer in the welding pool. This technique may also be used for postservice, real-time remote testing of weld quality