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Cracks characterisation by X-ray tomography

A fundamental issue for the reliability and durability of your parts

Microcracks, crazing, fatigue cracks, shrinkage cracks, or drying cracks… The presence and evolution of cracks determine the mechanical strength, lifespan, functionality, and safety of your products.

If left unchecked, they can lead to premature failures, reduce fatigue resistance, or compromise the integrity of a structure. Using X-ray tomography, we offer a non-destructive, multi-scale 3D analysis to detect, visualize, and quantify internal cracks, from microns to centimeters, and monitor their evolution under real-world conditions.

Key parameters for 3D crack characterisation

Dimensions: proportion of the volume affected, overall and local extent

Crack geometry: length, opening, height, slenderness, orientation

Location: position of cracks within the component, proximity to inclusions or interfaces

Connectivity and propagation: crack network, branching, coalescence, tortuosity

Dynamic evolution: in-situ monitoring of crack propagation under mechanical (tension, compression, fatigue), thermal, or environmental stresses

Our 3D crack analysis services using X-ray tomography

Additive manufacturing – 3D printed alloys and polymers

Detection of microcracks related to thermal gradients and residual stresses
3D mapping of internal cracks to optimize manufacturing parameters
Monitoring of fatigue initiation and propagation

Metallurgy, Foundry, and Heat Treatment

Analysis of Solidification and Shrinkage Cracks
Detection of Fatigue Cracks and Intergranular Cracks
Evaluation of the Impact of Heat Treatments

Welding, brazing, and assembly

Weld inspection for interfacial or hot cracks
Crack opening and connectivity measurement

Composite materials – fibers + polymer or ceramic matrices

Detection and monitoring of matrix and interlaminar cracks
Analysis of fiber/matrix decohesion and delamination cracks
Failure analysis

Ceramics, glasses, and refractory materials

Detection of drying or friring microcracks
Analysis of brittle propagation under mechanical or thermal conditions

Polymers and elastomers

Detection of fatigue or shrinkage cracks
Monitoring of cracking and fracture initiation mechanisms

Geomaterials and natural samples

Analysis of crack networks in rocks for petroleum, geothermal, or hydrogeological studies
Monitoring of crack propagation under thermal or hydrological cycles
Study of microcracking in wood and other organic materials

Biomedical materials and tissues

Detection of microcracks in implantable biomaterials (scaffolds, reinforced hydrogels, bio-based composites)
Monitoring of remodelling and damage in collagenous tissues under stress
Durability assessment of medical devices (valves, prostheses, patches)

Pharmaceuticals – solid dosage forms

Detection of microcracks caused by compression, drying, or handling
3D visualisation of cracks in protective films or coatings
In-situ monitoring of crack formation and propagation under mechanical or hydraulic stress

Why choose microCT for the analysis of cracks ?

Non-destructive 3D inspection: visualises and quantifies internal cracks invisible on the surface
Multi-scale precision: from millimetre to sub-micron, suitable for bulk samples or fine microstructures
Comprehensive analysis: crack location, orientation, connectivity, volume, and aperture
In situ and dynamic studies: monitoring of crack initiation and propagation under mechanical, thermal, or chemical stress
Useful data: for numerical modelling, correlation with mechanical tests, and durability simulation

Our X-ray tomography and 3D image analysis techniques

For measurements on R&D samples as well as finished products:

Industrial Computed Tomography (CT): non-destructive inspection of parts up to several tens of centimeters in size
Micro-CT: micrometric resolution for analyzing 3D orientation and microstructure
Synchrotron Micro-CT (SR-µCT): detection of fine fibers, carbon/carbon, ultrafast acquisition for dynamic studies
In-situ Micro-CT: temporal monitoring of fiber evolution under compression or tension, and temperature
Synchrotron Nano-CT: resolution down to 50 nm for the finest fibers

For visual renderings and quantitative results tailored to your needs:

3D visualisation: 3D inspection of fiber content in parts up to several tens of centimeters in size
3D image analysis: 3D quantitative results on orientation, volumetric fractin, lengths, number of contacts, etc.
AI-powered image analysis: precise results even on complex materials
Automated and reproducible image processing, custom software
3D film and animation editing: for clear and compelling presentations

Why choose Novitom?

Recognised expertise

Over 20 years of experience in advanced tomography and interpretation of complex results

Meaningful analyses

Precise quantitative data, non-destructive and multi-scale inspections tailored to your application

Responsiveness

Solutions tailored to your constraints, detailed reports and 3D visuals to facilitate decision-making

Related non-destructive characterisation techniques

3D analysis of porosity

3D chacracterisation of fibres

Advanced non-destructive imaging

Real-time and in situ tomography

Geometry comparison with CAD

Characterisation of composites and polymers

Analysis of metals and alloys

R&D support and partnership

Multi-scale tomography

Materials and processes

Health - cosmetics: physical analysis

X-ray tomography

X-ray diffraction and scattering

Microscopy & Spectroscopy

In situ testing devices