The potential of 4D tomography inspection

21 Jun 2021

What we call 4D technology is essentially 3D with an added dimension: time. With this emerging technology, an object is captured in both space and time. For the first time in X-ray CT, 4D lets users examine an object’s structure, shape and evolution over time, all at once.

A dandelion coming into bloom: this 4D scan project follows the evolution of a dandelion flower over time, across 250 CT scans of 40 seconds each. The main advantage of this 4D inspection project is that the entire scanning process is automated, from acquisition all the way to reconstruction of the flower.
 

What exactly is 4D CT?

A 4D CT model is built by acquiring 3D CT reconstructions in continuous succession and combining them into a single dataset that evolves over time.
The concept emerged because it gives you a far deeper understanding of your parts at every stage of their life cycle. With a 4D CT system, you can see how, where, why and when a sample develops defects.
In 3D CT, you get a view of your part’s external and internal features and structures. With 4D, your data becomes dynamic: the volume now carries both space and time.
Image: dandelion growing flower in 4D  

 Advantages of the temporal dimension in 4D inspection 

Based on the same principle as 3D tomography but with the added benefit of capturing movement over time, 4D inspection is ideal for observing how parts react—for instance, in assemblies (to see how components interact immediately upon contact), in batteries (to detect when degradation occurs), as well as for failure analysis, mechanical movement, and more. It is important to note that, currently, 4D tomography yields the best results for small, low-density objects. 
 
For in-situ testing applications—such as compression and similar processes—4D inspection serves as a comprehensive solution. This technology also enables the assessment of how factors like temperature or chemical exposure affect an object over time, including phenomena such as hydrodynamic flow.
Inspections 4D de lego (2 vidéos)
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