Geometric characterization of a circumferential seam by automatic segmentation of digitized radioscopic images

The present study deals with the nondestructive control of a circumferential seam by digital radioscopy. A series of images for one complete revolution of the welded component is available. We first resort to a joint approach by simulation and experimentation. This approach allows the detection of the molten zone limits for an initial image. We then develop a segmentation method that permits automatic extraction of the geometric characteristics of the set of images representative of the weld. These measures supply fast and automatic control of the weld quality. Results are shown for real components.