Three-dimensional visualisation of fatigue cracks in metals using high resolution synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography

The present paper reviews recent developments in high resolution synchrotron X-ray microtomography for the study of fatigue cracks in metals. The possibilities and limitations of the tomography technique are described. A fatigue machine used for in situ cycling of samples is presented and three-dimensional images of the growth of fatigue cracks initiated in various Al alloys on natural or artificial defects are shown. Examples of quantitative use of such 3D images are given.