| Abstract: |
X-ray radiographic imaging technique is routinely used and justified in the industry as a viable and fast non-destructive evaluation (NDE) modality. X-ray images can be easily and accurately interpreted, and provide valuable facts and insights into the nature of brazed joints.
In this study, ceramic-to-metal brazed joints were fabricated by high temperature vacuum furnace brazing process using VTG grade BFM preforms and high-grade graphite fixtures. The precision brazed joints were inspected principally for detecting and locating the internal defects such as flaws, cracks, voids, lack of fillet, discontinuities and other internal imperfections. This promising inspection technique was also used to highlight the structural integrity of the multi-layered joints. X-ray inspection technique was successfully employed and incorporated into the NDE procedure, along with helium leak detection technique to check the vacuum tightness of brazed assembly. The facts and results, obtained by in-depth analyses, were used for establishing a specialized brazing process knowledge base and for evaluating the braze joints in conformance with the stringent design guidelines and operational requirements.
Keywords: Brazing Defects, Non-destructive Testing, X-ray Radiographic Inspection, Helium Leak Detection, Vacuum Furnace Brazing, Ceramic-to-Metal Brazing.
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