ASTM E1935-97(2003)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Calibrating and Meausring CT Density
Standard Test Method for Calibrating and Meausring CT Density
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method allows specification of the density calibration procedures to be used to calibrate and perform material density measurements using CT image data. Such measurements can be used to evaluate parts, characterize a particular system, or compare different systems, provided that observed variations are dominated by true changes in object density rather than by image artifacts. The specified procedure may also be used to determine the effective X-ray energy of a CT system.
The recommended test method is more accurate and less susceptible to errors than alternative CT-based approaches, because it takes into account the effective energy of the CT system and the energy-dependent effects of the X-ray attenuation process.
This (or any) test method for measuring density is valid only to the extent that observed CT-number variations are reflective of true changes in object density rather than image artifacts. Artifacts are always present at some level and can masquerade as density variations. Beam hardening artifacts are particularly detrimental. It is the responsibility of the user to determine or establish, or both, the validity of the density measurements; that is, they are performed in regions of the image which are not overly influenced by artifacts.
Linear attenuation and mass attenuation may be measured in various ways. For a discussion of attenuation and attenuation measurement, see Guide E 1441 and Practice E 1570.
FIG. 1 Density Calibration Phantom
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers instruction for determining the density calibration of X- and γ-ray computed tomography (CT) systems and for using this information to measure material densities from CT images. The calibration is based on an examination of the CT image of a disk of material with embedded specimens of known composition and density. The measured mean CT values of the known standards are determined from an analysis of the image, and their linear attenuation coefficients are determined by multiplying their measured physical density by their published mass attenuation coefficient. The density calibration is performed by applying a linear regression to the data. Once calibrated, the linear attenuation coefficient of an unknown feature in an image can be measured from a determination of its mean CT value. Its density can then be extracted from a knowledge of its mass attenuation coefficient, or one representative of the feature.
1.2 CT provides an excellent method of nondestructively measuring density variations, which would be very difficult to quantify otherwise. Density is inherently a volumetric property of matter. As the measurement volume shrinks, local material inhomogeneities become more important; and measured values will begin to vary about the bulk density value of the material.
1.3 All values are stated in SI units.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation:E1935–97 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Method for
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Calibrating and Measuring CT Density
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1935; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers instruction for determining the 3.1 Definitions:
densitycalibrationofX-and g-raycomputedtomography(CT) 3.1.1 The definitions of terms relating to CT, that appear in
systems and for using this information to measure material Terminology E 1316 and Guide E 1441, shall apply to the
densities from CT images. The calibration is based on an terms used in this test method.
examination of the CT image of a disk of material with 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
embedded specimens of known composition and density. The 3.2.1 density calibration—calibration of a CT system for
measured mean CT values of the known standards are deter- accurate representation of material densities in examination
mined from an analysis of the image, and their linear attenu- objects.
ationcoefficientsaredeterminedbymultiplyingtheirmeasured 3.2.2 effective energy—the equivalent monoenergetic en-
physical density by their published mass attenuation coeffi- ergy for a polyenergetic CT system. Thus, the actual, polyen-
cient.The density calibration is performed by applying a linear ergetic CT system yields the same measured attenuation
regression to the data. Once calibrated, the linear attenuation coefficient for an examination object as a theoretical, monoen-
coefficient of an unknown feature in an image can be measured ergetic CT system at the effective energy.
from a determination of its mean CTvalue. Its density can then 3.2.3 phantom—a part or item being used to calibrate CT
be extracted from a knowledge of its mass attenuation coeffi- density.
cient, or one representative of the feature. 3.2.4 examination object—a part or specimen being sub-
1.2 CT provides an excellent method of nondestructively jected to CT examination.
measuring density variations, which would be very difficult to
4. Basis of Application
quantify otherwise. Density is inherently a volumetric property
4.1 The procedure is generic and requires mutual agreement
of matter. As the measurement volume shrinks, local material
between purchaser and supplier on many points.
inhomogeneities become more important; and measured values
will begin to vary about the bulk density value of the material.
5. Significance and Use
1.3 All values are stated in SI units.
5.1 This test method allows specification of the density
1.4 This standard does not purport to address the safety
calibration procedures to be used to calibrate and perform
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
material density measurements using CT image data. Such
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
measurements can be used to evaluate parts, characterize a
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
particular system, or compare different systems, provided that
limitations prior to use.
observed variations are dominated by true changes in object
2. Referenced Documents
density rather than by image artifacts. The specified procedure
2.1 ASTM Standards: may also be used to determine the effective X-ray energy of a
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CT system.
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
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E 1441 Guide for Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging 5.2 The recommended test method is more accurate and less
susceptible to errors than alternative CT-based approaches,
E 1570 Practice for Computed Tomographic (CT) Exami-
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nation because it takes into account the effective energy of the CT
system and the energy-dependent effects of the X-ray attenu-
ation process.
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5.3 This (or any) test method for measuring density is valid
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on
Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on
only to the extent that observed CT-number variations are
Radiology (X and Gamma) Method.
reflective of true changes in object density rather than image
Current edition approved March 10, 2003. Published May 2003. Originally
artifacts. Artifacts are always present at some level and can
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as E 1935 - 97.
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. masquerade as density variations. Beam hardening artifacts are
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