Automated Crack Detection for Digital Radiography Aircraft Wing Inspection

Radiography testing is one of the most important nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques for aircraft wing inspection. Traditionally, radiography inspection is time and manpower consuming work. In addition, human inspection of cracks and damage based on film radiography is very subjective, inconsistent, and sometimes biased. Digital radiography allows all the benefits of producing significant increases in magnification and image clarity, as well as efficient management of digital images. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a computer aided system to assist interpretation of radiographic images to increase the objectivity, accuracy, and efficiency of radiographic inspection. In this article, an automated crack detection algorithm using region of interest (ROI) minimization and improved Canny edge detection techniques is developed for aircraft wing inspection. Cracks of up to 2 mm long on the aircraft wing around the fastener holes are detected automatically.