Patent ID: 6853706
Filing Date: 2005-02-08
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for obtaining measurements of strength related characteristics of a part, the method comprising: providing a portable x-ray diffraction unit including an x-ray head having integrated adjustment mechanisms for shifting the head in a plurality of different directions; transporting the portable unit to a site at which the part is in service; orienting the x-ray head relative to the part for directing x-rays thereat; shifting the x-ray head via the adjustment mechanisms to direct x-rays at various positions on the part for obtaining a sufficiently large distribution range of measurements of the desired part characteristics for proper strength analysis thereof; detecting the diffraction of the x-rays from the part at the various positions thereon; transmitting signals to a controller for the portable unit that are based on the detected x-rays; interpreting the signals in circuitry of the controller to render measurements of at least one strength related characteristic of the part; and generating a map at the part site of the part characteristic across the entire distribution range of measurements for the part.