Meaning
Calibration standard containing engineered voids of known size and position used to test the accuracy of computed tomography systems. A synthetic porosity artifact allows engineers to verify if their scanning parameters are capable of detecting the smallest defects required by a quality standard. It provides a repeatable way to measure the performance of different machines.
Feature Simulation
Simulation of real-world defects is achieved by placing tiny spheres or holes inside a solid block of material. These features represent the gas pores or inclusions often found in cast or printed metal parts. By knowing exactly where each void is, the user can calculate the detection rate of the software.
Calibration Accuracy
Accuracy of the system is checked by comparing the measured size of the synthetic pores to their certified physical dimensions. If the system reports a pore as being ten percent larger than it actually is, the operator must adjust the threshold settings.
Detection Sensitivity
Sensitivity of the scan is defined as the smallest feature that the system can reliably identify above the background noise. As the material thickness increases, the ability to see small pores decreases. The artifact helps establish the boundary of what the inspection process can achieve for a given part geometry and material type.