X-ray for Carbon Bikes

Has anyone had any experience of using X-ray to determine whether carbon framed bikes are disguising cracks?

I bought a repaired carbon frame before Xmas and although it certainly appears structurally sound (and I was reassured by the seller re: the integrity of the frame) it is always nice to be totally sure that your steed won't disintegrate beneath you. I was told that that if i wish to be certain then X-ray could be used to detect cracks....,however, not sure who to contact to have this done if this is true... :?

Befriend a radiologist!

Nah - it'd never work - they'd just see right through your plan...

Try googling/yellow pages for NDT (non destructive testing) specialists they should be able to give you advice anyway or you could try weightweenies forum I'm certain someone there would know.

Corduroyboy":34ncvlr0 said:

Befriend a radiologist!

Nah - it'd never work - they'd just see right through your plan...

Click to expand...

OOOOOOF, thats dreadfull!

I've just befriended a 25 year old radiologist and I am always checking her crack

makster":33d9xzh5 said:

Corduroyboy":33d9xzh5 said:

Befriend a radiologist!

Nah - it'd never work - they'd just see right through your plan...

Click to expand...

OOOOOOF, thats dreadfull!

I've just befriended a 25 year old radiologist and I am always checking her crack

Click to expand...

[Choking] That's 'OOOOOOF'! [/Choking]

makster":gfza1csu said:

Corduroyboy":gfza1csu said:

Befriend a radiologist!

Nah - it'd never work - they'd just see right through your plan...

Click to expand...

OOOOOOF, thats dreadfull!

I've just befriended a 25 year old radiologist and I am always checking her crack

Click to expand...

Just spat wine over the PC....very silly,,,but very funny

makster":a6qzx09e said:

I've just befriended a 25 year old radiologist and I am always checking her crack

Click to expand...

I'd take her back under warranty then if I were you.

where are you located? my dad's mate is an NDTer (north lincs)

On topic again, I'm not sure X-ray would show up cracks in Carbon Fibre composites. In order for the cracks to show on the film there must be a physical phenomenon affecting the X-rays going through the crack. IIRC Bones show up in humans because of density differences affecting the X-rays.

But a cracked CF material without gross deformations may still look the same to the X-ray. I cannot see how two touching surfaces (which is what a crack is) will affect the path of the X-rays. My guess is you need a contrast fluid in any cracks to get them to show up.

Pipeline NDT inspectors certainly use X-ray routinely to inspect steel welds and that could be an entry to NDT expertise via google. Glass Fibre Epoxy Composites (GRE) is also used in Piping and Pipelines but to my knowledge and contrary to steel the GRE pipes and bonds are not X-rayed routinely.

Good luck on your quest

Xesh":z241goph said:

makster":z241goph said:

I've just befriended a 25 year old radiologist and I am always checking her crack

Click to expand...

I'd take her back under warranty then if I were you.

Click to expand...

Only got her on loan anyway Still, always good for the ego to be 'dating'someone 10 years your junior (unless your under 28, then its just sick!)