Designation: E 242 – 01 (Reapproved 2005)e1

Standard Reference Radiographs for

Appearances of Radiographic Images as Certain Parameters
Are Changed1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 242; 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.

e1 NOTE—A sentence about reference radiograph films was editorially added to 1.2 in December 2005.

1. Scope Industrial Radiography

1.1 This document describes the appearance of a radio- 2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
graphic image where fundamental components of image qual- Reference Radiographs for Appearances of Radiographic
ity are changed, that is, variables such as whether an X-ray or Images as Certain Parameters Are Changed3
gamma ray source was used, the characteristics of the radio- 3. Terminology
graphic film and intensifying screens, and the geometrical
configuration of the object under investigation as well as its 3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms used in this docu-
associated radiographic set-up. ment, see Terminology E 1316, Section D.
1.2 These reference radiographs2 consist of four composite 4. Significance and Use
illustrations3 and show how such factors as radiation energy,
specimen thickness, and film properties affect the radiographic 4.1 A key consideration with any radiographic system is its
image. The reference radiograph films are an adjunct to this capability to resolve detail (that is, sensitivity). The degree of
document and must be purchased separately from ASTM if obtainable sensitivity with a given system is dependent upon
needed. several radiographic parameters such as source energy level,
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded film system, type and thickness of intensifying screens, and
as the standard. material thickness radiographed. These reference radiographs
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the permit the user to estimate the degree of sensitivity change that
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the may be obtained when these parameters are varied from a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- specific technique. This standard may also be used in conjunc-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- tion with Test Method E 1815 or with Test Method E 746 to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. provide a basis for developing data for evaluation of a user’s
specific system. This data may assist a user in determining
2. Referenced Documents appropriate parameters for obtaining desired degrees of radio-
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4 graphic system sensitivity.
E 94 Guide for Radiographic Examination 5. Factors Affecting Radiographic Appearance
E 746 Test Method for Determining Relative Image Quality
Response of Industrial Radiographic Film Systems 5.1 The final interpretation of the radiograph is greatly
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Testing affected by the appearance of a discontinuity. A poor technique
E 1815 Test Method for Classification of Film Systems for can minimize the radiographic appearance of a discontinuity
and conversely the optimum technique can emphasize this
appearance. The appearance of a radiographic image is affected
mainly by:
1
These reference radiographs are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee 5.1.1 X-ray or gamma ray energy.
E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E07.02 on Reference Radiographs. 5.1.2 Section thickness,
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2005. Published February 2006. Originally 5.1.3 Unsharpness, and
approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as E 242 - 01. 5.1.4 Film and screen combinations.
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Code applications see related Reference
Radiographs SE-242 in the Code.
5.2 The equation that considers most of the above factors is:
3
Available from ASTM Headquarters. Order RRE0242. Dx 5 [c~d1 2 d 2!/Gµ#~kx 1 1! (1)
4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM where:
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Dx = thickness of discontinuity,
the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 E 242 – 01 (2005)e1

c = constant, scratches, abrasions, stains, and so forth. Any reference radio-

d1 − d2 = minimum density change perceptible by eye, graphs which show signs of excessive wear and tear which
G = film gradient, could influence the interpretation and use of the radiographs
µ = linear absorption coefficient (effective), should be replaced.
k = scattering coefficient, and
x = section thickness. 7. Use of the Reference Radiographs
As the above equation shows, the minimum thickness of 7.1 As radiation energy increases, the radiographic appear-
detectable discontinuity (Dx) is: ance of a given discontinuity becomes less distinct because of
5.2.1 A function of X-ray energy, the greater penetration of the radiation; that is, because of
5.2.2 A function of section thickness, and decreasing subject contrast. The reference radiographs permit a
5.2.3 An inverse function of film gradient. comparison of the radiographic appearance of the weld, at
5.3 Although not clearly indicated by the above relation, the particular thickness over a range of X-ray or gamma ray
size of detectable discontinuity is also a function of unsharp- energies.
ness, see Guide E 94. 7.2 Another condition that affects radiographic appearance
is the variation of thickness for a given X-ray or gamma ray
6. Radiographic Illustrations energy. As the thickness of examined material is increased, a
6.1 A series of 36 radiographs, each on 10-in. by 12-in. discontinuity becomes less distinct in the radiographic image.
[254-mm by 305-mm] film, were taken of a 12-in. by 12-in. This is due to two predominant factors:
welded steel plate which contained discontinuities in the weld. 7.2.1 The X-ray or gamma ray beam divergence which
These were taken to illustrate the differences in appearance of produces unsharpness on the film when traversing a large
the radiographic image when techniques for taking radiographs thickness.
are varied by changing the factors listed in Section 5. A 2-in. by 7.2.2 Scattered radiation within the material, which reduces
2-in. [51-mm by 51-mm] area, which includes the identical the radiographic contrast.
image of the discontinuities in the weld, was selected and cut 7.2.3 The above processes are a function of material thick-
out from each 10-in. by 12-in. radiograph and arranged so as to ness and X-ray or gamma ray energy. This effect is illustrated
make four composite illustrations identified as Fig. 1 through in this document by the composite set of radiographs or by
Fig. 4. These composite illustrations are an abridged version of direct reference to the full-size radiographs.
the original 36 radiographs and serve as the reference radio- 8. Film and Screens
graphs for this document. Following are brief descriptions of
8.1 The X-ray film systems used in obtaining the illustrative
these figures.
data were as follows: Very Fine Grain (comparable to class I of
6.1.1 Figure 1—Composite Illustration A consists of cut
Test Method E 1815) and Fine Grain (comparable to class II of
outs from the 10 radiographs taken of the 1-in. [25-mm] thick
Test Method E 1815). Comparisons of these two film systems
welded steel plate.
are illustrated in the composite radiographs and within Table 1.
6.1.2 Figure 2—Composite Illustration B consists of cut 8.2 Several different lead foil screen combinations were
outs from the 10 radiographs taken of the welded steel plate, used. The specific combination of lead foil screens for each
built up to 2 in. in thickness. radiograph is noted in Table 1.
6.1.3 Figure 3—Composite Illustration C consists of cut
outs from the 10 radiographs taken of the welded steel plate, 9. Conclusions and Summary
built up to 4 in. in thickness. 9.1 For a constant specimen thickness, the radiographic
6.1.4 Figure 4—Composite Illustration D consists of cut appearance of the discontinuities changes as the X-ray or
outs from the 6 radiographs taken of the welded steel plate, gamma ray energy is varied.
built up to 6 in. [152 mm] in thickness. 9.2 As the section thickness of specimen increases, the
6.2 The radiographic appearance of discontinuities in 1, 2, radiographic appearance of the discontinuities becomes less
4, and 6-in. thick steel is shown in the series of composite distinct, the radiation energy remaining constant.
radiographs. (These are full-scale reproductions of the same 9.3 All other factors remaining constant, as the film is
selected area from all the reference radiographs.) All composite changed from very fine grain (class I of Test Method E 1815)
sets of radiographs show the change in radiographic appear- to fine grain (class II of Test Method E 1815), the radiographic
ance in the specified thickness of steel plate as the parameters appearance of the discontinuities becomes less distinct.
of X-ray or gamma ray energy and film systems or both are 9.4 For specimens of uniform thickness, these data reveal
changed. that the most distinct radiographic appearance of the disconti-
6.3 Film Deterioration—Radiographic films are subject to nuities occurs when the finest grain film and the lowest X-ray
wear and tear from handling and use. The extent to which the or gamma ray energy is used, consistent with a given specimen
image deteriorates over time is a function of storage condi- thickness and practical exposure time.
tions, care in handling and amount of use. Reference radio-
graph films are no exception and may exhibit a loss in image 10. Keywords
quality over time. The radiographs should therefore be peri- 10.1 film systems; discontinuities; gamma rays; reference
odically examined for signs of wear and tear, including radiographs; steel; unsharpness; welds; x-ray

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 E 242 – 01 (2005)e1
TABLE 1 Technique Data
NOTE 1—1 in. = 25.4 mm
Composite Illustration
Lead Screens A B C D
Source Film Notes
Steel Thickness
Front, in. Back, in. 1 in. 2 in. 4 in. 6 in.
150 kVp 0.005 0.005 x ... ... ... Fine grain 14 ⁄ in. lead mask
250 kVP 0.005 0.005 ... x ... ... Fine grain 14 ⁄ in. lead mask
0.010 x x x ... Very fine grain ...
1 MV
H 0.030
0.030
0.005
0.010
0.005
...
x
...
x
...
x
x
...
Fine grain
Fine grain
...
...

2 MV H0.030
0.005
0.010
0.005
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Very fine grain
Fine grain
...
...

10 MV 0.040 0.010 x x x x Fine grain ...

15 MV 0.030 0.010 x x x x Very fine grain ...

Iridium 192 H0.005

0.010
0.010
0.010
x
...
...
x
...
x
...
...
Fine grain
Fine grain
...
...

Cobalt-60 (21⁄2 C) H0.005

0.010
0.010
0.010
x
...
...
x
...
x
...
...
Fine grain
Fine grain
...
...

Cobalt-60 (1000 C) 0.010 0.010 ... ... x x Fine grain 0.080 in. lead filter
Radium-226 (250 mg) 0.010 0.010 x x x ... Fine grain ...

EXPLANATORY NOTES

NOTE 1—Total unsharpness factors such as source size, source-film NOTE 2—It is not the intent of this document to limit the usefulness of
distance, screens, film graininess, etc., must be considered in establishing any source of radiation. The radiographs included in this document are
techniques (Guide E 94). illustrative and not intended to be either inclusive or conclusive.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION

X1.1 Radiation source was centered over drilled hole in X1.3 All films were developed using procedures recom-
center of specimen (as seen in the 10 in. by 12 in. [254 mm by mended in Guide E 94.
305 mm] full-size reproduction). In 1 MV and 2 MV radiog-
raphy, the radiation was projected towards the specimen X1.4 Good contact between film and screens was
through the target, using a transmitted beam. maintained.
X1.2 Radiographic exposure was such that the film density
in the radiograph at the center of a line connecting the image
of the two drilled holes in the plate was between 1.90 and 2.10.

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