Application of Dual-Energy K-Edge Subtraction Imaging to Assessment of Heat Treatments in Al-Cu Alloys

Abstract

Dual-energy K-edge subtraction imaging technique has been employed to analyze the spatial distribution of copper and its change in three-dimensions quantitatively during a solution treatment. In order to realize it, some preliminary investigations on the verification and assurance of accuracy and repeatability have been performed. Inhomogeneous Cu concentration distribution is revealed even after the solution treatment for a sufficiently long period of time at a high temperature in an Al-Cu alloy. The present technique has a unique potential to realize four-dimensional chemical-concentration mapping.