Designation: E272 − 15

Standard Reference Radiographs for

High-Strength Copper-Base and Nickel-Copper Alloy
Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E272; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 1.2.1.2 AG—Greater than 2 in. (50.8 mm) up to and includ-

1.1 These reference radiographs illustrate various ing 6 in. (152.4 mm) (called “Code A Discontinuity type” in
categories, types, and severity levels of discontinuities occur- previous revisions).
ring in high-strength copper-base, nickel-copper, and related 1.2.2 Category B—Inclusions
alloy castings. The reference radiograph films are an adjunct to 1.2.2.1 Ba—Sand inclusions, severity levels 1 through 5 for
this document and must be purchased separately from ASTM two thickness ranges.
International, if needed (see 2.3). Categories and severity (1) BaX—Up to and including 2 in. (50.8 mm) (called
levels for each discontinuity type represented by these refer- “Code Ba Discontinuity type” in previous revisions).
ence radiographs are described in 1.2. (2) BaG—Greater than 2 in. (50.8 mm) up to and including
6 in. (152.4 mm) (called “Code Ba Discontinuity type” in
NOTE 1—The basis of application for these reference radiographs
previous revisions).
requires a prior purchaser supplier agreement of radiographic examination
attributes and classification criterion described in Sections 4, 7, 8, 9, and 1.2.2.2 Bb—Dross inclusions, severity levels 1 through 5
10 of this standard. for two thickness ranges.
1.2 These reference radiographs consist of forty-five 5 by (1) BbX--Up to and including 2 in. (50.8 mm) (called
7-in. (127 by 178-mm) nominal size reproductions (twenty “Code Bb Discontinuity type” in previous revisions).
made from 1-in. (25.4-mm) plate castings exposed with low (2) BbG—greater than 2 in. (50.8 mm) up to and including
voltage X-rays for thicknesses up to and including 2 in.) and 6 in. (152.4 mm) (called “Code Bb Discontinuity type” in
twenty-five made from 3-in. (76-mm) plate castings exposed previous revisions).
with 2 MV X-rays or Cobalt 60 isotope for thicknesses greater 1.2.3 Category C—Shrinkage; three types
than 2 in. up to and including 6 in. Unless otherwise specified 1.2.3.1 Ca—linear shrinkage, severity levels 1 through 5 for
in a purchaser supplier agreement (see 1.1), each discontinuity 2 inches to and including 6 in. (50.8 to 152.4 mm) in thickness
category is for comparison only with production radiographs 1.2.3.2 Cb—feathery shrinkage, severity levels 1 through 5
produced with radiation energy levels within the thickness for thicknesses up to and including 2 in. (50.8 mm). (Called
range covered by the category. These reference radiographs “Cd feathery shrinkage” in previous revisions).
illustrate discontinuities in sand-cast manganese-nickel- 1.2.3.3 Cc——spongy shrinkage, severity levels 1 through 5
aluminum bronze-alloy plates and are representative of those for 2 in. to and including 6 in. (50.8 to 152.4 mm) in thickness
found in narrow freezing range (formerly “high shrinkage”), (called “Cd spongy shrinkage” in previous revisions).
high-strength copper and nickel-copper alloys. Following is a
NOTE 2—Discontinuity classes designated with a subscript “X” were
list of discontinuity categories, types and severity levels for the
produced with low energy X-ray radiation; discontinuity classes desig-
adjunct reference radiographs of this standard (see Note 2): nated with subscript “G” were produced with Cobalt 60 and/or 2 MV
1.2.1 Category A—Gas porosity; severity levels 1 through 5 X-rays and are the same reference radiographs and thickness ranges used
for two thickness ranges. in previous editions of this standard. Section 4 details the significance and
1.2.1.1 AX—Up to and including 2 inches (50.8 mm) (called use of these reference radiographs.
“Code A Discontinuity type” in previous revisions). 1.3 From time to time, there may be minor changes to the
process for manufacturing of the reference radiograph adjunct
materials. These changes could include changes in the films or
1
These reference radiographs are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee processing chemicals used, changes in the dies or printing for
E07 on Nondestructive Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittees the cardboard mats, etc.; however, in all cases, these changes
E07.02 on Reference Radiological Images and E07.93 on Illustration Monitoring.
are reviewed by the Illustration Monitoring Subcommittee and
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015. Published September 2015. Originally
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E272 - 10. DOI: all reference radiographs are reviewed against a fixed prototype
10.1520/E0272-15. image to ensure that there are no changes to the acceptance

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

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 E272 − 15
level represented by the reference radiographs. Therefore, the shrinkage category and “a” represents the specific linear
adjunct reference radiographs remain valid for use with this shrinkage discontinuity type.
standard regardless of the date of production or the revision 3.2.4 discontinuity severity level—a relative rank in terms of
level of the text standard. “quantity, size and distribution” of a collection of discontinui-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded ties where “1” is the least and “5” is the greatest “quantity, size
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical and distribution” present on the reference radiograph. Ex-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only ample: a severity level of “1” is more restrictive (requires a
and are not considered standard. higher level of workmanship fabrication quality) than a sever-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the ity level of “2”.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.5 discontinuity class—an assigned workmanship fabri-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- cation quality rating characterized by a discontinuity type,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- category and severity level. For example: “Ca 2” is a discon-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. tinuity class comprised of linear shrinkage with a severity level
of “2”.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.6 classification specification—a set of user defined ac-
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 ceptance criterion that prescribes the radiographic workman-
B148 Specification for Aluminum-Bronze Sand Castings ship discontinuity class requirements for a specified user
B369 Specification for Copper-Nickel Alloy Castings casting service application (see Sections 7 and 8).
B584 Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for
General Applications 3.2.7 graded illustration—a category of discontinuity that is
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination assigned a severity level.
E186 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (2 to 41⁄2-in. 3.2.8 ungraded illustration—a category of discontinuity
(50.8 to 114-mm)) Steel Castings without an assigned severity level.
E242 Reference Radiographs for Appearances of Radio-
3.2.9 prorating—assignment of quantity, size and distribu-
graphic Images as Certain Parameters are Changed
tion on a production radiograph in proportion to a similar size
E192 Reference Radiographs of Investment Steel Castings
area of a reference radiograph. For example: a production
for Aerospace Applications
radiograph covers an area that is smaller than the unit area of
E446 Reference Radiographs for Steel Castings Up to 2 in.
a reference radiograph and the extent of discontinuity on the
(50.8 mm) in Thickness
applicable reference radiograph is reduced proportionately.
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
2.2 Military Specification: 4. Significance and Use
MIL-B-21230A Bronze, Nickel Aluminum and Manganese-
Nickel Aluminum, Casting, Ship Propeller Application3 4.1 Reference radiographs for high-strength copper-base
2.3 ASTM Adjuncts: and nickel-copper alloy castings are intended to be used as a
Reference Radiographs for High-Strength Copper-Base and guide to the recognition of common discontinuities and their
Nickel-Copper Alloy Castings4 differentiation both as to type and severity level. Discontinuity
types most common to these alloys are illustrated. Other
3. Terminology discontinuity types such as hot tears, cracks and unfused
chaplets are illustrated in applicable Reference Radiographs
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
E186, E192, and E446. For reference, descriptions of typical
document, see Terminology E1316.
casting defects and corresponding radiographic indication
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: types are contained in Section 5. Purchasers and suppliers may,
3.2.1 production radiograph—a radiograph under review by mutual agreement, select particular discontinuity classes
for compliance with this standard. (see 1.2) to serve as standards representing minimum levels of
3.2.2 discontinuity type—a specific discontinuity character- acceptability. (See Sections 7 and 8.)
ized by its cause and appearance. For example: linear shrink- 4.2 Reference radiographs represented by this standard may
age is a specific discontinuity type. be used, as agreed upon in a purchaser supplier agreement, for
3.2.3 discontinuity category—a nomenclature system used energy levels, thicknesses or both outside the range of this
for grouping discontinuity types. For example: linear shrinkage standard when determined applicable for the casting service
is assigned category “Ca” where “C” represents the general application.
4.3 Procedures for evaluation of production radiographs
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or using applicable reference radiographs of this standard are
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM prescribed in Section 9; however, there may be manufacturing-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on purchaser issues involving specific casting service applications
the ASTM website.
3
where it may be appropriate to modify or alter such require-
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098 ments. Where such modifications may be appropriate for the
4
Available from ASTM Headquarters. Order RRE0272. casting application, all such changes shall be called-out in the

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 E272 − 15
purchaser supplier agreement or contractual document. Section 5.1.3.4 Hot tears occur where temperature gradients are
10 addresses purchaser supplier requisites where weld repairs high; shrinkage occurs where temperature gradients are low.
may be required. 5.1.3.5 Hot tears occur transverse to the direction of greatest
stress.
4.4 The following ASTM specifications illustrate alloys that
5.1.3.6 Hot tears can only be counteracted by altering the
may be used with these standards. It is intended that these
stress pattern or thermal pattern; shrinkage can always be
reference radiographs also apply to related government and
countered by sufficient feed metal.
commercial material specifications.
5.1.4 Nonmetallic Inclusions:
Alloys ASTM SpecificationsA
5.1.4.1 Sand—Irregularly, angularly shaped indications,
Aluminum Bronze B148 more dense than the background, caused by clumps of trapped
Nickel-Aluminum Bronze B148 sand particles or pebbles.
Copper-Nickel B369
Manganese Bronze B584
5.1.4.2 Dross—A series of lines in a swirl pattern sometimes
Alloys Government SpecificationA
combined with agglomerated irregular indications. Dross is
generally considered to represent oxidized metal.
Manganese-Nickel-Aluminum Bronze MIL-B-21230A—Alloy No. 2.
Nickel-Copper MIL-B-21230A—Alloy No. 2. 6. Method of Preparation
A
See Section 2 for the complete title(s) of these specification(s). 6.1 The original radiographs used to prepare the adjunct
reference radiographs were produced on ASTM Class I film
5. Descriptions of Discontinuities systems using methods described in 1.2, including the use of
manganese-nickel-aluminum bronze plate castings. Table 1
5.1 The following paragraphs are provided to aid in the lists the chemical composition and mechanical property limits
identification and classification of discontinuities. They briefly for the alloy type used. The original radiographs were made
describe the radiographic appearance of common types of with penetrameter sensitivity, as determined by ASTM pen-
discontinuities and indicate their probable cause. etrameters (see Guide E94), of 2-2T. The adjunct reference
5.1.1 Gas Holes—Appear as round or elongated smooth- radiographs are reproductions prepared to an optical density of
edged dark spots which may occur either individually, in 2.00 to 2.25 and have substantially retained the contrast of the
clusters, or distributed throughout the casting section. They are original radiographs. In preparing these reference radiographs,
generally caused by trapped air or mold gases. the objective was to obtain progressively graduated severity
NOTE 3—Discontinuities caused by evolved gases may occur as more or levels for each graded discontinuity category. Similar discon-
less spherical voids, but may also occur as elongated “worm holes” or tinuity categories, that is, Ba and Bb, do not necessarily reflect
cavities somewhat resembling certain types of shrinkage. It is recom- similar levels of severity for specific casting design applica-
mended that the “worm hole” cavities be evaluated by the use of the tions.
feathery or spongy shrinkage category reference radiographs.
6.2 Film Deterioration—Radiographic films are subject to
5.1.2 Shrinkage—Shrinkage is generally associated with wear and tear from handling and use. The extent to which the
improper feeding and manifests itself in the following different images deteriorate over time is a function of storage
indication forms: conditions, care in handling and the amount of use. Reference
5.1.2.1 Sponge Shrinkage—Found in heavier sections (gen- radiograph films are no exception and may exhibit a loss in
erally over 2 in. in thickness). It appears on the radiographs as image quality over time. The radiographs, therefore, should be
a dark area or areas, lacy in texture, usually with a diffuse periodically examined for signs of wear and tear, including
outline. scratched, abrasions, stains and so forth. Any reference radio-
5.1.2.2 Feathery Shrinkage—Found in thinner sections (un- graphs which show signs of excessive wear and tear which
der approximately 2 in.). It appears on radiographs as sponge could influence the interpretation and use of the radiographs
but with a more feathery outline. should be replaced.
5.1.2.3 Linear Shrinkage—Usually a continuous structure of
connected lines, branches or network of variable length, width,
and density. TABLE 1 Alloy Type Used to Produce Plate Castings for Original
Radiographs
5.1.3 Hot Tears—The similarly appearing “hot tear” and (Composition MIL-B-21230A (SHIPS)—Alloy No. 2)
“linear shrinkage” have distinctive characteristics. The follow- Chemical Composition, %
ing information is presented as a guide to interpreters to Copper 71, min
minimize confusion in distinguishing hot tears from linear Manganese 11 to 14
shrinkage: Nickel 1.5 to 3.0
Iron 2.0 to 4.0
5.1.3.1 Hot tears usually occur singly; shrinkage will gen- Aluminum 7.0 to 8.5
erally be multiple. Silicon 0.10, max
Lead 0.03, max
5.1.3.2 Hot tears propagate at or near the surface; shrinkage Others 0.50, max
appears to propagate at or near the midsection. Mechanical Properties
5.1.3.3 Hot tears generally occur at hot spots or section Tensile strength, min, psi (MPa) 90 000 (620)
Yield strength, min, psi (MPa) 40 000 (275)
changes; linear shrinkage frequently occurs at uniform sections Elongation in 2 in. or 51 mm, min, % 20.0
also.

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7. Determination of Radiographic Classification 9.3 A unit area on the production radiograph shall be
7.1 For purposes of casting evaluations, a determination evaluated to a unit area of like size on the reference radiograph.
must be made of the radiographic discontinuity classifications Any unit evaluation area that shares a discontinuity with an
to be assigned to individual castings or specific areas of adjacent unit evaluation area shall meet the minimum unit area
castings. The determination of the applicable radiographic acceptability requirements within the combined unit area.
discontinuity classification shall be based on an evaluation of When the unit area of interest of a production radiograph is less
the casting applications, design, and service requirements. In than the unit area of the applicable reference radiograph, such
these evaluations, consideration shall be given to such factors unit area of the production radiograph shall be prorated to the
as pressure, temperature, section thickness, applicable design reference radiographic area.
safety factor (preferably based on stress analysis), vibration, 9.4 When two or more categories of discontinuity are
shock, resistance to corrosion, involvement of penetrating present in the same production radiograph, the predominating
radiations or radiation products, and involvement of dangerous discontinuities, if unacceptable, shall govern acceptability
gases or liquids. without regard to other categories of discontinuity and the
7.2 For each individual casting or specific area of a casting casting rejected.
to be radiographed, the discontinuity class must be clearly 9.5 When two or more categories of discontinuities are
specified. For example: Category Ca, severity level 2 might be present to an extent equal to the maximum permissible level, as
specified for linear shrinkage and Category A1, severity level 3 shown in the applicable standards for each category, then that
for gas porosity, since the latter are generally much less part of the casting shall be judged unacceptable. When two or
deleterious to tensile properties (see Section 8). more categories of discontinuity are present in the same
7.3 Production radiographs which are compared to refer- radiograph to an extent less than the maximum permissible
ence radiographs should have an optical density in the area of level, as shown in the applicable standards for each category,
interest in accordance with Guide E94 and a specified mini- the severity shall be evaluated by the overall aggregate
mum radiographic sensitivity (quality level) of 2 % (2-2T).5 condition. The aggregate condition is defined as the balance of
Other radiographic quality levels or optical densities may be quantity, size and distribution of the collection of discontinui-
designated, but then a corresponding change in severity level ties and shall not exceed the aggregate condition of the
for each discontinuity category should be anticipated and hence applicable reference radiograph.
specified. 9.6 Reference radiographs are provided showing a variety
of shrinkage discontinuity types. Production radiographs show-
8. Classification Specifications ing shrinkage shall be judged by the most representative
8.1 The applicable radiographic discontinuity classification reference radiograph.
should be designated by the contracting agency in formal 9.7 This standard does not specify limiting criterion for a
specifications or on drawings and in specific contracts or single size of discontinuity, maximum number of discontinui-
orders. The specifications, drawings, contracts, or order should ties per unit area evaluated, specific dimensional spacing
also designate the sampling plan for the castings to be and/or alignment criterion between individual discontinuities
radiographed and the extent of radiographic coverage, radio- or any other undefined discontinuity patterns. Unless otherwise
graphic practice to be followed (see Guide E94), image quality specified by a purchaser supplier agreement (see Section 4),
desired (see Note 4) as well as the severity level of the these discontinuity conditions on production radiographs shall
acceptable discontinuity for the graded categories. be evaluated as aggregate conditions as defined in 9.5.
NOTE 4—For description of sensitivity or quality levels, see Guide E94
and Reference Radiograph standard E242. 9.8 In general, there is no limit as to the extent of acceptable
discontinuities in a casting, provided that no unit evaluation
9. Evaluation Procedure area throughout the casting contains discontinuities that exceed
9.1 Compare the production radiographs of the casting the severity of discontinuities in the applicable reference
submitted for evaluation with the applicable reference radio- radiographs.
graphs exposed at an equivalent energy level within the 9.9 Reference radiographs of this standard do not illustrate
thickness range of this standard (unless otherwise specified— elongated or “worm” hole type gas discontinuities. When this
see Section 4). condition occurs in a production radiograph, it shall be
9.2 When the severity level of discontinuities in the produc- evaluated by comparison with the most representative refer-
tion radiograph being evaluated is equal to or less than the ence radiograph.
severity level of the specified reference radiograph, that part of 9.9.1 When the exposing radiation source has been placed
the casting represented by the production radiograph shall be perpendicular to the length of the gas hole, evaluate the
acceptable. If the production radiograph shows discontinuities production radiograph with a shrinkage reference radiograph.
of greater severity than the reference radiograph, that part of 9.9.2 When the exposing radiation source has been placed
the casting shall be rejected. diametrically or “into” the diameter of the gas hole, evaluate
the production radiograph with a gas reference radiograph.
9.10 A diffraction mottling pattern can occur on films of
5
For a description of sensitivity or quality levels, see Guide E94. parts and sections where the grain size is large enough to be an

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 E272 − 15
appreciable fraction of the material thickness (see Note 5). If shrinkage, all surfaces in the area of interest shall be ground
diffraction mottling is suspected, there are a number of ways to and liquid penetrant inspected. The extent and depth of
demonstrate its presence. The diffraction mottling pattern grinding may require engineering judgment. If the indication
shown in these cases is dependent principally upon the crystal does not appear on the surface, that indication shall be
geometry and the orientation of the crystals to the incident considered shrinkage.
radiation. Therefore, for a given specimen, any change in this 9.12 The radiographic density of discontinuities in compari-
orientation will affect the diffraction pattern dramatically. This son with background radiographic density is a variable depen-
can be accomplished by a slight, 1 to 5° tilt of the part, with dant upon radiographic techniques and shall not be used as a
respect to the radiation beam or simply by shifting the criterion for acceptance or rejection in comparison with refer-
centerline of the radiation beam to a slightly different location ence radiographs.
from the first exposure. Indications from any porosity, shrink-
age or other discontinuity will move only slightly, while any 10. Weld Repair of Castings
mottling patterns present will change dramatically. If it is
necessary or desirable to eliminate the mottling, the kV may be 10.1 When radiographic quality castings are repaired by
raised to reduce the amount of diffraction radiation. However, welding, the reference radiographs to be used in the evaluation
caution should be used so that the kV is not raised to the point of the repaired sections must be specifically agreed upon
that sensitivity is reduced excessively. If diffraction mottling is between purchaser and supplier.
demonstrated to be present on a radiograph, this condition shall 10.2 When casting discontinuities are removed for repairs,
not be considered as prejudicial in evaluating the radiograph. only the extent of discontinuity required to meet applicable
reference standards need be removed.
NOTE 5—Mottling is often associated with thin sections of austenitic
steels and copper base alloys such as copper nickel, tin bronzes, and nickel
copper. Demonstration of mottling has also been shown in the duplex 11. Keywords
alloys as well. 11.1 aluminum bronze; casting discontinuities; copper;
9.11 Hot tears and cracks exhibited on production radio- copper-nickel; gamma ray; manganese bronze; manganese-
graphs may, at times, resemble linear type shrinkage. When nickel-aluminum bronze; nickel-aluminum; nickel-copper; ref-
doubt exists whether such indications are cracks or tears, or are erence radiographs; X-ray

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