Method and apparatus for creating nondestructive inspection porosity standards

A method for establishing nondestructive inspection standards, the method comprising:

• forming a plurality of samples using a different technique for each sample in the plurality of samples such that the each sample in the plurality of samples has a different porosity from a number of other samples in the plurality of samples, wherein the each sample in the plurality of samples has a same set of selected properties as a selected part type;
• identifying a porosity level for the each sample in the plurality of samples using volumetric data extracted from a three-dimensional image for the each sample generated using a computed tomography system;
• and
• establishing a group of standards for a group of selected porosity levels from the plurality of samples based on the porosity level identified for the each sample in the plurality of samples, wherein the group of standards is configured for use in performing nondestructive inspection of a part of the selected part type, wherein establishing the group of standards includes:
• identifying the group of selected porosity levels for use in evaluating the selected part type, and establishing a sample in the plurality of samples having the porosity level that matches a selected porosity level in the group of selected porosity levels within selected tolerances as a standard in the group of standards.