The Virtual Unsheathing: Surgical 3D Interrogation of a 250-Year-Old Sunken Sword
Title: Experimental Investigation of Damage of Steel Sword Inside Its Scabbard Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Authors: Ugur YOUNG, Asım HORASAN Event:2nd International Conference on Science and Engineering in Arts,en, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA), (June,en 20-21, 2016), University of Oxford, UK. Year: 2016
When Advanced Medical Imaging Meets Maritime Archaeology
The Battle of Cesme (1770) left behind more than just shipwrecks; it left a frozen moment in time. In 2015, a sword recovered from the wreckage of the Russian Admiral shipYevstafiywas brought to our laboratory. It was a complex composite of brass, wood, leather, and steel, fused together by two centuries of marine corrosion.
The challenge was unprecedented: How could we assess the internal condition of a sword that we could not unsheathe? Traditional flat-panel imaging failed to penetrate the dense layers. By pioneering the use ofCone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)—normally reserved for dental and maxillofacial surgery—we performed a virtual ‘biopsy’ on the artifact. This investigation allowed us to visualize the internal fractures, the spongy state of the mineralized iron, and the galvanic decay occurring beneath the brass fittings without ever disturbing the fragile physical integrity of the piece.
Key Highlights & Impact
Medical Technology for Heritage:Successfully adapting CBCT technology for high-spatial resolution 3D reconstruction of composite maritime artifacts.
The “Water Chamber” Simulation:Developing a unique mechanical simulation apparatus filled with water to mimic soft tissue, ensuring accurate density measurements (HU values) of the sword’s internal components.
Galvanic Decay Insights:Detecting how the iron core corroded faster due to contact with brass (galvanic reaction), proving that ‘iron acts as a sacrificial anode’ within the scabbard.
Oxford Recognition:Presenting this innovative methodology at theUniversity of Oxford, establishing a new standard for non-invasive maritime conservation diagnostics.
Teen, The. and Horasan, A. (2016). “Experimental Investigation of Damage of Steel Sword Inside Its Scabbard Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)” [Poster], 2nt International Conference on Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA), 20-21 June,en, University of Oxford, UK.
