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X-ray tomography, using the 2 ìm high resolution ESRF synchrotron facility(Grenoble) has been used to study the three-dimensional shape of a short fatigue crack in aferrite/pearlite cast iron. The technique allows visualisation of the defect and rapidcharacterisation of the distribution of defects, which would normally require timeconsumingserial sectioning.This paper discusses the technique of X-ray tomography and its application to short crackfracture mechanics and failure research.