NDT Data

What is NDT?
The field of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) is a very

broad, interdisciplinary field that plays a critical role in
assuring that structural components and systems
perform their function in a reliable and cost effective
fashion. NDT technicians and engineers define and
implement tests that locate and characterize material
conditions and flaws that might otherwise cause planes
to crash, reactors to fail, trains to derail, pipelines to
burst, and a variety of less visible, but equally
troubling events. These tests are performed in a
manner that does not affect the future usefulness of the object or material. In other
words, NDT allows parts and material to be inspected and measured without
damaging them. Because it allows inspection without interfering with a product's final
use, NDT provides an excellent balance between quality control and cost-
effectiveness. Generally speaking, NDT applies to industrial inspections. The
technologies that are used in NDT are similar to those used in the medical industry,
but nonliving objects are the subjects of the inspections.
What is NDE?
Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is a term that is often used interchangeably with

NDT. However, technically, NDE is used to describe measurements that are more
quantitative in nature. For example, an NDE method would not only locate a defect,
but it would also be used to measure something about that defect such as its size,
shape, and orientation. NDE may be used to determine material properties, such as
fracture toughness, formability, and other physical characteristics.
Some NDT/NDE Technologies:
Many people are already familiar with some of the technologies that are used in NDT
and NDE from their uses in the medical industry. Most people have also had an X-ray
taken and many mothers have had ultrasound used by doctors to give their baby a
checkup while still in the womb. X-rays and ultrasound are only a few of the
technologies used in the field of NDT/NDE. The number of inspection methods seems
to grow daily, but a quick summary of the most commonly used methods is provided
below.
Visual and Optical Testing (VT)

The most basic NDT method is visual examination. Visual examiners follow
procedures that range from simply looking at a part to see if surface imperfections are
visible, to using computer controlled camera systems to automatically recognize and
measure features of a component.
Radiography (RT)
RT involves using penetrating gamma- or X-radiation on materials and products to
look for defects or examine internal or hidden features. An X-ray generator or
radioactive isotope is used as the source of radiation. Radiation is directed through a
part and onto film or other detector. The resulting shadowgraph shows the internal
features and soundness of the part. Material thickness and density changes are
indicated as lighter or darker areas on the film or detector. The darker areas in the
radiograph below represent internal voids in the component.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

This NDT method is accomplished by
inducing a magnetic field in a
ferromagnetic material and then dusting the
surface with iron particles (either dry or
suspended in liquid). Surface and near-
surface flaws disrupt the flow of the
magnetic field within the part and force
some of the field to leak out at the surface.
Iron particles are attracted and
concentrated at sites of the magnetic flux
leakages. This produces a visible indication of defect on the surface of the material.
The images above demonstrate a component before and after inspection using dry
magnetic particles.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

In ultrasonic testing, high-frequency sound waves are
transmitted into a material to detect imperfections or
to locate changes in material properties. The most
commonly used ultrasonic testing technique is pulse
echo, whereby sound is introduced into a test object
and reflections (echoes) from internal imperfections
or the part's geometrical surfaces are returned to a
receiver. Below is an example of shear wave weld
inspection. Notice the indication extending to the
upper limits of the screen. This indication is
produced by sound reflected from a defect within the
weld.
Penetrant Testing (PT)

With this testing method, the test object is coated
with a solution that contains a visible or fluorescent
dye. Excess solution is then removed from the
surface of the object but is left in surface breaking
defects. A developer is then applied to draw the
penetrant out of the defects. With fluorescent dyes,
ultraviolet light is used to make the bleedout
fluoresce brightly, thus allowing imperfections to be
readily seen. With visible dyes, a vivid color contrast between the penetrant and
developer makes the bleedout easy to see. The red indications in the image represent a
defect in this component.
Electromagnetic Testing (ET)

There are a number of electromagnetic testing
methods but the focus here will be on eddy current
testing. In eddy current testing, electrical currents
(eddy currents) are generated in a conductive
material by a changing magnetic field. The strength
of these eddy currents can be measured. Material
defects cause interruptions in the flow of the eddy
currents which alert the inspector to the presence of a
defect or other change in the material. Eddy currents
are also affected by the electrical conductivity and
magnetic permeability of a material, which makes it possible to sort some materials
based on these properties. The technician in the image is inspecting an aircraft wing
for defects.
Leak Testing (LT)

Several techniques are used to detect and locate leaks in pressure containment parts,
pressure vessels, and structures. Leaks can be detected by using electronic listening
devices, pressure gauge measurements, liquid and gas penetrant techniques, or simple
soap-bubble tests.
Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)

When a solid material is stressed, imperfections within the material emit short bursts
of acoustic energy called "emissions." As in ultrasonic testing, acoustic emissions can
be detected by special receivers. Emission sources can be evaluated through the study
of their intensity and arrival time to collect information (such as their location) about
the sources of the energy.

NDT Data

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What is NDT?

The field of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) is a very

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is a term that is often used interchangeably with

Some NDT/NDE Technologies:

Visual and Optical Testing (VT)

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Penetrant Testing (PT)

Electromagnetic Testing (ET)

Leak Testing (LT)

Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)

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