NDT

Specialized NDT Methods

• Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)
• Infrared/Thermal Testing (IRT)
• Remote Field Testing (RFT)

Common NDT Method:

 Visual /optical Testing (VT/OT)

 Penetrat Testing (PT)
 Magnetic Particle Testing(MT)
 Eddy Current Testing (ET)
 Radiographic Testing (RT)
 Radiation Safety

Specialized NDT Methods:

 Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)
 Infrared / Thermal Testing (IRT)
 Remote Field Testing (RFT)

Nondestructive Testing
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
0might 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 materials 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.
While technologies are used in NDT that are similar to those used in the medical
industry, typically nonliving objects are the subjects of the inspections.
NDT/NDE Methods
The number of NDT methods that can be used to inspect components and make
measurements is large and continues to grow. Researchers continue to find new ways
of applying physics and other scientific disciplines to develop better NDT methods.
However, there are six NDT methods that are used most often. These methods are
visual inspection, penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, electromagnetic or eddy
current testing, radiography, and ultrasonic testing. These methods and a few others
are briefly described below.
Visual and Optical Testing (VT)
Visual inspection involves using an inspector's eyes to look for defects. The inspector
may also use special tools such as magnifying glasses, mirrors, or borescopes to gain
access and more closely inspect the subject area. Visual examiners follow procedures
that range from simple to very complex.
Penetrant Testing (PT)
Test objects are coated with visible or fluorescent dye solution. Excess dye is then
removed from the surface, and a developer is applied. The developer acts as blotter,
drawing trapped penetrant out of imperfections open to the surface. With visible dyes,
vivid color contrasts between the penetrant and developer make "bleedout" easy to
see. With fluorescent dyes, ultraviolet light is used to make the bleedout fluoresce
brightly, thus allowing imperfections to be readily seen.
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
This NDE 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 imperfections distort the magnetic field and
concentrate iron particles near imperfections, previewing a visual indication of the
flaw.
Electromagnetic Testing (ET) or Eddy Current Testing
Electrical currents are generated in a conductive material by an induced alternating
magnetic field. The electrical currents are called eddy currents because they flow in
circles at and just below the surface of the material. Interruptions in the flow of eddy
currents, caused by imperfections, dimensional changes, or changes in the material's
conductive and permeability properties, can be detected with the proper equipment.
Radiography (RT)
Radiography involves the use of penetrating gamma or X-radiation to examine parts
and products for imperfections. An X-ray generator or radioactive isotope is used as a
source of radiation. Radiation is directed through a part and onto film or other
imaging media. The resulting shadowgraph shows the dimensional features of the
part. Possible imperfections are indicated as density changes on the film in the same
manner as a medical X-ray shows broken bones.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Ultrasonics use transmission of high-frequency sound waves into a material to detect
imperfections or to locate changes in material properties. The most commonly used
ultrasonic testing technique is pulse echo, wherein sound is introduced into a test
object and reflections (echoes) are returned to a receiver from internal imperfections
or from the part's geometrical surfaces.
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, rate, and location.
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, and/or a
simple soap-bubble test.
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NDT Method Summary
No single NDT method will work for all flaw detection or measurement applications. Each of
the methods has advantages and disadvantages when compared to other methods. The table
below summarizes the scientific principles, common uses and the advantages and
disadvantages for some of the most often used NDT methods.
Penetrant Magnetic Ultrasonic Eddy Current Radiographic
Testing Particle Testing Testing Testing Testing

Scientific
Principles
Penetrant solution is A magnetic field is High frequency Alternating X-rays are used to
applied to the established in a sound waves are electrical current is produce images of objects
surface of a component made sent into a material passed through a using film or other
precleaned from ferromagnetic by use of a coil producing a detector that is sensitive to
component. The material. The transducer. The magnetic field. radiation. The test object
liquid is pulled into magnetic lines of sound waves travel When the coil is is placed between the
surface-breaking force travel through through the material placed near a radiation source and
defects by capillary the material, and and are received by conductive material, detector. The thickness
action. Excess exit and reenter the the same transducer the changing and the density of the
penetrant material is material at the poles. or a second magnetic field material that X-rays must
carefully cleaned Defects such as transducer. The induces current flow penetrate affects the
from the surface. A crack or voids amount of energy in the material. amount of radiation
developer is applied cannot support as transmitted or These currents travel reaching the detector. This
to pull the trapped much flux, and force received and the in closed loops and variation in radiation
penetrant back to the some of the flux time the energy is are called eddy produces an image on the
surface where it is outside of the part. received are currents. Eddy detector that often shows
spread out and forms Magnetic particles analyzed to currents produce internal features of the test
an indication. The distributed over the determine the their own magnetic object.
indication is much component will be presence of flaws. field that can be
easier to see than the attracted to areas of Changes in material measured and used
actual defect. flux leakage and thickness, and to find flaws and
produce a visible changes in material characterize
indication. properties can also conductivity,
be measured. permeability, and
dimensional
features.
Main Uses
Used to locate Used to inspect Used to locate Used to detect Used to inspect almost
cracks, porosity, and ferromagnetic surface and surface and near- any material for surface
other defects that materials (those that subsurface defects in surface flaws in and subsurface defects. X-
break the surface of can be magnetized) many materials conductive rays can also be used to
a material and have for defects that including metals, materials, such as locates and measures
enough volume to result in a transition plastics, and wood. the metals. Eddy internal features, confirm
trap and hold the in the magnetic Ultrasonic current inspection is the location of hidden
penetrant material. permeability of a inspection is also also used to sort parts in an assembly, and
Liquid penetrant material. Magnetic used to measure the materials based on to measure thickness of
testing is used to particle inspection thickness of electrical materials.
inspect large areas can detect surface materials and conductivity and