NDT Intro
NDT Intro
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 an
flaws that might otherwise cause planes to crash, reactors to fail, trains to derail, pipelines to burst, and a vari
of less visible, but equally troubling events. These tests are performed in a manner that does not affect the fut
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.
Nondestructive Evaluation
Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is a term that is often used interchangeably with NDT. However, technical
NDE is used to describe measurements that are more quantitative in nature. For example, a NDE method wou
not only locate a defect, but it would also be used to measure something about that defect such as its size, sha
and orientation. NDE may be used to determine material properties such as fracture toughness, formability, an
other physical characteristics.
Take this link to learn about the background of NDT and NDE
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
develop better NDT methods. However, there are six NDT methods that are used most often. These methods
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 to
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
the surface. With visible dyes, vivid color contrasts between the penetrant and developer make "bleedout" eas
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
surface with iron particles (either dry or suspended in liquid). Surface and near-surface imperfections distort t
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 electr
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 featu
of the part. Possible imperfections are indicated as density changes on the film in the same manner as a medic
X-ray shows broken bones.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Ultrasonics use transmission of high-frequency sound waves into a material to detect imperfections or to loca
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 sourc
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 a
gas penetrant techniques, and/or a simple soap-bubble test.