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Non Destructive Testing

NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT)

Introduction:
Non Destructive testing (NDT) is the technique that is based on the application of physical
principle employed for the purpose of determining the characteristics of materials or components or
system and for detecting and assessing the in homogeneities and harmful defects without impairing the
usefulness of such materials or components or system. It can also be defined as the use of noninvasive
techniques to determine the integrity of a material, component or structure or quantitatively measure some
characteristic of an object, i.e. Inspect or measure without doing harm. NDT enables optimum utilization
of components without sacrificing safety.
Characteristics of NDT
Applied directly to the product
Tested parts are not damaged
Various tests can be performed on the same product
Specimen preparation not required
Can be performed on parts that are in service
Low time consumption
Low labour cost

Objectives of NDT
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to ensure product integrity, and in turn, reliability;

To detect internal or surface flaws
To measure the dimensions of materials
To determine the materials structure
To evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of materials
to avoid failures, prevent accidents and save human life;
to make a profit for the user;
to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain the manufacturer's reputation;
to aid in better product design;
to control manufacturing processes;
to lower manufacturing costs;
to maintain uniform quality level;
to ensure operational readiness.

Uses of NDT

To detect internal or surface flaws and its Evaluation

To measure the dimensions of materials
To determine the materials Structure and Microstructure Characterization
To evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of materials
Leak Detection
To determine the Stress (Strain) and Dynamic Response Measurements
Material Sorting and Chemical Composition Determination

Common Application of NDT

Inspection of Raw Products (Forgings, Castings, Extrusions, etc.)
Inspection Following Secondary Processing (Machining, Welding, Grinding, Heat treating, Plating,
etc.)
In-Services Damage Inspection (Cracking, Corrosion, Erosion / Wear, Heat Damage, etc.)

Non Destructive Testing

Other applications includes

Power Plant Inspection - Periodically, power plants are shutdown for inspection. Inspectors feed eddy
current probes into heat exchanger tubes to check for corrosion damage.(inspection of propellers,
reciprocating engines, gas turbines etc.)
Wire Rope Inspection - Electromagnetic devices and visual inspections are used to find broken wires
and other damage to the wire rope that is used in chairlifts, cranes and other lifting devices.
Storage Tank Inspection - Robotic crawlers use ultrasound to inspect the walls of large above ground
tanks for signs of thinning due to corrosion. Cameras on long articulating arms are used to inspect
underground storage tanks for damage.
Aircraft Inspection - Nondestructive testing is used extensively during the manufacturing of aircraft.
NDT is also used to find cracks and corrosion damage during operation of the aircraft.
Jet Engine Inspection - Aircraft engines are overhauled after being in service for a period of time.
They are completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and then reassembled. Fluorescent penetrant
inspection is used to check many of the parts for cracking
Pressure Vessel Inspection - The failure of a pressure vessel can result in the rapid release of a large
amount of energy. To protect against this dangerous event, the tanks are inspected using radiography
and ultrasonic testing.
Rail Inspection - Special cars equipped with NDT equipment are used to inspect thousands of miles of
rail to find cracks that could lead to a derailment. Bridges get a visual inspection about every 2 years.
Some bridges are fitted with acoustic emission sensors that listen for sounds of cracks growing.
Pipeline Inspection - NDT is used to inspect pipelines to prevent leaks that could damage the
environment. Visual inspection, radiography and electromagnetic testing are some of the NDT
methods used.
Automotive Inspection of engine parts and frames.
Rocketry
Construction inspection of structures, bridges, cover meter.
Maintenance repair and operations of bridges.
Corrosion under insulation (CUI).
Amusement park rides.
Submarine and other naval war ship.
Medical imaging applications.
Advantages of NDT
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Analysis of parts can be done without breaking it.

Coast saving procedure.
Improve the quality of production.
Save time in product evaluation.
Evaluation can be done at manufacturing stage or in service stage.
Portable mode of inspection.
Surface defect and inside defects can be easily evaluated.

Comparison of Destructive and Non-Destructive Tests

Destructive tests
Advantages
1. Measurements are direct and reliable.
2. Usually quantitative measurements.
3. Correlation between test measurements and
material properties are direct.
Limitations

Non-destructive tests
Limitations
Measurements are indirect reliability is to be
verified.
Usually qualitative measurements. Measurements
can also be done quantitatively.
Skilled judgment and experience are required to
interpret indications.
Advantages

Non Destructive Testing

1. Tests are not made on the objects directly.

Hence correlation between the sample
specimen used and object needs to be proved.
2. A single test may measure only one or a few
of the properties.
3. Inservice testing is not possible.
4. Measurement of properties over a cumulative
period of time cannot readily be possible.
5. Preparation of the test specimen is costly.
6. Time requirements are generally high.
COMMON NDT METHODS
(1) Visual inspection
(2) Liquid penetrant inspection
(3) Magnetic particle testing
(4) Radiographic inspection
(5) Ultrasonic testing
(6) Eddy current testing

Tests are made directly on the object. 100%

testing on actual components is possible.
Many NDT methods can be applied on the same
part and hence many or all properties of interest
can be measured.
Inservice testing is possible.
Repeated checks over a period of time are
possible.
Very little preparation is sufficient.
Most test methods are rapid.