Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Non-destructive testing is the family of inspection methods used to detect defects and evaluate the properties of materials, components and structures without impairing their future usefulness, such as ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle and penetrant testing.

NDT methods use physical phenomena such as sound waves, electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields, electrical currents, capillary action and heat to reveal discontinuities such as cracks, porosity, inclusions, lack of fusion, corrosion and wall thinning. The most widely used methods are visual testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing and radiographic testing; others include acoustic emission, infrared thermography and leak testing. Each method has strengths and limitations related to material type, defect orientation, depth and geometry.

NDT is essential in aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, pressure equipment, rail, automotive, shipbuilding and construction, both during manufacturing, for example in weld and casting inspection, and in service, to detect fatigue cracks and corrosion before failure. Codes and standards for products such as pressure equipment and welded structures specify which methods, techniques and acceptance criteria apply.

The reliability of NDT depends heavily on the competence of personnel, the written procedure and the calibration of equipment. ISO 9712 specifies the qualification and certification of NDT personnel at three levels, and comparable schemes exist in particular sectors. Probability of detection studies quantify how reliably a method finds defects of a given size. Some methods involve hazards, such as ionising radiation, which are controlled by regulation.

Key points

Detects defects without impairing the item's future use.
Main methods: visual, penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic and radiographic.
Used in manufacturing and in-service inspection of critical components.
ISO 9712 covers qualification and certification of NDT personnel.

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Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Key points

Where AiVibe comes in

Related terms

Terms that refer to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)