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What Is Nondestructive Testing? Simply stated, it is exactly what its name implies - testing without destroying. More specifically, a nondestructive test is an examination of an object or material in any manner, which will not impair its future usefulness. The purpose of the test may be to detect internal or external flaws, to measure geometric characteristics, to determine material structure or composition or to measure or detect some of the object's or material's properties. The major tools of nondestructive (NDT) testing are: radiography (X-rays), ultrasonics, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, and eddy current testing. In addition, NDT engineers and technicians are investigating and applying neutron radiography, leak testing, microwaves, ultrasonic imaging, lasers, holography, liquid crystals, and infrared-thermal techniques among the newer methods. Increasingly, in our nuclear and space age, which some engineers have called more accurately, the "materials age", American industry is ever more concerned with the need for nondestructive testing. No material is perfect, but it must have adequate properties to meet the increasingly rigorous demands made upon it. In summation, the technology of nondestructive testing embraces all methods for the detection or measurement of significant properties of capabilities of materials, parts, assemblies, equipment or structures by tests which do not impair their serviceability. |
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