5/11/2011
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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
Testing
Scientific Principles
Penetrant solution is
applied to the surface of a
precleaned component.
The liquid is pulled into
surface-breaking defects
by capillary action. Excess
penetrant material is
carefully cleaned from the
surface. A developer is
applied to pull the trapped
penetrant back to the
surface where it is spread
out and forms an
indication. The indication
is much easier to see than
the actual defect.
Main Uses
Used to locate cracks,
porosity, and other
defects that break the
surface of a material and
have enough volume to
trap and hold the
penetrant material. Liquid
penetrant testing is used
to inspect large areas very
efficiently and will work
on most nonporous
materials.
ndt-ed.org/…/MethodSummary.htm
Magnetic Particle
Testing
A magnetic field is
established in a
component made from
ferromagnetic material.
The magnetic lines of
force travel through the
material, and exit and
reenter the material at the
poles. Defects such as
crack or voids cannot
support as much flux, and
force some of the flux
outside of the part.
Magnetic particles
distributed over the
component will be
attracted to areas of flux
leakage and produce a
visible indication.
Used to inspect
ferromagnetic materials
(those that can be
magnetized) for defects
that result in a transition
in the magnetic
permeability of a material.
Magnetic particle
inspection can detect
surface and near surface
defects.
NDT Method Summary
-
NDT Method Summary
Ultrasonic Eddy Current Radiographic
Testing Testing Testing
High frequency sound Alternating electrical X-rays are used to
waves are sent into a current is passed through produce images of objects
material by use of a a coil producing a using film or other
transducer. The sound magnetic field. When the detector that is sensitive
waves travel through the coil is placed near a to radiation. The test
material and are received conductive material, the object is placed between
by the same transducer or changing magnetic field the radiation source and
a second transducer. The induces current flow in detector. The thickness
amount of energy the material. These and the density of the
transmitted or received currents travel in closed material that X-rays must
and the time the energy is loops and are called eddy penetrate affects the
received are analyzed to currents. Eddy currents amount of radiation
determine the presence of produce their own reaching the detector.
flaws. Changes in material magnetic field that can be This variation in radiation
thickness, and changes in measured and used to produces an image on the
material properties can find flaws and detector that often shows
also be measured. characterize conductivity, internal features of the
permeability, and test object.
dimensional features.
Used to locate surface Used to detect surface Used to inspect almost
and subsurface defects in and near-surface flaws in any material for surface
many materials including conductive materials, and subsurface defects.
metals, plastics, and such as the metals. Eddy X-rays can also be used
wood. Ultrasonic current inspection is also to locates and measures
inspection is also used to used to sort materials internal features, confirm
measure the thickness of based on electrical the location of hidden
materials and otherwise conductivity and parts in an assembly, and
characterize properties of magnetic permeability, to measure thickness of
material based on sound and measures the materials.
velocity and attenuation thickness of thin sheets
measurements. of metal and
nonconductive coatings
such as paint.
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5/11/2011 NDT Method Summary
Main Advantages
Large surface areas or Large surface areas of Depth of penetration for Detects surface and near Can be used to inspect
large volumes of complex parts can be flaw detection or surface defects. virtually all materials.
parts/materials can be inspected rapidly. measurement is superior
inspected rapidly and at to other methods. Test probe does not need Detects surface and
low cost. Can detect surface and to contact the part. subsurface defects.
subsurface flaws. Only single sided access
Parts with complex is required. Method can be used for Ability to inspect complex
geometry are routinely Surface preparation is less more than flaw detection. shapes and multi-layered
inspected. critical than it is in Provides distance structures without
penetrant inspection. information. Minimum part preparation disassembly.
Indications are produced is required.
directly on surface of the Magnetic particle Minimum part preparation Minimum part preparation
part providing a visual indications are produced is required. is required.
image of the directly on the surface of
discontinuity. the part and form an Method can be used for
image of the much more than just flaw
Equipment investment is discontinuity. detection.
minimal.
Equipment costs are
relatively low.
Disadvantages
Detects only surface Only ferromagnetic Surface must be Only conductive materials Extensive operator
breaking defects. materials can be accessible to probe and can be inspected. training and skill required.
inspected. couplant.
Surface preparation is Ferromagnetic materials Access to both sides of
critical as contaminants Proper alignment of Skill and training required require special treatment the structure is usually
can mask defects. magnetic field and defect is more extensive than to address magnetic required.
is critical. other technique. permeability.
Requires a relatively Orientation of the
smooth and nonporous Large currents are needed Surface finish and Depth of penetration is radiation beam to non-
surface. for very large parts. roughness can interfere limited. volumetric defects is
with inspection. critical.
Post cleaning is Requires relatively Flaws that lie parallel to
necessary to remove smooth surface. Thin parts may be difficult the inspection probe coil Field inspection of thick
chemicals. to inspect. winding direction can go section can be time
Paint or other undetected. consuming.
Requires multiple nonmagnetic coverings Linear defects oriented
operations under adversely affect parallel to the sound beam Skill and training required Relatively expensive
controlled conditions. sensitivity. can go undetected. is more extensive than equipment investment is
other techniques. required.
Chemical handling Demagnetization and post Reference standards are
precautions are necessary cleaning is usually often needed. Surface finish and Possible radiation hazard
(toxicity, fire, waste). necessary. roughness may interfere. for personnel.

Reference standards are

needed for setup.
Penetrant Magnetic Particle Ultrasonic Eddy Current Radiographic
Testing Testing Testing Testing Testing

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