Visual Testing (VT)

Visual testing (VT) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that involves the visual examination of the surface of a material or component to identify surface defects or irregularities. Visual testing is one of the most commonly used NDT methods due to its simplicity and low cost.

Principles of Visual Testing

  • Pre- and in-service inspection
  • Types of inspection equipment
  • Measurement of light
  • Weld inspection
  • Visual inspection of castings and wrought materials
  • Factors that influence reliability of VT
  • Measurement tools
  • Codes and standards
  • Product technology
  • Defect types and causes
  • Writing of reports, instructions, and procedures

Penetrant Testing (PT)

Penetrant testing (PT), also known as dye penetrant inspection, is a non-destructive testing method used to detect surface defects in materials. It is commonly used in manufacturing and maintenance applications to ensure the quality of a component.

Penetrant Testing Components

  • Penetrants, removers, and developers
  • Pre-testing, cleaning, and post-cleaning
  • Mechanism, properties, and application of penetrant
  • Penetrant removal
  • Developers
  • Inspection and interpretation
  • Materials and process control
  • Special purpose materials

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Magnetic particle testing (MT) is a non-destructive testing method used to detect surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials such as iron, steel, and nickel. The method involves the use of magnetic fields and magnetic particles to identify defects.

Introduction to Magnetic Particle Inspection

  • Magnetising ferromagnetic materials
  • Method of magnetisation
  • Detecting media
  • Equipment used for magnetic particle inspection
  • Demagnetisation
  • Practical procedures
  • Assessing amperage
  • Interpretation of indications
  • Writing of reports and development of procedures

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a non-destructive testing method used to detect internal defects in materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. The method uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through the material being tested. The sound waves will reflect off any internal defects, creating an echo that can be detected and analysed.

Ultrasonic Testing Components

  • Introduction to the liquid penetrant method
  • Generation and detection of ultrasonic energy
  • Propagation of ultrasonic waves in material
  • Sound distribution from crystals
  • Behaviour of ultrasound at materials interfaces
  • Probe design operating frequency and identification
  • Ultrasonic flaw detector principles
  • Immersion techniques
  • Practical applications
  • Defect sizing
  • Writing of reports and development of procedures
  • Calibration and performance checking of equipment
  • Other ultrasonic testing methods and latest developments

Eddy Current Testing (ET)

Eddy current testing (ET) is a non-destructive testing method used to detect surface and near-surface defects in conductive materials. The method uses electromagnetic induction to detect flaws or changes in the electrical conductivity or magnetic permeability of a material.

Principles of Eddy Current Testing

  • Basic principles of eddy currents
  • Factors affecting eddy currents
  • Coils and probe design
  • Practical eddy currents
  • Electrical theory
  • Basic test set circuits
  • Phase analysis
  • Writing of reports and development of procedures
  • Practical impedance plane analysis
  • Modulation analysis
  • Bolt and fastener hole inspection using rotating probe equipment
  • Latest developments in eddy current technology

Radiography Testing (RT)

Radiography is a non-destructive testing technique that uses ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, to examine the internal and external structures of a material. The radiation passes through the material, and the amount of radiation that reaches the film or detector on the other side of the material is dependent on the material’s density and thickness. This creates an image that shows variations in density and thickness, allowing for the detection of internal and surface-breaking defects such as cracks, voids, inclusions, and other structural irregularities. The resulting images can be used to evaluate the quality of welds, castings, and other industrial components and structures.

Radiography Testing Components

  • Introduction to radiography
  • Photographic aspects
  • Sensitometry
  • Production of X-rays
  • Factors governing exposure
  • Factors affecting sensitivity
  • Health physics
  • Writing of reports and development of procedures
  • Gamma rays
  • Applied radiography
  • Film interpretation

Infrared Thermography (IRT)

Infrared Thermography (IRT) is a non-destructive testing technique that uses infrared radiation to detect and measure surface temperature variations. This technique is used to identify thermal anomalies and temperature gradients in a material or a structure. It has a wide range of applications in different fields, including building inspection, industrial inspection, and medical diagnosis.

Infrared Thermography Components

  • Aerospace product technology
  • Basic principles of thermography
  • The thermographic camera
  • Thermal science
  • Heat transfer modes
  • Radiation heat transfer
  • Thermal image interpretation
  • Thermal image analysis
  • Factors influencing emissivity
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • Measuring emissivity
  • Camera calibration
  • Thermographic laws and formulae

Leak Testing

Leak testing is a non-destructive testing technique used to identify and locate leaks or defects in a sealed or pressurized system. The objective of leak testing is to ensure that the system is leak-free and can operate safely and efficiently.

Methods of Leak Testing

  • Pressure testing
  • Bubble testing
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Vacuum testing