Eventos Anais de eventos
COBEM 2023
27th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT) FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS – SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION, OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF NOVEL NDT METHODS, NEW TRENDS
Submission Author:
Ulrike Siemer , Germany , Germany
Co-Authors:
Ralf Förster, Tiago Borsoi Klein
Presenter: Ulrike Siemer
doi://10.26678/ABCM.COBEM2023.COB2023-2386
Abstract
The use of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods is of great value to industry particularly for quality assurance or ensuring the integrity of industrial components and structures at various stages of technical development. NDT allows examination without destruction and offers a wide range of benefits. On the one hand, its use allows to obtain more detailed information about the material condition and internal structures of manufactured parts, assemblies, or the properties of joints, etc. On the other hand, it leads to substantial cost savings as a result of more efficient production control through the non-destructive detecting of, for example, flaws, cracks or other defects. NDT methods provide rapid and accurate analysis, preventing potential failures. Therefore, they are used in various industries including aerospace, automotive, power generation and construction. Recent progress in novel NDT, mainly due to advanced technical capabilities and customization to individual inspection tasks, are opening up additional opportunities leading to further breakthroughs in industry. Despite the benefits, the introduction of NDT methods into industrial production processes poses major challenges. Each NDT method is unique and has specific requirements, capabilities and limitations, necessitating a tailor-made testing solution for the individual inspection task. Some materials or structures may be difficult to inspect, especially if they possess complex geometries or are made of composite materials for instance. Interpretation of test results often requires a high level of expertise and experience. NDT methods can be expensive to purchase and require specialized equipment and trained personnel. Feasibility must be thoroughly investigated to ensure reliable solutions that can withstand the high demands of industrial manufacturing. Considering these and other relevant aspects for industrial use, the first part of this paper proposes a systematic approach to the implementation of NDT solutions, and a checklist for development is provided. The second part offers an overview of advanced NDT methods used in modern industrial applications, such as radiographic computed tomography, phased array ultrasonic testing, acoustic testing, electromagnetic testing and thermography. The varying requirements, feasibilities and challenges of selected NDT methods are indicated, highlighting both their specific advantages and limitations. Opportunities through their combination are additionally considered. Specific applications of novel NDT methods, each a customization for individual inspection tasks, are presented and discussed. Tailored solutions allow effective examination despite challenging conditions. Special adaptations have expanded the boundaries of conventional NDT methods, paving the way for new applications and innovative solutions, and possibly overcoming to date limitations.
Keywords
Non-Destructive Testing Techniques (NDT), opportunities and limitations, new trends, approach to implementation, industrial requirements, Additive manufacturing, Active Thermography

