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NDT Method Summary

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 Magnetic Ultrasonic Eddy Current Radiographic

Testing Particle Testing Testing Testing Testing

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

Surface finish and

roughness may
interfere.

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