Strength testing procedures and their relevance in advanced engineering systems

June 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Strength of industrial components is extremely important factor when it comes to successful installation, maintenance and operation of the mechanical units and processes.  Engineers use non destructive testing for evaluation, analysis, and examination of the properties of a material, equipment, or structure to proactively detect and prevent damage before any irregularity happens. The non destructive testing is not only crucial for the successful functioning and operation of the plant; it is also aimed at cost benefits and doing lifecycle analysis of the equipment. It is also extremely important in view of the safety aspects. 

NDT or the non destructive testing is frequently used everywhere and on almost every occasion when an industrial unit is involved with the manufacturing of different components to be used in power generation, petrochemicals, automotive and many other industries. There is a wide array of testing techniques that are used in engineering depending upon the process and type of equipment and it include visual inspection and welding procedure qualification performed by certified welding inspectors, radiographic testing ( using gamma ray & x-ray) , industrial radiography, ultrasonic testing , magnaflux, charpy impact testing, hydrostatic testing. tensile testing, salt spray testing and bend testing etc.

Although the accuracy of the results obtained for the non destructive testing have a direct bearing on the personal efficiency and expertise of the non-destructive testing engineer. If proper techniques and error-mapping are used, a non destructive technician can use and employ diverse techniques of non-destructive testing based on the material being tested and can achieve a high degree of accuracy for test results. 

As the industry is employing advanced technologies and using the latest equipment and procedures, the testing procedures should follow the same to assess their safety and reliability. Only then the processes will work in tandem with each other. For example, in some of the most advanced engineering systems mechanical properties must be checked thoroughly before the implementation procedure. Military equipment and production of advanced tactical weapons is no exception. Whenever there is a launch of a new motor or engine parts, mechanical tests become utmost necessity to determine their strength. Various tensile tests are used to test the motor casings etc.  

These tests are very important because they help us detect the flaws which go unnoticed by normal reasonable evaluations. These are also termed as latent defects. These flaws are revealed either during the manufacturing process or when they are installed in a system or structure. Nobody can notice these faults from a distance or just by having a quick glance, but when you either observe it closely or these parts are actually used, their flaws become visible. It is done through ultrasonic testing.  Browse through http://www.abcndt.com for more information.