This MSc module aims to provide the student/delegate with an understanding of the basic principles of non-destructive testing and the methods of non-destructive testing in current use in industry to date. It should equip the student/delegate with the knowledge to be able to decide on the most appropriate method of testing for a particular defect in a component considering the material from which the component has been manufactured.

Learning Outcomes involve:

- Have a detailed understanding of the principles of Non-Destructive testing techniques, i.e., dye penetrants, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic and radiographics.
- Identify parameters which affect the sensitivity and reliability of Non-Restructure testing methods
- Using theoretical insight and engineering views in relation to the above methods, evaluate their applications and limitations
- Understand the strength and limitations of using these methods in maintenance strategies.
- Recommend NDT techniques for testing composite materials and structures.
- To be fully aware of the role of Non-Destructive testing to the Engineering Environment.
- Analyse flaws/defects found using NDT to determine if they are critical or dormant.
- Estimate the inspection interval of NDT required.
- Implement total quality approach to NDT in maintenance strategies.

Teaching/Learning Strategy:

The module will be taught be lectures, seminars, laboratory demonstrations and case studies.

Syllabus:

The teaching syllabus will cover the following areas:

Dye Penetrant:
Principles of penetrant inspection; characteristics of the penetrant; water-washable systems; solvent removable systems; cleaning and surface preparation; application of penetrant; advantages and limitations of penetrant systems applications.

Magnetic Particle Inspection:
Magnetisation; method of magnetising the components; continuous and residual methods; sensitivity; demagnetisation; magnetic particles; applications; advantages and limitations.

Electrical Test Methods (Eddy Current Testing):
Principles of eddy current inspection; conductivity of a material; magnetic properties; coil impedance; lift-off factor and edge effects; skin effects; inspection frequency; coil arrangements; inspection probes; types of circuit; reference pieces; phase analysis; display methods; typical applications.

Ultrasonic Testing:
Nature of sound; wave velocity; wavelength; generation of ultrasound; characteristics of an ultrasound beam; sound waves at the interface; sound attenuation; display system; probe construction; type of display; inspection techniques; identification of defects; immersion testing; sensitvity and calibration; reference standards; surface condition; typical applications.

Radiography:
Principles of radiography; radiation sources; production of x-rays, x-ray spectra; y-radiation sources; attenuation of radiation; radiographic equivalence; shadow formation, enlargement and distortion; radiographic paper and film; X-radiography; fluoroscopy; exposure factors; radiographic screens; identification markers and Image Quality Indicators; inspection of simple and complex shapes; viewing and interpretation of radiographs; radiation hazards and protection; measurement of radiation received by personnel.

Other Non-Destructive Testing Techniques:
Optical inspection probes; neutron radiography; laser-induced ultrasonics; time-of-flight diffractions; acoustic emission inspection; crack depth gauges; thermography; surface texture analysis; multi-phase flow analysis.

Analysis of Flaws:
Failure in materials; Ductile & Brittle fracture; Determination of critical flaw size, crack propagation rate, fatigue life and inspection intervals, using basic fracture mechanics theory.

Total quality assurance:
Performance Demonstration/Validation; Round Robin tests; Quality Chain; Role of the Accreditation Bodies.

NDT of composite materials:
Failure modes in structural polymer composites; Application of various techniques to detect the flaws; Acoustics monitoring.

Indicative Reading

Non-Destructive Testing, B Hull and V John
Non-Destructive Testing, McMasters, ASNT
Non-Destructive Evaluation: A Tool in Design, Manufacturing and Service,
DE Bray and RK Stanley, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0 07 007351 1

Transferable Skills

Development of higher level cognitive skills including analysing and synthesising skills.
Development of higher level communicative skills.

This MSc module: Non-Destructive Testing Methodolgy course is taught over one week and consists of intensive lectures, laboratories, seminars and case studies. A further 2 weeks is left for self study. The assessment consists of a final exam plus coursework, with a 70% and 30% weighting respectively.

The course is held at a Scottish University and is worth 15 credit points. It can be taken on its own merit as CPD (continuous professional development) or towards a PgC or PgD in Maintenance Management or as in most cases a MSc in Maintenance Management.

This MSc module: Non-Destructive Testing Methodolgy course is suitable for students/delegates who possess at least a degree in a engineering discipline. A-1 Technical Training, logis-Tech Associates provide added tuitional support to all attendees in this module for a small fee.

This MSc in Non-Destructive Testing Methodology module course is suitable for students/delegates who possess at least a degree in a engineering discipline. A-1 Technical Training, logis-Tech Associates provide added tuitional support to all attendees in this module, if required, for a small fee.

The next in-take to the MSc in Maintenance Management is September 2005 - numbers are limited. For more details on the MSc in Maintenance Management, please complete the request for information form or email hugo@logis-tech.co.uk.