Non-Destructive Testing Methods
Non-destructive testing (NDT) enables users to assess material condition, process quality, and component performance without damaging the part under inspection.
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X-ray Diffraction
Residual stresses can be measured non-destructively with X-ray diffraction method. X-ray diffraction provides reliable and objective data for quality control assessment. X-rays have high energy and short wavelength when compared to visible light making them ideal for probing the interplanar distances in crystalline materials.
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Barkhausen Noise Analysis
Barkhausen noise analysis is a non-destructive method involving the measurement of a noise like signal induced in a ferromagnetic material by an applied magnetic field.
| Feature | Barkhausen noise analysis | X-ray diffraction | ESPI hole drilling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can measure/detect | ✔ Heat treatment defects ✔ Hardness changes ✔ Grinding burns ✔ Residual stress ✔ Microstructure analysis ✔ Material characterization | ✔ Heat treatment defects ✔ Hardness changes ✔ Grinding burns ✔ Residual stress ✔ Retained austenite content ✔ Microstructure analysis ✔ Material characterization | ✔ Residual stress |
| Materials | Ferromagnetic materials | Crystalline materials | Solid materials |
| Results | Qualitative with numerical scale | Quantitative | Quantitative |
| Measurement depth | Near surface (~100 μm depth) | Surface (~5 μm depth) | Sub-surface (starting from 30 μm) |
| Surface spatial resolution | ~1 mm | Down to ~0.3 mm | 4–7 mm |
| Depth profile resolution | – | ~5 μm (electropolishing limited) | Resolution/sensitivity ~30 μm with smallest bits |
| Depth profile measurement duration | – | 1.5 h | 10 min |
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