Nondestructive Testing of Metal Cracks: Contemporary Methods and Emerging Challenges

Abstract

There are high demands for the early and reliable detection of metal components used in safety-critical structures. Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a pivotal technique used across industries to assess a material’s integrity without causing damage and has been used in early crack detection of metals, mainly based on changes in the crystal structure and magnetic properties of metals. This review provides an overview of internal and external detection technology based on nondestructive testing methods such as ultrasonic, electromagnetic, ray, magnetic particle, etc. Especially, the integration of advanced methodologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence deserves a place in NDT methods. Furthermore, the multifactorial detection method is promoted to enhance the sensitivity and detection range due to advantage integration but still has emerging challenges for safer equipment and applications. The review aims to compare these methods and outline the future challenges of NDT technologies for metal crack detection.

Quantitative Detection for Fatigue Natural Crack in Aero-Aluminum Alloy Based on Pulsed Eddy Current Technique

“…The detection of metal cracks heavily relies on non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, which evaluate the integrity of materials and structures without causing any damage. Based on the different physical principles, a range of methods have been explored, including eddy current testing (ECT), magnetic particle testing (MPT), penetrant testing (PT), ultrasonic testing (UT), and radiographic testing (RT) [10]. Compared to other detection methods, ECT offers several distinct advantages in crack detection, such as being low cost, having a rapid response and no coupling agent, and being sensitive to both surface cracks and subsurface cracks.…”