Defectoscopy

Defectoscopy is a field of non-destructive testing (NDT) that focuses on identifying and characterizing flaws or defects within materials and structures without causing any damage. The primary goal of defectoscopy is to ensure the integrity and reliability of components, preventing potential failures and ensuring safety. Various physical principles are employed to detect these internal or surface defects, which can include cracks, voids, inclusions, porosity, and material discontinuities.

Common defectoscopy techniques include ultrasonic testing, where sound waves are used to detect internal flaws. Radiography, using X-rays or gamma rays, is another widely used method to visualize internal structures and defects. Eddy current testing is employed for conductive materials, detecting surface and near-surface flaws by inducing electrical currents. Magnetic particle testing is suitable for ferromagnetic materials, revealing surface and slightly subsurface cracks. Penetrant testing is a surface-only inspection method that uses a liquid penetrant to highlight surface-breaking defects. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, making the choice of technique dependent on the material, the type of expected defect, and the required sensitivity. Defectoscopy is crucial in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, construction, and power generation.