Brittle Fracture Prevention Through Nondestructive Testing

THIS PAPER DISCUSSES three general areas where nondestructive testing is a valuable tool in minimizing brittle fracture, and explains the relationship of nondestructive techniques and their limitations to various problems. Some of the better known nondestructive testing methods are outlined. Strain sensitive gages and brittle coatings as stress analysis tools are described, as are the uses and advantages of radiography and its replacement of film negatives by direct image prints and direct imaging via a TV system. Other testing methods include ultrasonic standards and ultrasonic attenuation versus microstructure variations, electromagnetics and electromagnetic standards, and liquid penetrants.