Nick Rosse
1/31/24
Class 13
Instructor John Diaz
NDT Methods
Tap testing is the method used described in AC 43.13-1B Page 5-53 on composite structures to inspect
the material without damaging it. By tapping the surface with a small piece of metal and listening to the
tone of the response you can determine if there is suspected damage in the area if you hear a flat pitch
while a surface in good condition will have a fuller response with more echo.
Dye Penetrant inspections are performed under AC 43.13-1B page 5-29 and used on structures with
suspected damage to the surface metal. A suspected area that is cracked is cleaned, then sprayed with a
penetrant that fills the surface crack, cleaned again, then a developer is sprayed onto the area if a crack
is present the developer will fill the crack and push the penetrant to the surface through the capillary
method. Inspect the area for any signs of red pushing through the white powder indicating a crack in the
surface.
According to AC 43.13-1B page 5-19 Magnetic Particle Inspection is a method used for identifying cracks
below or at the surface of a ferrous metal. An object is covered in the particle suspension liquid then a
current is sent through it. As the object magnetizes the magnetic particles move towards the damaged
area because it has a higher field strength.
Visual Inspections according to AC 43.13-1b page 5-9 is the most basic form of inspection and makes up
most of the inspections you will conduct. Using aids such as flashlights, and borescopes you can visually
identify discrepancies in an object.
Eddy Current method of inspection according to AC 43.13-1B page 5-15 is a method applied to ferrous
metals where a current is applied to a probe which produces an AC magnetic field inside the object,
flaws in the object can be seen by impedance changes inside the coil shown on the display.
Radiography Inspection methods listed in AC 43.13-1B page 5-37 use penetrating radiation on an object
to determine subsurface deformities. The unabsorbed radiation is what is recorded on film showing the
areas of concern.
Ultrasonic Inspection listed in AC 43.13-1B page 5-41 uses sound energy passing through an object to
detect any deformities. When the sound reflects off an area it will take different times to reach the
source depending on if there is a defect in the object.
Subsurface Metal Techniques- Ultrasonic, Radiography, eddy current, magnetic particle, tap test
Surface Metal Techniques- Ultrasonic, Radiography, eddy current, magnetic particle, dye penetrant
Composites – tap test, ultrasonic, radiography, visual.
