NDT

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I was a whistleblower who exposed fraudulent activities at Ultrasonic Research and Testing Laboratory in Dallas, Texas, back in 1991. The reaction of some people in the nondestructive testing (NDT) community surprised me since the industry is a close-knit group with many connections between individuals.

Human error is inevitable, but nondestructive testing (NDT) helps prevent disasters by meticulously checking materials and components, ensuring their readiness and averting potential losses of lives and finances.

In the field of NDT, industrial ultrasonic testing (UT) is a long-established method. However, new materials and components are finding their way into the industry, requiring continuous technological advances. With stricter regulations, workforce shortages, and rising inspection needs worldwide, the urgency for smarter, more efficient inspection methods is critical.

Dale Norwood of Norwood NDT Consulting describes how he blew the whistle on an NDT company in the 1990s after seeing falsified inspections. He's a 45-year veteran of the NDT industry, as well as the owner of the Norwood NDT Consulting and the author of the recent book, Diary of an Aerospace Whistleblower.

Donald Booth of the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing now offers a range of NDT training options for others in the industry. We sat down with him to discuss how training has changed over the years and how to get the most out of your classroom and on-the-job training.

Aircraft wheels are put through aggressive and cyclic NDT inspection protocol and the wheel’s potential for failure has led manufacturers to require various repetitive inspections at regular intervals.

Martin Buena-Franco, automation products manager at The Raymond Corporation, dispels the myths that automation is too cost-prohibitive or complicated and explains how automation could benefit your manufacturing process.

Some manufacturers will use a single-point calibration system to measure volumetric flow—however, a two-point calibration provides a much higher level of accuracy.

For lithium-ion traction batteries, leak detection is imperative for battery performance, longevity and safety, especially the prevention of fires.

The investigation is under way to explain a “plug” door that blew out shortly after takeoff of a Boeing 737 Max 9 in Oregon on Friday.