When it comes to testing aerospace components, the costs of imperfections go far beyond the financial. Thus it is critical that nondestructive testing (NDT) for aerospace vehicles and parts is made foolproof in finding even the tiniest hint of damage or defect.
In addition to static testing and other inspections such as SEM failure analysis, fatigue testing—whether it be force controlled, strain controlled, or displacement controlled—is of utmost importance in guaranteeing that an aerospace vehicle is safe and ready to fly.
To find out more about the history of fatigue testing at two of the most prominent companies servicing the aerospace industry, as well as how the testing has evolved and improved over the years, Quality reached out to Peter Bailey, Ph.D., Instron’s Senior Applications Specialist, and Jonathon Pugh, general manager of NDT at Exova.
QUALITY: INSTRON WAS FOUNDED IN 1946. WHEN DID THE COMPANY BEGIN TESTING IN THE AEROSPACE SECTOR?