Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a method for evaluating whether there may be defects that can cause accidents or other problems inside aircraft forgings based on their functional requirements. The following are commonly used NDT techniques for aircraft forgings:
- X-ray inspection: Use X-rays to check the internal state of aircraft forgings and judge the nature and type of internal defects based on their discrete shape and size.
- Ultrasonic inspection: By emitting high-frequency, high-energy ultrasonic waves on the surface of the forging, it is possible to determine whether there are defects inside the forging by receiving signals that rebound or propagate back.
- Magnetic particle inspection: Coating the forging with magnetic particles and applying an external magnetic field can determine whether there are cracks and other defects inside the forging by observing changes in the color of the magnetic particles on its surface.
Here is an actual production case:
The main sales forging of a large bolt for a certain type of aircraft has many stress concentration areas and needs to undergo multiple NDT techniques for quality inspection.
Firstly, X-ray inspection technology is used to scan the aircraft forging by generating X-rays, detecting casting defects, cracks, and other obvious quality issues.
Then, ultrasonic inspection is carried out to confirm the presence of small surface defects and micro-cracks inside the aircraft forging by emitting ultrasonic waves and observing signal echoes.
Finally, magnetic particle inspection is used to detect cracks inside the aircraft forging by coating it with magnetic particles and applying an external magnetic field.
Through such strict local NDT means, all defects were eventually detected, providing a safe and reliable guarantee for the quality of the main sales forging of the large bolt.
