In nondestructive testing, tests are carried out in such a way as to not disturb the specimen’s structural or surface integrity. This type of testing valuable because the specimen is not destroyed, however, these techniques generally require greater operator skill and the results are not always straightforward. In general, destructive testing yields much more valuable information on the condition of the specimen.

Types of nondestructive testing:

  • Liquid penetrants
  • Magnetic-particle inspection
  • Ultrasonic inspection
  • Acoustic-emission technique
  • Acoustic-impact technique
  • Radiography
  • Eddy-Current inspection
  • Thermographic inspection
  • Interferometry