Frontiers in NDE research nearing maturity for exploitation to ensure structural integrity of pressure retaining components

In this paper, research and developmental efforts that demonstrate high sensitivity detection and characterization of defects and assessment of microstructural degradation, residual stresses and fatigue damage in materials using different non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, have been discussed. Applications of eddy current techniques for quantitative defect characterization and for generalized applications, and remote field eddy current technique for inspection of steam generator and heat exchanger tubes have been discussed. Advanced ultrasonic methods such as time of flight diffraction, synthetic aperture focusing technique, phased array and signal processing for detection, characterization and imaging of defects have been discussed. Applications of ultrasonics and magnetic Barkhausen emission techniques for characterization of microstructures and residual stresses have been discussed. Applications of acoustic emission and infrared thermography techniques for weld quality evaluation of critical nuclear components as part of intelligent processing of materials (IPM) work have been discussed. Application of acoustic emission technique for integrity assessment of pressurized components has been discussed. Development of a software called assets and infrastructure management system (AIMS), for storing and retrieving information for various materials, components and systems, has also been highlighted. The techniques and applications discussed are result of systematic and innovative R&D efforts in the multidisciplinary areas of physics, materials, instrumentation, sensors and softwares for providing solutions to various challenging problems.