Non-Destructive Testing

Engineering work in the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is performed on state of the art equipment, which includes ultrasonic testing, active infrared thermographic testing, and micro-focus of X-Rays.

1. Development work in Ultrasonic Testing:
Aeronautic Systems has a unique Ultrasonic Testing System available, called SPUT (Signal Processing Ultrasonic Testing) which can be calibrated in accordance with the inspection frequencies required. This is very useful for designing the inspection for the inspection of coarse grain materials, where the frequency of the ultrasonic probe is the most important function, as the material is in general highly attenuative i.e. the sound energy is absorbed totally over short distances if the frequency is not optimised for the material. In addition, Aeronautic Systems also has UT capabilities with normal UT equipment. The CSIR can perform relevant knowledge transfer and training to engineers and technicians in the use of the technology.

2. Infrared Testing (IRT):
At Aeronautic Systems we have the only available active Infrared Testing (IRT) system for commercial use in South Africa and have extensive application and development knowledge of the technology. Active IRT can inspect composite materials from a few microns thick to 50 to 70 mm.

3. X-Ray work:
The micro-focus X-Ray system available at the CSIR is one of 8 available in the country for high resolution X-Ray work. However, the CSIR facility can accommodate samples of a substantial size as an entire room is licensed for this work, and not only a small inspection chamber.

4. NDT Consultancy work in the field of Capability assessments:
Aeronautic Systems have knowledge of performing capability assessments on existing NDT practices. In many instances, NDT is performed according to the standard code without much experience, knowledge and insight as to whether the inspection method is able to detect the discontinuities which eventually result in the catastrophic failures.

This process of capability assessment is already a requirement for the nuclear industry, following the failure in Chernobyl where the industry realised that a second failure of this nature in which radio-active material leaks into the surroundings in Europe, may compromise the future of nuclear power stations in Europe. The lessons learned during these endeavours are now available to other industries, where to date NDT engineering, has not been applied and practised. The CSIR can assist in getting these processes in place (including the development of the appropriate methods and technologies) in a non-nuclear field, where there are increasing calls by those purchasing NDT services.