Towards Quantitative Non-Destructive Evaluation of Aging Aircraft

Non-destructive testing techniques, as they are practiced in the field of quantitative non-destructive evaluation, are at the basis of a comprehensive approach to secure the safety of aging aircraft. The applications, advantages and disadvantages of the principal NDE techniques are summarized in this paper. It is discussed that measurement models for these techniques, in conjunction with the POD concept, scanning plans and methods of graphical display, facilitate the selection of optimal procedures for specific inspection problems. These models also suggest NDE standards and calibration techniques and they can be an important part of inspection system validation and operator training. Four major components of a comprehensive QNDE program for aging aircraft are identified and briefly discussed.