Math & Physics for NDT
Overview
Format: 2 day course; 8:00 am-5:00 pm each day
Continuing Education: 1.6 CEUs or 4 recertification points
Cost: $840, includes course material
Description: This course explores the physics at work in several nondestructive test methods as a way of making the mathematics involved more understandable. Practice problems provide learners with opportunities to sharpen their abilities to apply formulas and solve equations that define the parameters of effective nondestructive tests in the laboratory and field.
Target learners: This course is designed as a refresher for NDT technicians who require a solid foundation in mathematics in order to pass examinations or perform their jobs. It assumes that learners have the prerequisite ability to perform basic mathematical operations. Course emphases may be adjusted to address specific learner needs in terms of NDT methods covered.
Course Sequence (Units):
Unit 0: Prerequisites – reviews basic mathematical operations, as necessary, including fractions, decimals, and percentages; exponents; squares and square roots; hypotenuse of right triangles; circumference, diameter, and area of circles; metric and SI conversions; reading graphs; and performing logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
Unit I: Radiographic testing – includes properties of X- and gamma radiation; radiation safety in terms of distance, shielding, and time; geometric unsharpness; film density and exposure factors; and image quality indicators.
Unit II: Ultrasonic testing – includes acoustic impedance and reflection coefficient; refraction and mode conversion; sound velocity and time of flight; transducer properties such as bandwidth and Q factor; near and far field calculations; and sound-path distance and thickness measurement.
Unit III: Electromagnetic testing – covers principles of electromagnetic induction; Ohm’s law; inductive reactance and impedance; conductivity, resistivity, and permeability; depth of penetration; and fill factor of coils.
Unit IV: Magnetic particle testing – features magnetic properties of materials; central conductor amperage; cable wraps and coil turns; length-to-diameter ratio for hollow test objects; and ultraviolet light requirements.
Unit V: Liquid penetrant testing – focuses on wetting ability of penetrants and lighting requirements.
Unit VI: Visual testing – includes inverse square law; calculation of adequate light levels; and reflection, refraction, and magnification.
Course materials: