Laboratory Philosophy and
Main Research Areas

NDT&E is not magic!
It is the scientific use of physical principles
to study the fitness for service of a material,
component, or assembly of parts without
impairing its serviceability.

The main research areas are in the development of advanced sensors, on-line process control and materials characterization, life-cycle management of materials and structures, and artificial intelligence towards application in signal analysis and imaging processing. Special emphasis is placed on the development and optimization of those nondestructive evaluation techniques which lend themselves to intelligent manufacturing and construction processes; evaluation/characterization of advanced materials and structures such as polymer and ceramic composites, concrete, and wood and wood composites; non-contact evaluation of materials and structures in unique environments, such as high temperature and radiation; and advanced sensors for industry application. Research is aimed at a systems approach in the field of nondestructive testing and evaluation, focusing on real engineering problems in both real-time process monitoring and control and life cycle management of components which arise from a wide spectrum of applications in the manufacturing and construction industries.

Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation (NDT&E) is one of the most rapidly emerging areas of research and development within the manufacturing and construction sectors. To a large extent, this strong interest in NDT&E is in response to needs for better quality assurance in both materials and structures, for monitoring manufacturing and construction processes, and for operation and life extension of industrial plants.

Although nondestructive techniques have been traditionally used almost exclusively for detection of macroscopic defects (mostly cracks) in structural components after they have been in service, it has become increasingly evident that it is both practical and cost effective to expand the role of nondestructive evaluation to include all aspects of materials production and application and to introduce it much earlier in the design, manufacturing, and construction cycle. In this NDT&E Laboratory, efforts are being directed at developing and perfecting techniques which are capable of monitoring and controlling materials production processes, manufacturing and construction processes, and the amount and rate of degradation during the materials in-service life. Using advanced sensors, along with signal/data processing techniques, information on the processing conditions and the properties and characteristics of the materials being processed can be continuously generated. Real-time process monitoring for more effective and efficient real-time process control and improved product quality, safety, and reliability then becomes a practical reality.

Updated: 08/06/96