01/24/2006 -
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing, A Training Guide, Second Edition (2005)
by Paul E. Mix
ISBN 0-471-42029-8. Wiley Interscience, Hoboken, New Jersey. 2005. Hardcover. 681 pages. $99.95.
Introduction to Nondestructive Testing, A Training Guide, 2nd Edition provides a comprehensive collection, explanation, and illustration of various nondestructive testing (NDT) methods that are available to users or practicing engineers. The topics of acoustic emission (AE), laser, infrared, leak testing, and visual inspection (VI) technologies were especially informative because these types of NDT methods are not typically found in traditional reference books on standard NDT (like liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, radiographic, and ultrasonic testing). In addition, the last chapter of this book provided a detailed overview of what is required to establish an NDT program and certification of inspectors in accordance with the American Society for Nondestructive Testing.
Overall, the book was well organized and followed a common theme for each NDT method. The table of contents was itemized into various NDT methods with specific subject listings below each method that provided for quick search capability. For example, if a reader were interested in obtaining background information or wanted to find the equipment that was required for a particular NDT method, this information could be found quickly using the table of contents versus the index.
The author started with a brief introduction and explanation of theory for each NDT method. He continued with examples of specific equipment using pictures or illustrations and discussed limitations of the method with emphasis on advantages and disadvantages of flaw detection. The explanation of flaw detection and sensitivity is extremely important because users need to know this information to select the appropriate method of NDT for their application. Several of the reference tables that contained lists of flaws or defects and their causes for various product types were extremely beneficial. The use of actual equipment photographs and illustrations for each NDT method was helpful in understanding the principles of operation and limitations on access or use in service.
The subject of ultrasonic testing (UT) was of special interest to me. I found the explanation for the various UT scanning techniques, especially those related to A, B, and C scans, helpful because the author tended to make comparisons between these scans based on practical experience.
The appearance of the book cover and format were appealing. Tables and charts were adequately labeled and contained relevant information that was supported by text in each chapter. The pictures of equipment required for NDT were not always high resolution and in some cases were a distraction; however, the general text was fine. The list of NDT equipment with model numbers, however, seemed too detailed or cumbersome and could have been listed in a separate appendix without affecting the content of the book.
This book can be used as a handy desktop engineering reference guide for material, welding, and metallurgical engineers. It also could be used as an engineering textbook for an undergraduate—or even a graduate—level class on NDT principles and methods.
In comparing this reference book to other books on the subject of NDT, I found that having all of the NDT methods listed in one book was very helpful to a practicing metallurgical engineer. The information and detail for each NDT method compares with other reference books like the CT-6-2 General Dynamics Classroom Training Handbook titled Liquid Penetrant or the CT-6-3 titled Magnetic Particle and Principals of Penetrants by C.E. Betz.
ERRATA: In section 5.21, page 199, I believe that the equation (5.1) for absolute pressure should read psia = psig + 14.7.
For more on Introduction to Nondestructive Testing, A Training Guide, 2nd Edition, visit the Wiley web site.
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