Contact Us

Toll-free (877) 251-6520
(515) 294-8902
iprtinfo@iastate.edu

Institute for Physical
Research and Technology

Iowa State University
305 TASF
Ames, IA 50011-3020

Company Assistance

Nondestructive Evaluation

Nondestructive evaluation, or NDE, is the use of noninvasive techniques to evaluate the integrity of a material, component or structure; or to quantitatively measure some characteristic of an object. In other words, NDE involves inspecting or measuring without harming the future usefulness of an object.

Some NDE methods, such as X-ray and ultrasonic inspection, are familiar due to their use in the medical industry. Manufacturers use NDE to inspect incoming materials, to control manufacturing processes, to verify proper processing and assembly, and to inspect for in-service damage.

IPRT provides NDE services as a resource to manufacturers, particularly small- to medium-sized firms where engineering staffs are small and resources are generally limited. IPRT has been assisting companies with NDE-related problems since 1992.

NDE related assistance is provided by the staff of IPRT's Center for Nondestructive Evaluation. Some of the NDE services offered include:

• Explaining and demonstrating the principles of various NDE methods.

• Developing or evaluating inspection techniques and procedures.

• Performing feasibility studies to determine if NDE methods will work for a specific application.

• Assisting with the interpretation of standards and specifications.

• Providing information on sources for equipment and NDE services.

• Disseminating information on state-of-the-art advances in NDE.

NDE Equipment and Instrumentation

A wide variety of equipment is available to demonstrate the various NDE methods and to work on company-specific NDE projects. This equipment centers around visual, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, X-ray, ultrasonic, and eddy-current inspection, which are the six most commonly used NDE methods. Portable equipment is available for all methods except X-ray, permitting demonstrations of the equipment in the field.

Much of the equipment is commercially available to facilitate transfer of the technology to industry when an NDE solution is implemented. However, X-ray computed tomography and other advanced NDE capabilities are also available for use.

Contact Us

For more information on how IPRT can help your company with NDE issues, please contact:

Dave Utrata
Program Manager
Nondestructive Evaluation
heydave@cnde.iastate.edu
515-294-6095

 

Institute for Physical
Research and Technology
177 Applied Sciences
Complex II
1915 Scholl Road
Ames, IA 50011

 

• IPRT Company Assistance Directory

For More Information

Read about our success in solving materials problems for Iowa companies and about the various awards received by our materials unit.