Aerospace NDT Non-Destructive

Testing
MATERIAL MEASUREMENTS LTD

Aviation Department (a.k.a. Quest-Trutest)

The on-site aircraft inspection department supplies a high quality fast service to aircraft
maintenance organizations worldwide. Where organizations have their own facility we are
often used as a back up in times of overload, sickness or to fill in when staff have left.

Aircraft inspections are carried out using the following techniques: ultrasonic inspection
services , radiographic inspection, eddy current inspection services. Among the aircraft we
count as our specialties are B727, B737, B747, B757, B767, A300 to A340, BAe146, RJ100,
ATR-42, HS-125, BAC1-11, DC-8 DC-10, together with numerous smaller aircraft such as
Cessna.

We pride ourselves on stringent quality systems, approved by FAA and CAA together with
specific customer approvals such as Rolls Royce. Our technicians are all qualified to
NAS410/EN4179 and PCN level II in all disciplines and we are capable of deploying a team
of men anywhere in the world, within hours of a phone call.

Aero industry NDT techniques...

Visual Inspection Services

Visual inspection is the one NDT method used extensively to evaluate the condition or
quality of an item. It is easily carried out, inexpensive and usually doesn't require special
equipment.

The method requires good vision, good lighting and the knowledge of what to look for.
Visual inspection can be enhanced by various methods ranging from low power magnifying
glasses through to boroscopes. These devices can also be used with television camera
systems. Surface preparation can range from wiping with a cloth to blast cleaning and
treatment with chemicals to show the surface details.

Visual inspection can sometimes identify where a failure is most likely to occur and identify
when a failure has commenced. Visual inspection is often enhanced by other surface
methods of inspection, which can identify flaws that are not easily seen by the eye.

Dye Penetrant Inspection

Dye penetrant inspection is an NDT method that is used to reveal surface breaking flaws by
bleedout of a coloured or fluorescent dye from the flaw.

The technique is based on the ability of a liquid to be drawn into a "clean" surface-breaking
flaw by capillary action. After a period of time called the "dwell", excess surface penetrant is
removed and a developer applied. The developer acts as a "blotter". It draws out the
penetrant from the flaw to reveal its presence on the surface. Colour contrast penetrants
require good white light while fluorescent penetrants need to be used in controlled darkened
conditions with an ultraviolet "black light".

Penetrant inspection can be used on any solid material. It is essential that the material is
carefully cleaned first, otherwise the penetrant will not be able to get into the flaw. If
surface penetrant is not fully removed, misleading indications will result.

Magnetic Particle Inspection Services

Magnetic particle inspection is an NDT method that can be used to find surface flaws in
ferromagnetic materials such as steel and iron.

The technique uses the principle that magnetic lines of force (flux) will be distorted by the
presence of a flaw in a manner that will reveal its presence. The flaw (for example, a crack)
is located from the "flux leakage" following the application of fine iron particles to the area
under examination. There are variations in the way the magnetic field is applied, but they
are all dependent on the above principle.

The iron particles can be applied dry or wet, suspended in a liquid, coloured or fluorescent.
While magnetic particle inspection is primarily used to find surface breaking flaws, it can
also be used to locate sub-surface flaws. The method's effectiveness quickly diminishes
depending on the flaw depth and type.

Surface irregularities and scratches can give misleading indications. Therefore it is

necessary to ensure careful preparation of the surface before magnetic particle testing is
undertaken.

Radiographic Inspection

Radiographic inspection is primarily used to find sub-surface flaws in materials.

High voltage x-ray machines produce X-rays whereas gamma rays are produced from
radioactive isotopes such as iridium 192. The chosen radiation source is placed close to the
material to be inspected and the radiation passes through the material and is then captured
either on film or digitally.

The choice of which type of radiation is used (x-ray or gamma) largely depends on the
thickness of the material to be tested and the ease of access to area of inspection. Gamma
sources have the advantage of portability, which makes them ideal for use in construction
site working. High energy portable x-ray machines are available for special applications such
as concrete structures.

X-rays and gamma rays are very hazardous. Special precautions must be taken when
performing radiography. Therefore the method is undertaken under controlled conditions,
inside a protective enclosure or after assessment with appropriate barriers and warning
systems to ensure that there are no hazards to personnel.

Eddy Current Inspection Services

Eddy current testing is an electromagnetic technique and can only be used on conductive
materials. It's applications range from crack detection, to the rapid sorting of small
components for flaws, size variations or material variation. The method is most commonly
used in the aerospace industry, but also in automotive, marine and manufacturing.

When an energised coil is brought near to the surface of a metal component, eddy currents
are induced into the specimen. These currents set up a magnetic field that tends to oppose
the original magnetic field. The impedance of the coil in close proximity to the specimen is
effected by the presence of the induced eddy currents in the specimen.

When the eddy currents in the specimen are distorted by the presence of the flaws or
material variations, the impedance in the coil is altered. This change is measured and
displayed in a manner that indicates the type of flaw or material condition.

Ultrasonic Inspection Services

Ultrasonic inspection uses sound waves of short wavelength and high frequency to detect
flaws or measure material thickness. It is used as an alternative inspection method to
radiography to locate sub-surface flaws in all industry sectors.

Usually, pulsed beams of high frequency ultrasound are used via a hand held transducer
(probe) which is placed on the specimen. Any sound from the pulse that is reflected and
returns to the transducer (like an echo) is shown on a screen, which gives the amplitude of
the pulse and the time taken to return to the transducer. Flaws anywhere through the
specimen thickness reflect the sound back to the transducer. Flaw size, distance and
reflectivity can be interpreted.

Automated systems are used for testing in a production environment and for some special
applications.

Acoustic Emission Testing

Acoustic emission monitoring (AE) involves listening to the sounds (which are usually
inaudible to the human ear) made by a material, structure or machine in use or under load.
Conclusions are drawn about its "state of health from what is heard, just as a doctor would
listen to your heart and lungs.

The technique involves attaching one or more ultrasonic microphones to the object and
analysing the sounds using computer-based instruments. The noises may arise from friction
(including bearing wear), crack growth, turbulence (including leakage) and material changes
such as corrosion.

The advantages of Acoustic Emission are that a whole structure can be monitored from a
few locations. The structure can be tested in service and continuous monitoring with alarms
is possible. Microscopic changes can be detected if sufficient energy is released and source
location is also possible using multiple sensors.

visit our Web Site at:-www. material-measurements.co.uk

From the pioneers of non-destructive testing, through more than 40 years’ continuous
experience in the maritime, aeronautical and precision engineering industries, comes
market leading service that sets definitive standards in customer care.

An extensive array of high and low-frequency eddy current equipment is available to meet
any inspection requirements. Our range of non-destructive testing services include hand
scanning and rotary inspections.

From hanger to on-line our service is geared to the precise needs and timetables of our
clients and our staff are fully trained in all the inspection protocols demanded by the varying
nature of aircraft inspection.

Quest Trutest NDT is the aircraft inspection division of Material Measurements Limited.

Whether it be fixed-wing or rotary, from international airline fleets to private owners, Quest
Trutest offers every type of operator the benefits of more than 40 year’s experience. Add to

this our global reputation for service delivery and we are confident that Quest Trutest
represents the highest standards available in the aircraft industry.

QUEST TRUTEST...A NAME YOU CAN TRUST

With EASA and FAA approvals, fully qualified, multidisciplined

staff and a quality assurance system that satisfies all international standards.

Meeting the needs of Operators

Gamma-ray inspection

Nozzle guide-vanes, retention lugs and burner cans are typical of the engine components
that can be successfully inspected on a wide range of engines using gamma radiography.
The process can also be

applied to castings and other thick section parts.

X-Ray inspection services

Widely utilised, X-ray inspection can expose cracks, debris and corrosion during routine
maintenance checks. We have an extensive array of portable equipment suitable for any
application on all aircraft types.

Surface crack detection

Both fluorescent and colour-contrast magnetic particle and penetrants are used to detect
surface breaking flaws on a range of aircraft components including wheels, landing gear and
breaking systems. Three levels of penetrant sensitivity coupled with five magnetic particle
application techniques result in flaw detection processes that are totally reliable.

Ultrasonic testing services

Sub-surface flaws can be detected using ultrasonic instruments that employ digital
technology for accurate and reliable results. Data storage and retrieval enables inspection
results to be reviewed elsewhere or printed out as a document archive for the aircraft.

Head Office

61 Albert Road North

Reigate

Surrey

RH2 9RS

Tel:+44 (0)1737 222211

Fax:+44 (0) 1737 324228

Unit 18 Dawkins Road

Hamworthy

Poole

Dorset

BH15 4JY

Tel:+ 44 (0) 1202 681971

Fax:+ 44 (0) 1202 680845

Building 27, Percival Way

Luton Airport

Luton

Bedfrdshire

LU2 9PA

Tel:+ 44 (0) 1582 418469

Fax:+ 44 (0) 1582 723936

Unit 18

Crawley Mill Industrial Estate

Witney

Oxon

OX29 9TJ

Tel:+ 44 (0) 1993 899850

Fax:+ 44 (0) 1993 708673