A brief review on NDT&E methods for structural aircraft components

Abstract

The paper presents a summary of non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) methods applied in inspections of structural aircraft components. This brief review covers the most commonly applied methods such as visual and penetrant inspections, tap-testing, eddy current inspections, shearography, thermography, acoustic emission testing, radiographic and tomographic inspections, and ultrasonic inspections. The general operating principles of these methods as well as their main advantages, limitations and application areas are described below.