The 3-day class will familiarize students with the design and operation of the AFGROW crack growth life analysis program. This will include a review of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) concepts, example problems, and new capabilities/features in the current release (Version 5.3), including: the ability to use different crack growth rate data for different crack growth directions and as a function of the applied loading spectrum, and our new spectrum management tool.
The class will also provide an introduction to the use of advanced features unique to AFGROW (COM automation, Advanced Multiple Crack Solutions, and Plug-In K-Solutions).
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Section 3.1.1.2. Liquid Penetrant Inspection
Liquid penetrant inspection is a non-destructive method for
finding discontinuities that are open to the surface of parts fabricated from
essentially nonporous materials. After
cleaning the surface, the penetrant is applied and will seep or be drawn into
various types of minute surface openings.
The excess penetrant is removed and a developer is applied which
highlights the cracks under ultraviolet light.
The process is well-suited for the detection of all types of surface
cracks, laps, porosity, shrinkage area, laminations, and similar
discontinuities.
Indications of cracks can be found regardless of size,
configuration, internal structure, or chemical composition of the workpiece
being inspected and regardless of the orientation of the crack to the
workpiece.
Liquid penetrant inspections are relatively simple and
inexpensive (as compared to the other NDI methods) and can be applied to a
broad range of materials. Very small
cracks can be found. However, they can
only detect surface cracks and their effectiveness can be adversely influenced
by surface coatings, surface roughness, and porosity. Extreme care is required in pre- and post-inspection cleaning
and, in some cases, etching may be required prior to inspection.