NDTnet 1998 Aug, Vol.3 No.8

Abstract

The Direct Current Potential Drop method (DCPD) has been evaluated for non destructive testing of uniaxially produced Powder Metallurgical (PIM) parts. The aim is to adapt DCPD to be functional as an ndt tool during production of parts. Defects can occur at different stages in the production cycle which means that DCPD, has to be performed on components in different states and searching for different defects.

Earlier research has been focused on laboratory work to determine the feasibility of the method. Both experiments on real components and FEM simulations have been used. Simulations have been used as a guidance when deciding a suitable measurement arrangement. Examples of the information that can be obtained from FEM simulations will be demonstrated.

Experiments have shown promising results. For components in sintered state a number of components with different defects have been able to reject based on reference measurements on components without defects. For components in green state the results vary, cracks have been able to detect, but density differences not. For both measurements on components in green and sintered state scatter between measurements was observed to be substantial. It has become clear that scatter between measurements has to be reduced. At present the work is focused on the understanding of the reason for scatter and how to compensate for it.

The DCPD method looks to be a method for ndt during production of P/M parts. In use in the P/M industry it may be an important tool in quality assurance. Work will continue towards implementation at a P/M plant.

Abstract Source:
Book of Abstracts, 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN: 87-986898-0-00

Full-Text Source:
Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN:

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