Nondestructive Evaluation and Nondestructive Interrogation
Researchers at PNNL are developing technologies that use:
- Wave propagation theory to predict the effects of complex microstructures when performing measurements on various materials.
- Advanced modeling capabilities to guide the design and fabrication of customized nondestructive examination systems.
Using its fabrication and engineering expertise, PNNL designs adn builds prototype systems, installs and field tests these systems and trains the systems operators prior to final turnover for field use. PNNL conducts research for a variety of clients — both in private industry and government institutions:
Key Industrial Markets
- Agriculture and food.
- Aviation/aerospace.
- Automotive.
- Chemicals.
- Energy.
- Petroleum.
- Pharmaceuticals and medical products.
- Biotechnology.
Key Government Markets
- Energy.
- Defense.
- Environment.
- Health and public policy.
- NASA technology.
- National security.
- Nuclear regulation.
- Transportation.
PNNL Development: Ultrasonic Microstructural Analyzer
A technology that may drastically reduce manufacturing time and save millions of dollars each year for machinery manufacturers was named one of the top 100 technological developments of 1994 by R&D magazine. The ultrasonic microstructural analyzer (UMA) estimates the hardness depth of heat-treated steel components in seconds by using a high-frequency ultrasonic wave without destroying the components. Hardness depth provides information on the strength and wear resistance of hardened steel components.
Originally, this technology was developed for potential use in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to identify the metal structure of missiles. Current applications for the UMA are in the automotive industry, agriculture, mining, machine tooling and engine manufacturing industries for use on any machinery that uses hardened steel components.
The UMA is of special interest to the automotive industry because it makes measurements without any surface preparation and monitors the hardening process of steel components in seconds as opposed to current destructive testing that can take up to 30 minutes.
Currently, the automotive industry is evaluating the UMA as a replacement to costly and time-consuming destructive tests. A UMA unit was installed at General Motor Corp.'s Saginaw Division to validate case-hardened parts which are supplied to automotive customers around the world.
PNNL researchers believe the UMA may reduce manufacturing costs in the automotive industry by tens of millions of dollars each year by improving manufacturing consistency. This also may lead to better designs, decreasing the size of steel components. Long-term energy savings are expected to result from a 10 percent mass reduction of hardened steel used in automotive components.