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Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Materials Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2023) | Viewed by 14998

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Dr. Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
Interests: smart 3D geometrical inspection and tolerancing; material processing; optimization; predictive maintenance; FEA; additive manufacturing; laser manufacturing process; surface reconstruction
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Dr. Hussein Ibrahim

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Guest Editor

Energy Intelligence Research and Innovation Center (CR2ie), 175, rue De La Vérendrye, Sept-lles, QC, Canada
Interests: renewable energy generations and integration; storage energy; microgrid and energy management
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Dr. Hossein Taheri

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Guest Editor

Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
Interests: ultrasound; acoustic, sound; material testing; acoustic emission; distributed acoustic sensing; noise; vibration; nonlinear; numerical; piezo
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are presented in engineering applications as non-invasive inspection techniques to evaluate material properties and components as well as the structural integrity of engineering materials. NDT encompasses inspection techniques that are utilized to detect, characterize, and measure the presence of mechanical damages and identify their mechanisms. These inspection techniques are capable of identifying, locating, and determining the geometrical and metallurgical features of defects. NDT aims to increase the reliability of engineering components affordably without damaging the inspected parts. Even though conventional NDT methods perform periodical inspections to determine the degradation state of a part, new inspection methods apply artificial intelligence using various sensors’ data to evaluate defects and provide a rapid damage assessment.

The recent advances in smart inspections based on combining sensor data have increased the accuracy of defect identification and allowed for estimating the residual useful life of the inspected part. The last two decades have also witnessed the accelerated development of 3D optical and laser scanners in combination with machine learning algorithms to identify damage mechanisms and predict defect propagation. These tools allow for the characterization of material degradation over time.

This Special Issue will compile recent developments in the field of smart NDT and inspection methods. The articles presented in this Special Issue will cover various topics, ranging from, but not limited to, the optimization of NDT and inspection methods, characterization of engineering materials using smart NDT methods, the functionalization of smart inspection methods, 3D geometrical inspection of materials, smart metallurgical inspection methods, among others. Topics are open to engineering materials and characterization for the development of applications.

Dr. Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi
Dr. Hussein Ibrahim
Dr. Hossein Taheri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

non-destructive testing (NDT)
smart inspection
optic and laser scan
3D geometric inspection
engineering material
material defect
material characterization
smart metallurgical inspection

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 13075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micromechanics and Ultrasonic Propagation in Consolidated Earthen-Site Soils

by Yingmin Zhang, Guang Yang, Dongxu Liu, Wenwu Chen and Lizhi Sun

Materials 2023, 16(22), 7117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16227117 - 10 Nov 2023

Viewed by 528

Abstract

Although nondestructive ultrasonic technologies have been applied in laboratory and field tests in the field of heritage conservation, few studies have quantified the relationship among the real microstructures, micromechanical properties, and macroscopic acoustic responses of earthen-site soils. This paper develops a micromechanics-based multiscale model for quantitatively exploring the ultrasonic propagation characteristics of elastic waves in untreated and consolidated earthen-site soils. Scanning electron microscope images and image processing technology are integrated into the finite-element simulation. The effects of microstructure and wave features on the acoustic characteristics of soils are quantitatively investigated under pulsive loading. The simulation results of untreated and consolidated soils are efficiently compared to ultrasonic test data. It is demonstrated that the integration of microstructure image processing and multiscale modeling can predict the ultrasonic pulse velocity well, which improves the accuracy of laboratory testing and field monitoring and better serves the evaluation and implementation of engineering practice in the field of heritage conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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27 pages, 11567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Analysis of the Magnetization Methods Used in the Magnetic Nondestructive Testing of Reinforced Concrete Structures

by Paweł Karol Frankowski and Tomasz Chady

Materials 2023, 16(21), 7020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16217020 - 02 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 699

Abstract

This work presents how significantly the proper selection of the magnetization method can improve almost all parameters of the magnetic method and affect the effectiveness of the evaluation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Three magnetization methods are considered in this paper: opposite pole magnetization (typical solution), same pole magnetization, and (as a reference point) no magnetization. The experiments are carried out in a three-dimensional (XYZ) space. Measurements along each of the axes are discussed in a separate section. The results show that the appropriate selection of the magnetization method can affect noise reduction, signal strength, and the separation of measurements carried out on different samples. This paper also discusses the situations when the magnetization may change the shape, cause deformations of waveforms, affect the area testing, and be used to significantly increase the efficiency of simultaneous evaluation of three basic parameters of RC structure. Experiments and simulations have proven that properly applied magnetization may strongly affect the evaluation’s effectiveness, making the magnetic method one of the most promising techniques in testing RC constructions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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14 pages, 7287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Study on Defect Detection of Anchor Bolts Using Non-Destructive Testing Techniques

by Dongwoo Seo, Jaehwan Kim and Sangki Park

Materials 2023, 16(13), 4861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134861 - 06 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1134

Abstract

Anchor bolts are often used for fixing information boards, supports, and soundproof walls in various facilities. Corrosion of anchor bolts and fatigue cracks occur frequently due to the various external environments, and visual inspection and hammering inspection are mainly used. In visual inspection, it is difficult to confirm corrosion or fatigue cracks of anchor bolts in the area where foundations, nuts, and base plates are installed. Additionally, the hammering inspection is easily affected by the surrounding environment and the subjective reaction of the tester. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method that can easily and accurately detect defects such as cracks and corrosion occurring in anchor bolts installed in road facilities using non-destructive testing techniques. In this paper, the possibility and reliability of anchor bolt defects such as corrosion and cracks were experimentally verified by applying ultrasonic inspection among non-destructive inspection techniques for anchor bolt maintenance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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11 pages, 1952 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of the Chemical and Mechanical Recycling of PET on the Thermal and Mechanical Response of Mortars and Premixed Screeds

by Michela Lerna, Dora Foti, Andrea Petrella, Maria Francesca Sabbà and Sulyman Mansour

Materials 2023, 16(8), 3155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16083155 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

In this paper, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used to produce eco-innovative engineering materials with optimized performance, minimizing the environmental impact deriving from plastic consumption activity and limiting the continuous consumption of raw materials. The recycled PET obtained from waste bottles, commonly used to improve the ductility of concrete, has been used with a different weight percentage as plastic aggregate in the replacement of sand in cement mortars and as fibers added to premixed screeds. In detail, the effect of PET treatment (chemical or mechanical) on the thermal performance was evaluated. Non-destructive physical tests were conducted to determine the thermal conductivity of the investigated building materials. The performed tests showed that chemically depolymerized PET aggregate and recycled PET fibers derived from plastic wastes can reduce the heat conduction capacity of the cementitious materials with limited reduction in compressive strength. The results of the experimental campaign have made it possible to evaluate the influence of the recycled material on the physical and mechanical properties and its feasibility in non-structural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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23 pages, 4338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Excitation and Reception of Higher-Order Guided Lamb Wave’s A₁ and S₁ Modes in Plastic and Composite Materials

by Rymantas Jonas Kazys, Justina Sestoke and Liudas Mazeika

Materials 2022, 15(20), 7249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207249 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1192

Abstract

Contemporary technologies are employing composite plate materials developed by using various innovative materials (nanostructures, mica structures, etc.). Application of higher-order modes could allow better detection and characterization of defects characteristic of planar plastic and composite structures, mainly due to shorter wavelength. However, excitation of higher-order modes meets many problems, especially in the case of the air-coupled technique, and is not sufficiently investigated. This is relevant in the cases of paper, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), membranes, GFRP, GLARE, CFRP and other composite structures. The objective of the paper was investigation of the excitation and reception of higher-order guided Lamb wave modes in plastic and composite plates. Therefore, it is appropriate to develop new non-contact ultrasonic measurement methods based on the excitation and reception of guided waves for the study of such objects. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the possibility to excite and receive efficiently different higher-order guided Lamb wave modes with very different phase velocities. The presented comparison of the experimental results with the simulation results showed a good agreement. The combination of air-coupled excitation and non-contact reception enables a non-destructive evaluation and characterization of moving plastic objects and composite structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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16 pages, 7720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Technical Condition and Durability of Wooden Shaft Guides with Application of Non-Destructive and Semi-Destructive Testing Methods

by Rafał Pasek, Justyna Jaskowska-Lemańska, Daniel Wałach, Tomasz Rokita and Paweł Kamiński

Materials 2022, 15(14), 4769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15144769 - 07 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1236

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of the durability of mining shaft equipment elements. Shafts as a transport route are one of the most exploited parts of a mine. Consequently, their components are exposed to high mechanical stresses, which cause the deterioration of their mechanical properties. In the case of shafts with timber components, elements such as the shaft guides are evaluated on a purely macroscopic basis and are often unnecessarily replaced. This paper presents the possibilities for the application of non-destructive methods (ultrasound and laser scanning) and semi-destructive methods (sclerometric and drill resistance tests). The experimental results suggest that it was possible to derive correlations between penetration depth and drill resistance tests with bulk density. However, these tests were not directly correlated with flexural strength. The ultrasound studies did not indicate a significant relationship with the physical or mechanical properties. In contrast, the method of comparing the variation (wear) in the tested guides using 3D laser scanning demonstrated a high accuracy; moreover, this method is independent of factors that may affect the results of penetration depth or drill resistance measurements. The application of non-destructive and semi-destructive tests for the determination of the physical and mechanical properties of timber elements of mine shafts’ equipment may enable the detection of a defect earlier or extend the service life of elements, hence limiting the downtime of shaft operation related to the replacement of elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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12 pages, 8366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

2D and 3D Triangulation Are Suitable In Situ Measurement Tools for High-Power Large Spot Laser Penetration Processes to Visualize Depressions and Protrusions before Perforating

by Stefan Reich, Alexander Göbel, Marcel Goesmann, Dominic Heunoske, Sebastian Schäffer, Martin Lueck, Matthias Wickert and Jens Osterholz

Materials 2022, 15(11), 3743; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15113743 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1239

Abstract

During laser penetration, the irradiated samples form a melt pool before perforation. Knowledge of the dynamics of this melt pool is of interest for the correct physical description of the process and leads to improved simulations. However, a direct investigation, especially at the location of high-power laser interaction with large spot diameters in the centimeter range is missing until now. Here, the applicability of 2D triangulation for surface topology observations is demonstrated. With the designed bidirectional 2D triangulation setup, the material cross-section is measured by profile detection at the front and back side. This allows a comprehensive description of the penetration process to be established, which is important for a detailed explanation of the process. Specific steps such as surface melting, indentations, protrusions during melt pool development and their dynamics, and the perforation are visualized, which were unknown until now. Furthermore, a scanning 3D triangulation setup is developed to obtain more information about the entire melt pool at the front side, and not just a single intersection line. The measurements exhibit a mirror-symmetric melt pool and the possibility to extrapolate from the central profile to the outer regions in most cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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Review

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29 pages, 22047 KiB

Open AccessReview

Non-Destructive Testing Methods for In Situ Crack Measurements and Morphology Analysis with a Focus on a Novel Approach to the Use of the Acoustic Emission Method

by Grzegorz Świt, Aleksandra Krampikowska and Paweł Tworzewski

Materials 2023, 16(23), 7440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16237440 - 29 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1148

Abstract

This article presents a concise review of modern non-destructive testing (NDT) methods that allow the detection, tracking, and measurement of cracks in reinforced concrete structures. Over the past decades, the range of solutions available on the market has increased. This provides excellent opportunities when choosing and designing systems for diagnosing and continuously monitoring structures. Cracking affects the mechanical properties, durability, and serviceability of a structure or its elements. Therefore, there is a need to develop methods that would allow the determination of the moment of a destructive process’s formation, i.e., a crack’s appearance. At the same time, it is crucial to be able to track the development of cracks for the entire structure, not just selected locations. This work also presents the concept of combining selected NDT methods and creating a system for the continuous monitoring of structural integrity and predicting changes in the durability of existing and future buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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23 pages, 2164 KiB

Open AccessReview

On Smart Geometric Non-Destructive Evaluation: Inspection Methods, Overview, and Challenges

by Ali Jaber, Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi, Mohammad Saleh Meiabadi, Ahmad Aminzadeh, Hussein Ibrahim, Mehdi Adda and Hossein Taheri

Materials 2022, 15(20), 7187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207187 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1936

Abstract

Inspection methods, also known as non-destructive evaluation (NDE), is a process for inspecting materials, products, and facilities to identify flaws, imperfections, and malfunctions without destruction or changing the integrity of materials, structures, and mechanisms. However, detecting those defects requires test conducting and results inferring, which is highly demanding in terms of analysis, performance, and time. New technologies are therefore needed to increase the efficiency, probability of detection, and interpretability of NDE methods to establish smart inspection. In this context, Artificial intelligence (AI), as a fundamental component of the Industry 4.0, is a well-suited tool to address downsides associated with the current NDE methods for analysis and interpretation of inspection results, where methods integrating AI into their inspection process become automated and are known as smart inspection methods. This article sheds a light on the conventional methods and the smart techniques used in defects detection. Subsequently, a comparison between the two notions is presented. Furthermore, it investigates opportunities for the integration of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods and Industry 4.0 technologies. In addition, the challenges hindering the progress of the domain are mentioned as the potential solutions. To this end, along with Industry 4.0 technologies, a virtual inspection system has been proposed to deploy smart inspection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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20 pages, 3865 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Unprecedented Role of 3D Printing Technology in Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review

by Y. C. Niranjan, S. G. Channabasavanna, Shankar Krishnapillai, R. Velmurugan, A. Rajesh Kannan, Dhanesh G. Mohan and Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi

Materials 2022, 15(19), 6827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15196827 - 01 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2933

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly spread to over 180 countries and abruptly disrupted production rates and supply chains worldwide. Since then, 3D printing, also recognized as additive manufacturing (AM) and known to be a novel technique that uses layer-by-layer deposition of material to produce intricate 3D geometry, has been engaged in reducing the distress caused by the outbreak. During the early stages of this pandemic, shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), including facemasks, shields, respirators, and other medical gear, were significantly answered by remotely 3D printing them. Amidst the growing testing requirements, 3D printing emerged as a potential and fast solution as a manufacturing process to meet production needs due to its flexibility, reliability, and rapid response capabilities. In the recent past, some other medical applications that have gained prominence in the scientific community include 3D-printed ventilator splitters, device components, and patient-specific products. Regarding non-medical applications, researchers have successfully developed contact-free devices to address the sanitary crisis in public places. This work aims to systematically review the applications of 3D printing or AM techniques that have been involved in producing various critical products essential to limit this deadly pandemic’s progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Non-destructive Testing and Inspection of Engineering Materials)

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