NDE of structural ceramics and the need for standardization

The application of a ceramic component in an engine for example, requires sufficient reliability. Therefore guarantee of quality is necessary for the structural ceramic materials and components used in machine building. Nondestructive testing methods (NDT-methods) can contribute a considerable part to the reliability. NDT is required in the development of a new material or component in order to optimize the process and as controlling tool for the production. The present achievments in NDE of structural ceramics are discussed in this contribution, the possibilities and limits of the different methods. To some extent the methods are already introduced in the industrial field and are used in the dailey process control. Dye penetrant testing, ultrasonic and x-ray methods are mostly used. Therefore this contribution focusses on these methods. The significance of NDE to gurarantee the quality is obvious.