NDT-techniques for monitoring material degradation

The early detection of material degradation by NDT is of basic importance for safe and economic operation of many industrial components. Depending on the type of component as well as on service exposure conditions, NDT-techniques, which are sensitive to deformation, erosion, wear, porosity, microcracks and so on, are required. At present, only very few techniques are available for monitoring early stages of degradation. An overview of NDT-techniques already in use as well as under development in Germany for this problem is given. Special emphasis will be laid on the presentation of recent advances towards better detectability and objectivity.