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NDE Material Property Characterization - Characterization of material properties is performed by PNNL researchers using the latest NDE methods and state of the art equipment. Utilizing NDE methods such as ultrasonics and eddy current, researchers are creating new ways to measure the properties of metals and liquids. Examples include inspecting automobile axles for case hardening and measuring density of radioactive waste slurry material. In studies of metallic microstructures, PNNL researchers are using ultrasonic techniques to evaluate grain structure, internal strain, and pressure effects of stress. Signal analysis and imaging advances are important PNNL contributions in this area.

NDE Reliability Measurements - The reliability of an NDE method or procedure is a quantitative measure of the efficiency of that method or procedure in detecting flaws of a specific type and size. A statistical treatment of this NDE inspection data can provide generalizations based on sample data, and be able to predict the outcome of future inspections based on analysis of these past inspections. As an example, PNNL researchers are currently using advanced statistical methods to help analyze reactor pressure vessel fabrication processes to predict fabrication flaw rates. International studies are important sources of technical databases to quantify the reliability of inspection personnel, techniques, and procedures. Activities include performing comparative studies and performance of NDE round robin tests, comparing teams from the USA and other countries, and assessing advanced technology.

NDE System Development - PNNL has extensive expertise in the area of NDE system architecture and development. Building on the success of prior systems such as SAFT-UT (Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique for Ultrasonic Testing), researchers are developing NDE analysis systems that improve the quality and lower the cost of making quantitative nondestructive measurements. PNNL utilizes newly developed technologies to form complete turnkey systems ready for integration into process control. PNNL researchers are working with industry to develop new technology to improve NDE systems in diverse areas such as nuclear, automotive, aircraft, and bridge inspection systems.

NDE and Structural Integrity Technology Transfer - The transfer of technology from national laboratories to industry has been a major emphasis at PNNL. PNNL has won over 30 Federal Laboratory Consortium Technology Transfer awards with several in the NDE area. Examples of NDE technologies that PNNL has successfully transferred to industry are:

• Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique for Ultrasonic Testing (SAFT-UT)
• Ultrasonic Microstructural Analyzer

Thermal Property Measurement - The Thermal Properties Laboratory is part of the Material Sciences Laboratory (Building 326) at the Hanford Site 300 Area north of Richland, Washington. The Thermal Properties Laboratory is operated by the Energy Technology Division of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Thermal diffusivity and thermal expansion test capabilities are available, in addition to a variety of metrology and sample preparation capabilities. The Thermal Properties Laboratory was recently renovated, and it represents a state-of-the-art facility for integrated thermal properties measurements on unirradiated or irradiated materials. Thermal properties testing of classified materials can also be accommodated.

National Codes and Standards - PNNL is currently involved in many ASME, ASNT, and ANSI Code activities. PNNL researchers are currently participating in ASME Section V and XI Code activities, working to achieve Code acceptance of NRC funded PNNL research to improve the reliability of NDE inservice inspection on light water reactor components.

Present and Past NDE Technologies Activities

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