Nondestructive Inspection: Improved Capabilities of Technicians

This report covers two research and development RD efforts relating to non-destructive inspection NDI in the Air Force. Recent surveys have found Air Force NDI capability to lack the precision and reliability necessary to ensure the structural integrity of aircraft. In one of these RD efforts, specifications were developed for a trainer that would allow NDI technicians to learn and practice the ultrasonic. NDI technique on the job. Functional specifications were developed first, based on technician-trainer interaction requirements, and then they were converted to engineering specifications for acquisition purposes. In the other RD effort reported here, a study was made of relationships between personnel information on NDI technicians and their inspection abilities. The results from extensive eddy current and ultrasonic inspection tests were paired with data on experience, attitudes, and training. No significant relationships were found between NDI abilities and selected personnel features. The specifications for the NDI trainer have potentially wide applicability throughout the military and civilian NDI communities. Results of the survey of personnel information, paired with NDI performance scores, holds interest for the personnel selection system. There is apparently little advantage to prior airframe or metals experience, and neither the volunteer nor the non-volunteer performs inspections with an edge in precision or reliability. The underlying conclusion seems to add weight to the premise that additional practice at the job site is the best approach to improving NDI capability.