Ultrasonic inspection instruments utilize ultrasound to examine the internal integrity of metals, plastics, and composite materials. This probe is placed in contact with the part to be inspected with an oil or gel-layer acting as a carrier of the acoustic signal. One can still use ultrasound to detect it. The crack is evident because red dye, on a white background, confirms the existance of the crack. The materials engineer is often involved in a function called failure analysis .
Nondestructive testing is an important component of any failure analysis.
For further information about failure analysis, please visit the Failure Analysis web pages at this site. If you are particularly interested in failure analysis of microelectronic devices, I recommend you link to the IBM web pages on this subject. You should know from the information on this page. To test your response, click on the subject image and chase-down the answer. Analysis Return to the Materials Engineering Home Page at San Jose State University Please send any comments to Patrick P. Pizzo, Professor Emeritus, Materials Engineering Created by Dr. Pizzo on July 4, 1998.