StressVISION
Contact:
Guy Cotterill Manager - Specialised NDT Applications
Flyer: StressVISION
Overview
The DIMENStest �StressVISION� is a novel non destructive
testing system that detects and classifies the level of mechanical stress in
metallic structures and pressure equipment. Mechanical stress may be present
due to poor design, incorrect manufacturing techniques or the presence of
manufacturing or in-service produced flaws.
The uniqueness of Stress Vision is that it not only detects serious flaws that
are present in test components but can also predict locations where these types
of flaws may initiate in the future.
StressVISION also gives a severity classification for these stress areas
according to the concentration and gradients of these stresses. This allows
fitness for purpose judgements to be made on components containing known flaws.
Typical applications include:
- Determination of heat treatment effectiveness
- Detection and classification of welding flaws
- Classification of known flaws for fitness for purpose
- Detection and classification of in-service related material degradation such as
hydrogen embrittlement
StressVISION works on the principle that the magnetic anisotropy of
ferromagnetic materials changes in a predictable and measurable manner when
affected by mechanical stress concentrators. Examples of mechanical stress
concentrators include geometric section changes, introduced
welding/manufacturing flaws, residual welding stress, in-service cracks and
tears, residual plastic and thermoplastic stresses.
Unlike conventional ndt flaw-detectors, StressVISION provides qualitative and
quantitative information about the amount of damage (current or potential)
created by the stress concentrator rather than accurate information about the
size and shape of the concentrator.