Unit 10c: Book

1. Introduction

One of the many important technical fields is materials science. It is not surprising that this science is among the fastest-developing domains because choosing the right material for manufacturing a product is crucial for this product to work properly for a long time. Apart from prolonging the service life of products, appropriately selected materials also increase the safety of such products, while reducing the demands on natural resources. Normally, finished products are tested for bugs in order to prevent complaints or even accidents. However, as some materials are quite rare and therefore expensive, NTD methods come on stage. “NDT” stands for “non-destructive test methods” and, as this technical term suggests, these methods test a material without destroying the product being tested. Unit 10c is going to deal with these methods.

Contents

• Scanning – the fast reading method
• NDT (non-destructive testing) – comparison and contrast:

Although magnetic particle testing is an inexpensive method, it is not applied widely because its use is limited to ferromagnetic materials.

• Expressions for discussions and meetings:

OK, let´s get started. Does everyone have a copy of the agenda?

2. Listening

As explained in the introduction, Unit 10c deals with various non-destructive test methods. More specifically, you will get some information on three of these methods. Start by watching the video on ultrasonic testing below at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va9rdLqu53Y. As you watch it, complete this listening comprehension task.

3. Reading Comprehension

Now, you will read about some other non-destructive test methods, namely about magnetic particle testing in this reading comprehension task and about eddy current testing in this gap-fill task. Finally, compare some of the NDT methods in this task. To complete this task, you will need to study the table here.

4. Listening: Sample Staff Meeting

The final part of Unit 10c asks students to conduct a meeting in order to choose the best NDT method. Conducting a staff meeting usually involves some specific phrases. You can hear some of them in this sample staff meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPhKhTI0Lss. Listen and complete this listening task. Then complete this list of useful phrases for chairing a meeting.

5. Forum: NDT Methods

Now that you have become familiar with the main non-destructive test methods, your task is to participate in a meeting whose purpose is to decide on the best NDT method for the bridge project and the best NDT method for the high-rise project.  Before participating in the forum, look at the figure on p. 78, read about NDT methods on p. 79 and read the appendix to the agenda:

Appendix to Agenda

Project 1: Steel girders in a bridge

It may be difficult to gain access to some surfaces of the girders for attaching probes, placing films and so on. Speed is necessary, as there may be several affected girders. Cost may be an issue if many checks are needed.

Project 2: Steel beams in a high-rise building

Although it is possible to get access to most surfaces for attaching magnets, transducers, films and so on, it may be difficult for a human to get close to some surfaces for visual inspection. Speed is necessary as there may be several affected beams. Cost may be an issue if many checks are needed.

Based on the information provided, decide which of the NDT methods listed on p. 79 would be the best and why. Give your opinion in this forum and respond to at least one contribution of one of your fellow students by evaluating it in terms of feasibility.

6. Word List

The key terms related to the topic of Unit 10c can be found:

• in the Excel format here.
• in the interactive flash card format here. This format is particularly good for drilling the new vocabulary.
• in a zip file here. This file is downloadable, so that after unpacking it, you can drill the new vocabulary on your desktop, laptop or any other portable device where you have a browser installed. Important: after unzipping the zip file, make sure to keep all the related files in the same directory at all times. Do not change any file names and do not transfer or delete anything.

Recommendation: Remember that the best way to learn new vocabulary is to see each new word in a context; that is, step by step as you complete all the tasks in the unit.

7. A printer-friendly version of Unit 10c

A printer-friendly version of Unit 10c exercises and the key to these exercises can be found here.