EdX

Wave-Based NDT Methods (edX)

Offered by Purdue University, PurdueX,
Wave-Based NDT Methods (edX)

Learn how to use wave-based NDT techniques, ultrasonic testing, acoustic emission, etc, to inspect the structural integrity of civil engineering structures, including highways, bridges, dams, and buildings. Wave-based NDT methods allow for reliable and rapid evaluation of civil engineering infrastructure. These methods are particularly useful in long-range inspection; for example, in pipelines, where the wave-based NDT can provide data on hundreds of meters of piping in a matter of seconds.

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In this course, students will learn about wave-based NDT methods, including ultrasonic inspection, acoustic emission, resonant frequency testing, and electromechanical impedance testing. The topics include piezoelectric effect, basic principles of various wave-based NDT methods, and their associated data acquisition.
The course also includes case studies so students can apply the knowledge to field inspection or monitoring of materials and structures.

This course is part of the Materials Engineering for Intelligent Infrastructure MicroMasters program.

What you'll learn

  • Explain the basic principles of various wave-based NDT techniques
  • Interpret the obtained data of wave-based NDT methods
  • Evaluate the material and structure conditions and integrity based on wave-based NDT methods
  • Report the NDT testing results in both oral and written format following the provided guidelines

Syllabus

Week 1:
Introduction to Piezoelectricity
Fundamentals of Piezoelectricity
Piezoelectric Characterization
Piezoelectric Transducer
Types of Piezoelectric Transducers
Example Piezoelectric Transducer Fabrication
Week 2:
Basic Principles of Ultrasound
Measurement Techniques of Ultrasonic Inspection
Couplant Gel
Signal Processing & Visualization
Ultrasonic NDT in Concrete Testing
Week 3:
Acoustic Emission Basic Principle
AE Inspection Equipment
AE Signal Features
AE Inspection Applications
Week 4:
Resonant Frequency Testing Principle
RF Inspection Equipment
Case Studies
Week 5:
Electromechanical Impedance (EMI) Testing Methods
EMI Spectrum
EMI Data Processing
EMI Applications
EMI Case Study

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