Standardization News

A proposed ASTM International standard will satisfy the need for a practice that describes how to use impulse excitation as a means of detecting defects in metal parts. The nondestructive testing committee (E07) is developing the proposed standard (WK81106).

According to ASTM International member Steve James, the proposed standard will provide a proper understanding of the nondestructive testing capabilities of the impulse testing technique. James notes that impulse excitation compares the resonance frequency of parts to determine defects.

“Impulse excitation is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods for exciting the mechanical resonance frequencies of materials and parts,” says James. “While commonly used for modal testing and other rapid resonance inquiries of part integrity analysis, impulse excitation provides an excellent technique for the nondestructive examination in the detection of a broad range of defects expanding detection inspection technology.”

James says the proposed standard will be useful to all metal-based industries, including automotive, aerospace, and petroleum.

All interested parties are invited to join the committee in developing the proposed standard.

“Engineers with a knowledge of the resonance technique are needed to ensure a comprehensive document from basic technology, application, and implementation,” says James. 

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at JOIN ASTM.