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TWI choose MagScan for component fatigue research |
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A scanner from Phoenix Inspection Systems is helping experts to monitor the effects of stress on components, from the initial cracks developing through to the eventual disintegration.
The MagScan magnetic motorised dual-axis scanner is being used by specialists at TWI in Cambridge in their research work to calculate the fatigue life of components and to identify the most effective welding techniques.
 Fatigue is still the most common mode of failure in structural and mechanical components. Progressive cracking which develops as a result of cyclic stress can lead to major failures, with severe consequences to equipment, the environment and human lives. TWI has over 40 years experience in fatigue testing and its resonance laboratory is one of the leading facilities of its type in the world.
Within the laboratory specimens are subject to fatigue loads to simulate what is happening to the structure in real life. Stress cycles endured during the whole life of the component, often 30 years, can be induced within weeks. Components are tested at regular intervals throughout the process, with the MagScan being used for this purpose.
The MagScan is ideal for carrying out pipe weld inspection and for corrosion mapping inspections by means of the second axis. At TWI it has so far been used for the inspection of large screw components and for research into cracks in girth welds.
TWI senior project leader Channa Nageswaran said: “The MagScan is ideal for our purpose. Its ability to allow the use of Phased array and TOFD at the same and hold up to six transducers is of great benefit. It is a sturdy piece of kit and is surviving well in both the laboratory and harsh site conditions that we often work in.”
Paul Ryan, Phoenix Inspection Systems’ sales manager, said: “TWI is renowned as one of the world’s foremost research and technology institutions. Our relationship with the institute spans almost 20 years now and we are pleased to be providing equipment for these latest projects.”
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