NDE plays a critical role in advanced ceramics

Advanced ceramics are becoming increasingly popular because of their excellent structural, electrical, optical and high-temperature properties. Monolithic ceramics, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and ceramic coatings are finding applications as cutting tools, engine components, wear parts, bioceramics, insulators, capacitors, integrated circuit (IC) packages, magnets and superconductors. Some of the factors needed for the continued development and commercialization of advanced ceramics are high-quality, low-cost raw materials; improved manufacturing processes, improved reliability; engineering database placement; continued standardization; and innovative testing and characterization techniques. Testing and characterization techniques can have a significant impact on many of the other factors, especially improved reliability. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) is one technique that has and will continue to play a critical role in the development and manufacturing of advanced ceramics. Industry, government and academia are continuing to make progress in the advancement of NDE techniques for advanced ceramics. This article provides a snapshot of some R and D occurring in this important and evolving area.