A quantitative understanding of the basic NDE processes has enabled the development of NDE simulation programs and their integration of this software into the Life Cycle Design process. These initial steps towards elevation of NDE from a practitioner’s art to a quantitative engineering discipline supplies the key missing element in an intelligent unified design process. More importantly, this ability allows the interplay of manufacturing processes, FEA, multi-physics based analysis, and NDE to be examined at the beginning of the Design Cycle producing a more sophisticated, optimal and cost effective design.

Physics based NDE modeling plays an equal role in the Life Cycle Design environment. In order to rationally determine accept/reject criteria for a part, it is necessary to determine the critical defect size as a function of location in a component for a specified load and material. The determination of what NDE method(s) can detect critical defects, and the optimization of inspection procedures are critical elements. A design is not satisfactory until a method for detecting critical defects is found. The gains from this virtual NDE enabled Life Cycle Design environment in efficiency, productivity and safety are easily imagined. However, this is only the beginning. With the elevation of inspection to an engineering discipline NDE can take a place as an equal at the design table along with stress analysis and manufacturing.