Improved Techniques for the Non-Destructive Testing of Diesel Engine Pistons
Abstract
Repeated and catastrophic piston failures in a group of large diesel engines deployed in Vietnam for power generation purposes, revealed the urgent need for the development of a fast, reliable means for the detection of incipient failures in these engines. As a result of work subsequently performed by the ROICC-Pacific and various agencies and consultants under his direction, a very successful nondestructive testing technique was established. This technique utilized commercial ultrasonic instrumentation of the pulse-echo type. The procedure, as finalized, will unfailingly detect cracks in the major webs of the diesel engine pistons under consideration, and requires only the removal of the cylinder head for access to the piston top. The only major constraints in the application of this technique are the requirements that the piston material be homogeneous, detailed information relating to piston configuration be available, and the diagnosis be made by technical personnel experiences in ultrasonic interpretation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0715619
Entities
People
- William W. Watson
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center