An advanced, patented probe sensor provides early detection of water infrastructure problems caused by corrosion and harsh atmospheric conditions. Designed to detect graphitization in active pipelines, it identifies areas at risk of major failures early on. By using indirect methods like GIS mapping, in-situ soil resistivity testing, and structure-to-soil potential measurements, high-risk zones can be pinpointed. Once these areas are identified, the probe assesses the severity and depth of graphitization, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the pipeline’s condition. This allows for the implementation of effective corrosion management strategies, including cathodic protection systems, to prevent critical failures. This article describes the sensor system and provides a case study of its use. The technology received the 2024 Engineering Materials Achievement Award from ASM International.

In the quest to improve the reliability of partial penetration welding validation, advanced ultrasonic testing techniques have replaced other less accurate methods. This case study compares weld penetration inspection results from phased array ultrasonic testing and the total focusing method in a rib-to-deck assembly on the top part of an orthotropic steel bridge deck.

This article provides an overview of nondestructive test methods and their application in the study of material properties and structures. It covers the most widely used NDT technologies, including optical examination, radiography, acoustic emission, and ultrasonic testing, and discusses the impact of recent advancements.

Automobile performance and passenger safety both rely on sound spot welds in advanced high-strength steels. A new, high-frequency ultrasonic matrix phased array probe performs nondestructive inspection of these welds, saving time and cost.

This article compares two nondestructive test methods that are widely used to assess impact damage in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Infrared line scanning thermography (LST) and immersion ultrasonic testing (UT) are shown to be equally capable of detecting delaminations and internal cracking caused by low-velocity impacts, although LST was easier to use and provided results more quickly that were easier to interpret.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an established technology that provides nearly instantaneous and virtually nondestructive analysis with minimal or no sample preparation and without an ionizing radiation source. This article describes the capabilities of new handheld LIBS systems.

Enhanced antiviral performance is associated with antipathogenic copper material consolidations obtained using cold spray processing.

Simulation of components and joints made of hybrid materials enables innovative designs for corrosion protection in automotive applications. This article gives examples of simulations used to gain insight into the corrosion behavior of riveted joints.

A joint Canadian project aims to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and future epidemics with cold sprayed, copper-based coatings. The objectives are: (1) to tailor the microstructure and surface state of Cu/Cu alloy cold spray coatings to maximize the antiviral activity and provide an economically viable solution that can be rapidly upscaled and industrialized; (2) to identify the most relevant high-touch surface components based on a systematic data-driven analysis and simulation of public infrastructure usage; and (3) to demonstrate viable production capability with real component demonstrators to be installed in public transport facilities for in situ testing.

Physical cross-sectioning is commonly used on parts to reveal and study their internal features and defects. An alternative technology, acoustic cross-sectioning, produces equivalent results and images for small parts without damaging them. This article describes a new system for acoustic cross-sectioning and presents a case study of its use in integrated circuit analysis.

A metallurgical study of a 10th century iron-base nail from the central-East coast of Tunisia reveals how early metallurgists without modern scientific knowledge created parts with engineered properties.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: Appointment of 2021-2022 ASM Committee and Council chairs; ASM's new Executive Director, Sandy Robert; contributor spotlight for Roch J. Shipley.

Residual stress exists in all classes of materials and significantly impacts many facets of product design and manufacturing. This article reviews residual stress formation, types of stresses, and measurement techniques. ASM International is launching a technical committee on residual stress to enable industry-wide collabration and to advance the science of this important phenomenon.

Among the structural materials developed in the 20th century, titanium and its alloys have played a leading role in improving component performance. This article discusses development of new production techniques, specifications, economic aspects, and applications that have enabled the current applications of titanium alloys.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM committee and council chairs appointed for 2019-2020; ASM Connect platform for member engagement rolls out; ASM Materials Genome Toolkit Program supported by the NIST-funded Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHiMaD); new equipment added to the ASM training laboratories; contributor spotlight for Erik Mueller; professional profile for Janet Gbur.