Alternative Approaches to the Validation of Nondestructive Testing Methods

Abstract

<p>There is currently considerable interest in devising appropriate means for measuring how well test methods suit their avowed purpose. One of the major expressions of this interest has been through implementation of standards and guidelines issued by ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission) and, in Europe, CEN/CENELEC (European Committee for Standardization/European Commission for Electrotechnical Standardization). Among the goals of the ISO 9000 family of International Standards is provision of quality system guidelines [1] to complement the specific product requirements that are typically incorporated in specifications provided by “customers”. These criteria are intended to aid “suppliers” in achieving continuing improvements in product quality and customer satisfaction. Four key “facets of quality” are identified, associated with a) definition of needs for the product; b) aspects of product design that influence performance of the product; c) consistency in conforming to the product design; and d) providing life-cycle product support.</p>