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CODE 94773
ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026
CREDITS
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR ING-IND/16
TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
SEMESTER 1° Semester
MODULES Questo insegnamento è un modulo di:
TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB

OVERVIEW

The course of Non-Destructive Testing Methods focuses on the study of non-invasive experimental techniques to inspect the integrity of a product, a component, a complex structure and some geometric characteristics (e.g. thickness).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Basic knowledge about the different methodologies and the equipment to evaluate the integrity of products or components using nondestructive testing techniques. Definition of the most suitable test for a particular application and planning of the various inspection stages.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the teaching unit is to provide a general understanding of the main types of defects that may occur in components due to material properties and production and assembly methods. Following this general introduction, the course will cover the main types of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques commonly used in industrial settings.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired theoretical knowledge of the most suitable inspection techniques for different types of products and defects. They will also be able to draft a complete inspection plan, covering its various stages.

Through optional laboratory activities, students will also have the opportunity to develop the following transversal skills:

  • Functional literacy (basic level): communicate effectively both orally and in writing while adapting to context; use sources/tools/resources appropriately; assess, process, and apply information; formulate arguments and think critically.

  • Personal skills (basic level): identify one’s abilities, maintain focus, manage complexity, reflect critically, make decisions, work independently, seek support when needed, and handle stress.

  • Social skills (advanced level): manage interpersonal interactions, communicate constructively in diverse settings, work collaboratively, demonstrate tolerance, express and understand different viewpoints, build trust, and show empathy.

Through their individual study and personal effort, students are expected to reinforce their understanding and integrate the various course contents, which are closely interconnected.

PREREQUISITES

The following basic knowledge is needed to effectively address the content of teaching:

  • Metallurgical characteristics of Steel and Aluminium Alloys;
  • main plastic deformation processes (for example, rolling and forging);
  • main aspects related to foundry operations.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is structured around traditional lectures covering theoretical concepts and application examples.

In addition to lectures, the course includes three optional laboratory sessions on four non-destructive testing methods. These sessions are not mandatory and do not contribute to the final exam grade:

  • 2 hours on liquid penetrant testing and magnetic particle testing

  • 2 hours on radiographic testing and film interpretation

  • 2 hours on ultrasonic testing

However, participation in these laboratories will support the development of certain transversal skills, specifically:

  • Basic level of functional literacy

  • Basic level of personal skills

  • Advanced level of social skills

During the labs, students will be divided into groups: some will take on the role of operators, while others will act as those giving operational instructions. Those acting as "Instructors" will be provided with additional materials (standards, templates for operational instructions) via Aulaweb. This material should be reviewed before the lab session but will also be available during the session itself.

Students holding valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact both the course instructor and the Disability Coordinator of the Polytechnic School, Prof. Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), preferably at the beginning of the academic term. Teaching and assessment methods may be adapted to accommodate individual needs, while ensuring the learning objectives of the course are fully met.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The main topics that will be discussed in the course will be:

1. Introduction to non-destructive testing

2 . Difettology in metallic materials

3. Superficial testing

4. Volumetric testing

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

C. Gambaro, P. M. Lonardo, E. Lertora, “I materiali metallici - Come sceglierli, lavorarli e controllarli, Casa Editrice Tecniche Nuove, 2014.

Lectures available on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/9269/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is only oral, it consists of 2/3 questions, one on the part of Difettology and 1/2 on a surface and/or volumetric control.

There will be 2 or 3 exams for the winter session (mid-January-February) and 3 exams for the summer session (June, July and September). No special exams will be granted outside the periods specified in the Study Programme Regulations, except for students who are part-time workers.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assesment aims to evaluate the following aspects of the student's preparation:

  • Acquired knowledge about the basic concepts related to defects that may be present in components;
  • Ability to apply them in choosing the best type of inspection;
  • Ability to plan an inspection according to the application. 

Possession of these skills of the student's preparation will be evaluated through an oral interview.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals
Quality education
Quality education
Responbile consumption and production
Responbile consumption and production

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 PRO3 - Soft skills - Sociale avanzato 1 - A
PRO3 - Soft skills - Sociale avanzato 1 - A