TechBlog

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) — Engineers here are testing a new kind of transparent armor — stronger and lighter than traditional materials — that could stop armor-piercing weapons from penetrating vehicle windows.

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s materials and manufacturing directorate is testing aluminum oxynitride — ALONtm — as a replacement for the traditional multi-layered glass transparencies now used in existing ground and air armored vehicles.

The test is being done in conjunction with the Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., and University of Dayton Research Institute, Ohio.

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Non Destructive Testing 

Non-destructive testing is a descriptive term used for the examination of materials and components to determine surface and subsurface defects in a way that allows such materials to be examined without changing or destroying their original design or structure.

NDT plays a crucial role in everyday life and is necessary to assure safety and reliability. Typical examples are found in aircraft, motor vehicles, pipelines, vessels, bridges, trains, power stations, refineries and oil platforms which are all inspected using NDT.

NDT is also a quality assurance production and management tool which can give impressive results when used correctly. It requires an understanding of the various methods available, their capabilities and limitations, knowledge of the relevant standards and specifications for performing the tests.

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