Corrosion and Materials Professional Questions and Answers
Question 33
Why are high-cycle fatigue cracks difficult to detect with nondestructive examination (NDE)?
Options:
A.
They are usually in 90° corners where inspection is difficult.
B.
Cracks are so tight they are often missed.
C.
Time required for crack growth is not predictable.
D.
They normally start on the I.D. surface.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
According to API RP 571, high-cycle fatigue (HCF) is characterized by very tight, narrow cracks that can escape detection using typical NDE methods due to their minimal opening displacement and fine geometry.
From API RP 571 Section 5.2.1 (Fatigue - High Cycle):
"The cracks are usually tight and may be difficult to detect using conventional NDE techniques such as PT or MT. UT and RT may also have difficulty identifying these small, tight flaws, especially in early stages of propagation."
The primary issue in NDE is not the geometry (such as 90° corners) or ID location, but rather the tightness and early-stage subtlety of the cracks which results in reduced detectability. Therefore, option B is correct as it aligns most accurately with API RP 571's detailed characterization of HCF detection challenges.
