What is a common method for inspecting welds in aircraft structures?

In aircraft structures, ensuring the integrity of welds is crucial for safety and performance. Radiographic testing is a widely accepted method for inspecting welds because it allows for the examination of the internal structure of the weld. This technique involves exposing the welds to X-rays or gamma rays, which can reveal any internal flaws, such as cracks, porosity, or inclusions, that may not be visible during a simple visual inspection.

The advantage of radiographic testing lies in its ability to provide a detailed image of the weld quality, facilitating the identification of issues that could affect the structural performance of the aircraft. This method is particularly useful for complex joints and thick materials where other testing methods might not be sufficient.

While other methods like visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, and dye penetrant testing are also valid for detecting defects, they have their limitations compared to radiographic testing. Visual inspection relies on the examiner's ability to see surface defects, ultrasonic testing requires skill in interpreting sound waves, and dye penetrant testing is generally effective for surface flaws but cannot provide internal assessments. Each technique has its specific applications, but radiographic testing stands out for its comprehensive assessment capabilities in weld inspections.