Manufacturing readiness of composite rotors and certification of flywheels depend in part on the maturity of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology for process optimization and quality assurance, respectively. Capabilities and limitations of x-ray-computed tomography and radiography, as well as advanced ultrasonics were established on NDE ring and rotor standards with EDM notches drilled holes. Also, intentionally seeded delamination, tow break, and insert of bagging material were introduced in hydroburst-rings to study the NDE detection capabilities of such anomalies and their effects on the damage tolerance and safe life margins of subscale rings and rotors. Examples of possible occurring flaws or anomalies in composite rings as detected by NDE and validated by destructive metallography are shown.

"The 14th ASTM Symposium on Composite Materials: Testing and Design, was held March 11-12, 2002 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Testing and Design symposia, sponsored by Committee D30 on Composite Materials, have been scheduled on a roughly bi-yearly basis since 1969 to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners to meet and exchange their latest methods and findings related to the testing and design of composite materials and structures."

This series provides a comprehensive review of the latest research results in quantitative nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Part A of Volume 21 details the development of nondestructive evaluation techniques. Part B addresses advances in materials characterization, new applications, and reliability.