FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which of the following statements is true concerning structural inspection of engine parts during an overhaul?

1. Dye penetrant can be used on titanium

2. Resonance ultrasound inspection is for cosmetic assessment

3. X-rays can check structural integrity of components

4. Magnetic particle inspection is only for aluminum parts

The correct answer is: X-rays can check structural integrity of components

The statement about using X-rays to check the structural integrity of engine components during an overhaul is accurate because X-ray inspection is a non-destructive testing method that can penetrate the material and reveal internal defects such as cracks, voids, or inclusions without damaging the component itself. This technique is particularly useful for evaluating complex geometries and can be applied to various materials, including metals and composites used in aircraft engine components. In contrast, while die penetrant testing is a viable method for detecting surface flaws, it is not suitable for titanium, as the method can lead to false indications due to the porous nature of some titanium alloys. Resonance ultrasound inspection is typically employed for evaluating material properties and detecting flaws, but it is not necessarily aimed at cosmetic assessments and rather focuses on the subsurface and structural integrity. Likewise, magnetic particle inspection is specifically designed for ferromagnetic materials, and while it is effective for detecting surface and near-surface discontinuities, it is not applicable exclusively to aluminum parts; rather, it can be used on various ferromagnetic materials.