Development of novel NDE techniques and their significance in the COE program on the physics and chemistry of fracture and failure prevention

The objective of the Center of Excellence (COE) program is to provide a fundamental understanding of the physics and chemistry of fracture under combined environments and to apply this understanding to establish structural life prediction and control systems for high quality human safety. With this aim, we have developed analytical methods for the local measurement of materials chemistry, crack tip water chemistry, crack tip strain and defects. We summarize the research activity of COE program and some recent progress using the electromagnetic NDE technique will be reviewed.