What is this method?
Destructive testing (DT) includes methods where your material is broken down to determine mechanical properties, such as strength, toughness, and hardness. In practice it means, for example, finding out if the quality of a weld is good enough to withstand extreme pressure or to verify the properties of a material.
Why this method?
Destructive tests are best when used together with our non-destructive methods: this combination gives the best information on materials and welds. Non-destructive tests show if cracks, corrosion, or other faults exist. Destructive tests in turn indicate how and when the objects are in danger of breaking down or failing.
When is this test used?
Destructive testing is performed under the most severe operating conditions and it is continued until the application breaks. The main purpose of destructive testing is not only to determine the design weaknesses if any which may not show up under normal working conditions but also to determine the service life of the product.