NDT can prevent all fatigue-related failures in turbine engines.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. False
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (C)

Non-destructive testing is used to detect fatigue cracks before they cause a failure, but it cannot prevent all fatigue-related failures. Fatigue is a probabilistic process: cracks may initiate in areas that are difficult to inspect, remain undetected if they are too small or properly shielded, or start after an inspection due to new service loading. Inspections are periodic and cannot cover every surface or every possible flaw at every moment of operation. NDT will catch defects that exceed its detection limits and within its coverage, allowing repairs before they grow, but it cannot guarantee that no fatigue-related failure will ever occur.