Structural Integrity: Evolution of a Technology

Abstract

This paper deals mainly with technical features of fracture control as a contribution to structural integrity. An attempt has been made to illustrate how scientific method can be further applied to daily production. The objective is to achieve a meaningful and desirable discipline, without introducing a plethora of expensive tests and their consequential delays, or the development of more artificial and unnecessary situations between adversaries. This is an objective of quality assurance, which aims to require and encourage good housekeeping over the whole of a fabricating activity. Many of the requirements may be mundane, and relate to proof that the selected materials and processes have been adhered to without, or only with agreed substitutions. The importance of this activity should be thoroughly recognized with respect to the achievement of structural integrity, and its organization deserves the most profound study and respect.