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This paper recommends guidelines for implementing supplier nondestructive evaluation (NDE) qualification and certification program intended for inspecting fracture critical parts. Qualification of fracture critical parts may require qualified NDE procedures that assure reliably detectable flaw size. It is intended for NDE procedures that detect flaws or discontinuities. Some guidelines for implementing NDE qualification and certification for NDE procedures that assure reliably detectable flaw size are available in current literature for research publications or as industry standards. This paper proposes additional considerations especially for qualifying NDE procedures, establishing a written practice for NDE procedure, including personnel qualification and certification. The supplier NDE qualification and certification implementation practice is referred to as the supplier NDE qualification and certification program. The paper touches upon many elements of NDE as a systems engineering discipline. If supplier qualification and certification program is less rigorous or has gaps, it may lead to lower reliability in flaw detection. These guidelines are intended to help in acquiring minimum required reliability in supplier NDE qualification and certification. The guidelines are applicable for all NDE procedures including those assuring reliably detectable flaw sizes. Before recommending guidelines, the paper defines core topics such as NDE reliability, probability of detection, NDE transfer function, resolution, contrast sensitivity and points to relevant references.
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