In graduate education, there is often a great divide between classroom learning and research endeavors. Using learning community (LC) values and strategies, our goal is to build stronger and more meaningful ties between these two aspects of graduate education so that students see them as complimentary learning rather than separate components. This…

This third in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I describes the principles and practices associated with hydrostatic testing. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student,…

This fourth in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I describes liquid penetrant examination which provides an effective method of detecting undesired, invisible surface discontinuities. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module…

This first in a series of eight modules for a course titled Mechanical Inspection describes the type of pumps used in nuclear power plant systems, the basic operating principles of each type, and the inspection activities performed by the quality assurance/quality control technician. The module follows a typical format that includes the following…

This first in a series of eight modules for a course titled Quality Assurance Practices describes responsibilities for quality assurance, identified how quality assurance requirements are passed on to other organizations, defines the three phases of activities of the plant, and reviews the eighteen criteria applicable to the quality assurance…

This fifth in a series of eight modules for a course titled Quality Assurance Practices describes the essential elements of a nonconforming material control system, including purpose and application. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to…

This seventh in a series of eight modules for a course titled Quality Assurance Practices describes the key features of an audit system and offers practice in carrying out tasks of the technicians. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to…

This second in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I describes the predominantly used leak test methods in nuclear power plants. More specifically, the module describes these test methods, the testing techniques, and the associated quality assurance requirements. The module follows a typical…

This fifth in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I explains the radiographic process, from radiation source selection to equipment and specimen selection and arrangement, and film processing. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module…

This sixth in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I explains radiographic inspection as a means of nondestructively examining components, assemblies, structures, and fabricated piping. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module…

This seventh in a series of seven modules for a course titled Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Techniques I describes radiographic specifications and code requirements. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student, (5) subject…

This first in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection describes the role and responsbilities of the quality assurance/quality control technician in welding inspections. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to…

This fourth in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection discusses the nomenclature, symbols, and the purposes of most common joint designs, preparations, and fit-ups. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to…

This sixth in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection describes procedures review, process monitoring, and weld defect analysis. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student, (5) subject matter, (6)…

This ninth in a series of ten modules for a course titled Welding Inspection describes the purposes, essential elements, and application of a weld control program. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student, (5) subject…