Which statement describes a Magnetic Particle Test variation?

• A. It is a chemical dye penetrant test.
• B. It uses X-ray imaging to detect flaws.
• C. It is a visual inspection of surface finish only.
• D. It is a magnetic particle test where the device is magnetized and metal particles are applied to reveal flaws.

Answer: (D)

Magnetic Particle Testing relies on magnetizing a part and then applying ferrous particles so they gather at flux leakage around a discontinuity, revealing surface and near-surface defects. The statement describes this exact process: you magnetize the component and spread or apply metal particles to show flaws, which is the essence of a magnetic particle test variation. This approach is distinct from dye penetrant testing (which uses liquid dye and capillary flow), radiography (which uses X-rays), or simple visual inspection (limited to what’s visible on the surface). In practice, variations of this method can include dry powder versus wet suspension, AC versus DC magnetization, and different magnetizing configurations (like yokes or coils) to optimize defect sensitivity. This combination of magnetization and particle reveal is what makes magnetic particle testing effective for locating defects.