Before I get started into the main point of the discussion, the "State of the Art NDE in Quantitative Inspection,'' I would like to define what NDT, NDI, and NDE mean to me.

"NDT," nondestructive testing, is basically the use of various and sundry means for the detection of defects within structures or components with out doing damage.

"NDI," nondestructive inspection, is the use of selected NOT techniques to inspect assembled aircraft in the field.

Several years ago we began to read in the ASNT magazine about "NDE," nondestructive evaluation. I had the feeling that a group of people were trying for more professionalism and looking for a better sounding name. I would like to define nondestructive evaluation in a way to make it more meaningful and a challenge to you; and that is "NDE" is the use of equipment that detects and quantifies defects within a part or structure and provides the acceptability evaluation.