×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Definition of 'flaw' and 'defect'

Definition of 'flaw' and 'defect'

Definition of 'flaw' and 'defect'

(OP)
Hi all!

I would like to track down a definitive reference which states the difference between a flaw and a defect in the English language. I believe this originated in AWS somewhere.

Can anybody help?

Thanks

RE: Definition of 'flaw' and 'defect'

The only definition you need to be concerned with is how Codes and Standards bodies/organizations view flaws and defects. In ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel code, defect is consistently used throughout the various Code book sections and is defined to be a crack, porosity, lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, etc in welds.

For base metals, Codes and Standards bodies view defects, flaws and now let me introduce imperfections as synonymous terms, and are used interchangeably.

ASME B31.1 has a specific section titled, Definitions. There is one for flaw and one for defect.

 

RE: Definition of 'flaw' and 'defect'

In simplest of terms, a defect is a flaw that is defined as rejectable by a Code or Specification.

While all defects are flaws, not all flaws are defects.

RE: Definition of 'flaw' and 'defect'

This is also related to non-destructive testing.  Your NDT only finds indications.  It is up to the sester to determine if they are just flaws, or if they are defects.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection
http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm

RE: Definition of 'flaw' and 'defect'

Just to clarify EdStainless' post (ref ASNT-TC-1A)

An "Indication" is what the specific NDT method reveals (be it an accumulation of particles, a 'blip' on the UT screen, or bleed-through with penetrant testing).  The inspector first determines whether it is relevant (caused by a flaw or imperfection in the material) or irrelevant (an artifact created by the method, such as the build-up of particles on a sharp edge with Mag. Particle).  If it is relevant, he then determines whether it is a defect (and, therefore rejectable), or acceptable, based on the accpetance criteria.  Depending on the inspection requirements, accpetable indications may have to be recorded, but aren't cause for rejection.

rp

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources