American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Radiographic Testing Practice Test

A penetrameter, often referred to as a step wedge or sensitivity indicator, is utilized in radiographic testing to assess the quality of the radiographic technique employed. It serves as a calibration tool that allows the radiographer to determine whether the radiographic image produced meets the necessary standards for detecting specific sizes of defects within the test material. By measuring the visibility of the penetrameter in the developed radiograph, technicians can evaluate the contrast and sharpness of the image, ensuring that the conditions of exposure, development, and the overall procedure are sufficiently adequate to reveal flaws in the material being tested.

While effectiveness of film processing, level of radiation exposure, and presence of defects are important considerations in the overall process of radiographic testing, they do not directly relate to the primary function of a penetrameter. The penetrameter itself does not indicate these factors but rather focuses on the technical quality of the radiographic image, thereby influencing the interpretation of results regarding defect detection.