What test is performed to check the integrity of alloys used in aircraft components?

The correct choice involves Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), which is a non-destructive testing method specifically designed to detect surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials, such as certain alloys commonly used in aircraft components. This technique works by applying a magnetic field to the material and then spreading fine magnetic particles over its surface. If there are any fractures or defects, the magnetic field will cause the particles to gather at those points, revealing the areas where integrity is compromised.

MPI is particularly beneficial for ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft components because it can identify subsurface flaws that could lead to structural failures during operation. The other methods, while valuable in other contexts, do not primarily focus on the detection of defects in alloys in the same manner that MPI does. For instance, ultrasonic testing and radiographic testing are also non-destructive methods but are typically employed for different applications, such as measuring material thickness or detecting internal flaws rather than specifically assessing the integrity of alloys. Visual inspection, while useful for initial assessments, cannot effectively detect subsurface defects that MPI can catch.