About Us
Asia's leading academic center for Nondestructive Evaluation research and technology translation
Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE)
The Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) was established at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM), in April 2001. The CNDE is Asia's leading academic center for Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) research and technology translation.
Mission
Deep-research based non-destructive technologies for improved performance, enhanced safety and increased life for industrial applications and societal well-being.
Vision
To become the world's largest Deep-research and technology translational center in the field of NDE.
CNDE is uniquely positioned in the field of NDE research due to IITM's innovation ecosystem, which includes the Center for Innovation, Nirman-Pre-incubation support, the Incubation Cell, Research Park, and Center for Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research - an administrative framework to manage projects and financial and legal compliance.
Research Focus Areas
Nondestructive Imaging & Evaluation
Faster, Economical, and Reliable inspection for improved performance and safety
Structural Health Monitoring
Continuous Monitoring for Life Extension and safety assurance
Measurements
Temperature and process parameter measurement at hostile & harsh environments
Key Technologies Developed at CNDE
- Robotized ultrasonic scanners
- Guided wave based inspection for annular plates and pipe supports using Guided wave UT
- Robotics solutions for inspecting pipelines, railway tracks, and submerged structures
- Affordable non-destructive evaluation (NDE) simulation tools
- Accurate temperature and multi-parameter measurements using Waveguide ultrasound sensors
- Fiber optics-based sensing to measure critical parameters across extensive distances and numerous points
- Automated aerial drone based inspection, monitoring, and 3D digital-twin reconstruction
The focus on translational research has created a strong foundation for technology entrepreneurship, resulting in 13 spin-out ventures in the past 14 years.
NDE 5.0 Framework
CNDE is currently defining the NDE 5.0 framework for the future, having identified five research themes:
Ubiquitous Sensing
FO and UWS, Nano-functional Sensors
Structured Materials for Imaging
Meta-materials based imaging & sensors
Edge Intelligence & Soft-Sensing
AI enabled rapid computations
Wide Inspection Technologies
Multi-spectral Imaging (THz, IR, X-ray)
Remote & Pervasive Inspection
Autonomous & Swarm Robots
National Consortium For Non-Destructive Evaluation (NCNDE)
Recognizing the significance of stakeholder collaboration, CNDE has established the National Consortium for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NCNDE).
NCNDE was established in November 2024 under CNDE to promote collaborative research in Nondestructive Imaging & Evaluation, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), and Online process parameter measurements.
The NCNDE aims to tackle the real-world challenges that stakeholders face in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) through collaborative research and creating top-tier resources for NDE.
Major Benefits of NCNDE Membership
Technology Development Approach
NCNDE is dedicated to advancing technologies that are at the early, mid, or low stages of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and transitioning them for commercialization.
Long-term Projects
Early stages of TRL
Mid-term Projects
Mid stages of TRL
Short-term Projects
Low readiness levels
Development Location
Technology development will primarily occur at the Center for Non-Destructive Evaluation (CNDE), situated at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M). This dynamic center is renowned for its supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation and collaboration. Furthermore, CNDE hosts several spinoff organizations that can assist in the commercialization of technology.
Interested in Joining NCNDE?
Explore our membership options for industries and educational institutions.