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Section 3.1.1.3. Eddy Current Inspection
The principles of electromagnetic
induction are used in eddy current inspections to detect surface and near-surface cracks in
electrically-conductive metals. When an
electrically-conductive material is subjected to an alternating magnetic
field, small circulating electric currents are generated in the material. Since these eddy currents are affected by
variations in conductivity, magnetic permeability, mass, and material
homogeneity, the conditions that affect these characteristics can be sensed by
measuring the eddy current response of the material. In practice, eddy currents are induced in the part to be
inspected with a coil carrying an alternating current. The induced eddy currents generate their own magnetic field, which interacts with the
magnetic field of the exciting coil,
and changes the impedance of the exciting coil. By measuring the impedance of the exciting coil, or a separate
indicating coil, the inspector can infer the presence of cracks in the
material.
An important use of the eddy
current NDI method has been in the detection of fatigue or stress corrosion
cracks around fastener holes after the cracks have grown beyond the fastener
head. Special bolt hole probes have
also been devised for use after the fastener has been removed for locating
cracks emanating from the wall of the fastener hole. This inspection process has been automated to remove operator
influence, speed inspections, and produce a permanent inspection record.
Eddy current methods do not require
contact with the specimen or clean up, and are generally faster than liquid
penetrant and radiographic methods.
Although eddy current methods can
detect both surface and subsurface cracks, the depth of inspection below the
material surface is limited (approximately 0.25 in.). Since eddy currents are influenced by many material variables,
masked or false indications can easily be caused by sensitivity to part
geometry, lift-off, edge effects and permeability variations. Finally, eddy current methods require
well-trained operators to man the test instruments and reference standards are
necessary.