1. Applications Of Eddy Current Testing
NDT is referred to as Non-destructive testing and is sometimes called non-destructive examination (NDE)
or non-destructive inspection (NDI) as well. It is the method where materials are tested for the presence
of any damage or defect. It is a very important concept in quality control as well as in research. This form
of testing is also a key element in material inspection systems. There are various standards used, for
instance, the ASNT standards for bolt hole scanning, pinhole detection, conductivity testing, thickness
measurement, crack detection, flaw detection, and corrosion detection. Two of the most reliable
nondestructive testing solutions are ultrasonic testing (UT) and eddy current testing.
What does eddy current testing stands for?
The term eddy current inspection (ECI) or eddy current testing (ECT) is a kind of electromagnetic testing.
It is a form that relies on the principles and theories of electromagnetism. With the help of
electromagnetic induction, eddy currents are formed. It happens, according to Faraday’s and Ohm’s law,
when a periodically deviating magnetic field intersects an electrical conductor, eddy currents are
induced. By instigating electrical currents in the material being tested, the interaction between those
currents and the material can be contemplated.
Applications of Eddy current testing
They can be used effectively in the field, in a laboratory, or in production to conduct testing for material
defects such as cracks, laps and other flaws. This form of testing is mainly used for conductive and non
ferrous alloys like stainless steel, copper, titanium, and brass, copper-nickel. This type of the current
inspection method is efficient to detect defects such as cracks, laps, seams, voids, and inclusions. Non-
destructive testing using eddy current technology is a type efficiently used to detect minor flaws in a
safety scathing airplane, aerospace and automotive parts. It can also be used to identify conductivity and
the depth, so that the presence of corrosion can be detected.
Aside from the NDT eddy current inspection method, there is another favored testing method available
for material testing known as magnetic particle inspection (MPI). It is a non-destructive testing process
for inspecting surface and slightly subsurface flaws in ferromagnetic materials like nickel, iron, cobalt,
and some of their alloys. Generally, magnetic particle inspection and testing are a very naive concept. It
can be classified as a combination of two non-destructive testing methods, i.e. magnetic flux leakage
testing and visual testing. These tests can be regulated on various materials such as construction and
maintenance of pipelines, offshore platforms, bridges, pressure vessels, and many more.
About Author: The article explains about the Eddy current testing methods, and its application in various
domains. For more details visit: http://www.ndtcs.com/inspection/eddy-current-testing