Optimization of Self-Nulling Eddy Current Probe for the Detection of Shallow Fatigue Cracks
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Begun in 1973, the Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (QNDE) is the premier international NDE meeting designed to provide an interface between research and early engineering through the presentation of current ideas and results focused on facilitating a rapid transfer to engineering development.
This site provides free, public access to papers presented at the annual QNDE conference between 1983 and 1999, and abstracts for papers presented at the conference since 2001.
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Abstract
The Self-Nulling Eddy Current Probe has been the focus of much research during the past several years [1–7]. Developed under NASA’s Airframe Structural Integrity Program, past research has focused on applying the Self-Nulling Probe technology to the inspection of damage to thin aluminum airframe skins. As a result of this work prototype fatigue crack detectors, single and multi-layer thickness gauges, and a system for the detection of cracks under installed fasteners have been developed[l–2,5–7]. The probe has also been successful at detecting surface flaws in thick bulk materials, for which a commercial instrument has been produced and marketed by Kramer Branson, Inc.-This paper will explore the fatigue crack detection mechanism of the Self-Nulling Probe for shallow flaws in thick materials as compared to that of through cracks in thin skins. The resulting change in the performance of the Self-Nulling Probe will then be detailed, and proposed modifications to optimize the performance of the probe for the detection of shallow fatigue cracks enumerated.