Abstract: An ultrasonic real-time inspection method which is user-friendly in an interactive environment to provide ease of operation, as well as a combination of consistency, thoroughness, and speed of operation in flaw detection not achievable by other methods. The system and method are useable on a traveling wheel so as not to unduly interfere with normal train operation. The system and method includes a test device that moves along train wheels injecting pulses into the wheel to detect acoustic responses caused at a discontinuity in the wheel. A processor can also be included to determine a pattern of a feature of the wheel associated with the discontinuity.

Abstract: A detector and tracker using a three coil sensor for is disclosed. The detector detects eddy current variations caused by differences in electromagnetic characteristics in two adjacent materials. The eddy current variations are measured and compared to determine the magnitude and direction the detector may be from the center of one of the adjacent materials. The magnitude and direction determination by the detector can be used to drive a process controller to position the sensor.