Abstract: A non-destructive inspection system that has particular application for inspecting a bore in a valve for defects. The system includes an inspection yoke having a ferromagnetic core, where a first coil is wound around the core in one direction and a second coil is wound around the core in an orthogonal direction so that orthogonal electromagnetic fields can be generated within the bore. A controller provides a current flow through the coils to generate the electromagnetic fields to detect defects in the bore.

Abstract: In a method for detecting near-surface defects in a test sample consisting at least partly of a ferromagnetic material, a test volume of the test sample is magnetized and scanned for the detection of magnetic leakage fields caused by defects. The test volume is magnetized by means of a magnetic constant field and simultaneously by means of a magnetic alternating field superposed on the constant field. Leakage field test devices suitable for carrying out the method are described.

Abstract: Provided is a coercive-force specifying apparatus capable of creating a demagnetization curve for each divisional area of a coercive-force distributed magnet without breaking the coercive-force distributed magnet and of specifying an average coercive force for each divisional area precisely. A coercive force specifying apparatus of the present invention includes: a yoke including an insertion space into which a coercive-force distributed magnet is to be inserted; a magnetizing coil; a search coil that detects a magnetization change when the magnetic field is applied to the coercive-force distributed magnet; and a tracer that creates a demagnetization curve on a basis of a voltage value generated due to the magnetization change. The end face is provided with two or more loop-shaped thread grooves bored therein, the search coil being provided in each thread groove.

Abstract: The device (18) for checking a tire (14) reinforcing thread comprises: an induction member (68, 70) that induces a magnetic flux (P1, P2; P) in the thread (42a-b; 100; 102), a support (67) supporting the induction member (68, 70) having the overall shape of a U and comprising legs (82, 84) that conduct the magnetic flux (P) into the thread (42a-b; 100; 102), the legs defining a direction of alignment of the device, at least one receiver member (74) that receives the magnetic flux (P1, P2; P) flowing through the thread (42a-b; 100; 102) situated between the legs (82, 84). The dimensions of the receiver member are designed so as to measure only the magnetic flux flowing through the thread (42a-b; 100; 102) when, in operation, the direction of alignment (18) is parallel to the thread (42a-b; 100; 102).

Abstract: An inspection system is provided, which applies a forward or reverse voltage on a light-emitting device and measures a current thereof respectively before and after temperature rise, and determines whether the device fails according to the fact whether a current difference before and after the temperature rise is larger than a failure current determination value. Alternatively, the inspection system adopts a current applying device to apply a forward and reverse current on a light-emitting device and measures a voltage difference thereof respectively before and after temperature rise, and determines whether the device fails according to the fact whether a difference of the voltage differences before and after the temperature rise is larger than a failure voltage determination value. Alternatively, the inspection system adopts a predetermined inspecting step and a rapid inspecting step respectively to determine whether a light-emitting device fails.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting an elongate tubular member with an eddy current sensor inspection assembly including a bobbin is provided. The bobbin includes a shell defining a hollow interior and axially aligned openings at each end while supporting a sensor. A plurality of petals extend outwardly from the shell, and the petals are configured to position the bobbin concentrically within a tubular member as the bobbin is moved within the tubular member. The bobbin can be included in an inspection assembly with a probe head to support a sensor including at least one wire winding. A flexible shaft is connected to the probe head and transmits a motive force to move the probe head within the tubular member. The probe head includes a flexible tube, the bobbin supporting the sensor, and at least one centering bead mounted upon the flexible tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an eddy current probe and an eddy current inspection device including the eddy current probe for inspection of surface defect of a rotor wheel including a dovetail coupling part in which a hook is formed. The eddy current probe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a main body, a contact part coupled to the main body and having a convex part and a concave part formed thereon corresponding to the hook, and an eddy current sensor being coupled to an end part of the convex part of the contact part. Accordingly, the detectability of a defect and the permeation depth can be enhanced, and the inspection procedures can be simplified.

Abstract: A nondestructive testing system for testing the strength of a gear (15) that has been subjected to vacuum carburization is disclosed. A detection coil (33) embedded in a resin member (32) having a wedge-shaped cross section is placed in proximity to a bottom land (44) of the gear, and the carburized depth of the bottom land is measured to test the strength of the gear.

Abstract: A facility for generating a detection signal upon the presence of metallic-conductive parts in a conveyed flow that is at least largely non-conductive, in which, for example, an alternating electromagnetic field is established in a section of the conveyed flow to be monitored by means of an alternating current generator and a transmitter coil system, whereby a variation of the signal of said field that is triggered by passage of a part is detected by a receiver coil system and converted into a detection signal by an analytical circuit. The individual components of the system are distributed over separate circuit modules which in turn act in concert by means of a bus system.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) magnetostrictive (MS) sensor comprising a first direct current (DC) bias PCB layer comprising a first plurality of conductive traces, a first alternating current (AC) PCB layer disposed on the first DC bias PCB layer, the first AC PCB layer comprising a first AC coil, a pocket PCB layer disposed on the first AC PCB layer, the pocket PCB layer to receive a strip of MS material, a second AC PCB layer disposed on the pocket PCB layer, the second AC PCB layer comprising a second AC coil, and a second DC bias PCB layer disposed on the second AC PCB layer, the second DC bias PCB layer comprising a second plurality of conductive traces. The traces from the first plurality of conductive traces are electrically coupled to traces from the second plurality of conductive traces.

Abstract: A bearing residual life prediction method, a bearing residual life diagnostic apparatus and a bearing diagnostic system can be provided. The bearing diagnostic system 20 includes: an eddy current tester 11 that measures the impedance X of a certain portion of a bearing 24 before and after the use of the bearing; a bearing information transmitter 30 that transmits bearing information s1 containing the impedance X; and a bearing information receiver 31 that receives the information; a diagnostic section 12 that obtains the residual life information s2 of the bearing 24 based on the received impedance X; and a life information transmitter 36 that transmits the residual life information s2; and a life information receiver 40 that receives the information. Hence, the bearing used by the user can be inspected nondestructively, and the residual life of the bearing can be predicted.

Abstract: An inspection assembly for insertion inspection of an elongate hollow member. The inspection assembly includes a probe head including at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic of the elongate hollow member as the probe head is moved internally within the elongate hollow member. The assembly includes a flexible shaft connected to the probe head and transmitting a motive force to the probe head to move the probe head within the elongate hollow member. The flexible shaft encloses at least one wire operatively connected between the probe head and at least one component external to the elongate hollow member for sensory operation of the at least one sensor. The flexible shaft is at least partially corrugated.

Abstract: A magnetic pattern detection device for use with a medium having at least one magnetic pattern of a plurality of types of magnetic patterns whose residual magnetic flux density and permeability are different on a basis of both of a level of residual magnetic flux density and a level of permeability may include a common sensor part structured to detect presence/absence of each of the plurality of types of magnetic patterns, and a signal processing section structured to extract a first signal corresponding to the level of the residual magnetic flux density and a second signal corresponding to the level of the permeability from a signal outputted from the sensor part.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing fluid dynamics aspects of corrosion and shear stress in piping networks are provided. Shear stress hot spots of a piping network may be identified using non-dimensional transfer functions that have been developed for identifying the magnitude and location of these local maxima depending upon the geometrical parameters of commonly used components of piping networks, the fluid properties of the flow, and the operating conditions of the piping network. Upon identification of potential shear stress local maxima, piping network operators may monitor these locations for corrosion or other damage to prevent loss of integrity of the pipes.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an eddy current testing apparatus capable of accurately detecting any flaws occurring in a columnar or cylindrical subject to be tested regardless of their extending directions, with the use of the same probe coil. The eddy current testing apparatus 100 according to the present invention comprises a spinning plate 1 and a probe coil 2 disposed on the spinning plate 1. The probe coil is a probe coil capable of obtaining a differential output about a scanning direction of a detection signal which corresponds to a detected eddy current induced in the subject to be tested. The spinning plate is disposed in such a position that a spinning center RC of the spinning plate faces with an axial center PC of the subject to be tested.

Abstract: In a method for the nondestructive testing of pipes made of ferromagnetic steel for flaws by means of stray flux, the pipe is magnetized by a constant field and the discontinuities in the near-surface region of the outer or inner surface of the pipe cause magnetic stray fluxes, which exit the pipe surface and are detected by probes of a test unit, wherein the association of the detected amplitude signals is performed on the basis of the amplitude height and/or the frequency spectrum with respect to an external or internal flaw via defined flaw thresholds respectively. For this, prior to associating the detected amplitude signals to an external or internal flaw, the angular position of the flaw relative to the respective magnetic field direction is determined, and a correction of the signals is carried out via a previously determined correction factor for amplitudes and/or frequencies of a perpendicular angular position.

Abstract: There is provided a coercivity performance determination device for a coercivity distribution magnet that is capable of determining, in a short period of time, with precision, and at as low a testing cost as possible, whether or not each part of one coercivity distribution magnet has a coercivity that is equal to or greater than the required coercivity. A coercivity determining device of the present invention comprises: a substantially C-shaped magnetic body; excitation means that generates a magnetic flow in the magnetic body; and a flux meter that measures the residual magnetic flux of the coercivity distribution magnet. Protrusions are provided at corresponding positions on two opposing end faces of the magnetic body, and the coercivity distribution magnet is held between the two protrusions to form an annular magnetic circuit. An external magnetic field generation means is formed by magnetic regions caused by the protrusions and non-magnetic regions comprising the air in the periphery thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for compensating the sensitivity variations induced by lift-off variations for an eddy current array probe. The invention uses the eddy current array probe coils in two separate ways to produce a first set of detection channels and a second set of lift-off measurement channels without the need to add coils dedicated to the lift-off measurement operation. Another aspect of the invention provides an improved calibration process which combines the detection and lift-off measurement channel calibration on a simple calibration block including a reference defect without the need of a pre-defined lift-off condition.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining normalcy of a sensor with respect to a structure. The apparatus includes a driving member, a driven member, and a sensor. The driving member includes a first engaging element and a second engaging element. The driven member includes a third engaging element and a fourth engaging element. The third engaging element of the driven member is engaged with the first engaging element of the driving member. The fourth engaging element of the driven member is engaged with the second engaging element of the driving member. The sensor is coupled to the driven member, which is rotatably drivable by the driving member. Engagement between the first and third engaging elements facilitates three-dimensional adjustment of the driven member relative to the driving member. Engagement between the second and fourth engaging elements facilitates co-rotation of the driving member and the driven member.

Abstract: A test set-up (10) for non-destructive detection of a flaw in a device being tested by means of an eddy current has an excitation coil (14), to which an excitation signal (SE) can be sent to act on the device being tested (16) with an electromagnetic alternating field, a receiving coil (17) to generate a coil signal (SP), which is a function of the flaw in the device being tested (16), an analog-digital converter (21), which is coupled to the receiving coil (17) on the input side, a filter arrangement (22), which is coupled to the analog-digital converter (21) on the input side and is designed for band-pass filtering and scan rate reduction, and a demodulator (27), which is coupled to an output of the filter arrangement (22) on the input side.

Abstract: Method and device for nondestructive and noncontact detection of faults in a test piece, or electrically conductive particles in a liquid flow, moving past the device, using eddy currents. The test piece or flow is exposed to periodic alternating electromagnetic fields. A periodic electrical signal is detected by a receiver coil. The receiver coil signal has a carrier oscillation whose amplitude and/or phase is modulated by defects in the test piece or by electrically conducting particles and is digitized. A useful signal is produced from the digitized receiver coil signal, and the useful signal is evaluated with an evaluation unit to detect faults in the test piece or electrically conductive particles. When overdriving of the A/D converter stage by the receiver coil signal is ascertained, a part of the receiver coil signal truncated by the A/D converter stage is reconstructed using a mathematical approximation in the digitized receiver coil signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for scanning metallic surfaces. The apparatus, in one embodiment, comprises a shaft and a rotating member. The rotating member may comprise a sensing end and a featuring engaging element. The shaft further comprises a first coupling element and the rotating member further comprises a second coupling element. The first coupling element may be coupleable with the second coupling element such that the rotating member is pivotable at any three-dimensional angle with respect to the shaft to orient the sensing surface parallel to the scanned surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flaw detection and monitoring at elevated temperatures with wireless communication using surface embedded, monolithically integrated, thin-film, magnetically actuated sensors, and methods for fabricating the sensors. The sensor is a monolithically integrated, multi-layered (nano-composite), thin-film sensor structure that incorporates a thin-film, multi-layer magnetostrictive element, a thin-film electrically insulating or dielectric layer, and a thin-film activating layer such as a planar coil. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered, thin-film sensor structure as described above, utilizes a variety of factors that allow for optimization of sensor characteristics for application to specific structures and in specific environments. The system and method integrating the multi-layered, thin-film sensor structure as described above, further utilizes wireless connectivity to the sensor to allow the sensor to be mounted on moving components within the monitored assembly.

Abstract: In order to examine abnormality in shape of an outer circumference of a wire rope, the rope tester device includes a comb-shaped detection plate having a curved test edge portion extending along at least one portion of an outer circumference of a substantially circular sectional configuration of the wire rope and a testing recessed portion for receiving the wire rope in the vicinity of or in contact with the test edge portion, and a support device for rotatably supporting the detection plate in the vicinity of or in contact with the wire rope for permitting the rotation of the detection plate when the detection plate receives a force from an abnormal portion of the wire rope to relieve the force. A test string is disposed in an opening of the testing recessed portion for testing a surface that is not in the vicinity of or in contact with the test edge portion.

Abstract: A detection method for detecting a concavo-convex shape surface defect existing on a ferromagnetic metal object including sensing a signal attributed to strain of the concavo-convex shape surface defect having a size in a range of 0.5 to 6 ?m. The signal is magnetic flux leaking from the ferromagnetic metal to which magnetic flux is applied. A detecting apparatus incorporates a magnetizer for magnetizing a ferromagnetic metal and a plurality of magnetic sensors arranged in the direction perpendicular to a traveling direction of the ferromagnetic metal to sense a signal attributed to strain of a concavo-convex shape surface defect having a size in a range of 0.5 to 6 ?m.

Abstract: A magnetic testing apparatus has a magnetizing device applying a rotating magnetic field to a material to be tested, a testing signal detecting device, and a signal processing device applying signal processing to the testing signal. The signal processing device has a first synchronous detecting device detecting a testing signal by using the first current as a reference signal, a second synchronous detecting device detecting an output signal of the first synchronous detecting device by using the second current as a reference signal to extract a candidate flaw signal, and a testing image display device displaying a testing image in which each of pixels has a gray level corresponding to an intensity of the candidate flaw signal at each of positions of the material to be tested, and a phase of the candidate flaw signal at each of the positions is capable of being identified.

Abstract: A magnetic inspection device and method for nondestructive testing of wire ropes and the like utilizes a leakage flux generator moveable relative to a wire rope to be inspected for inducing in sections of the wire rope magnetic flux at a saturation level. A leakage flux detector moves with the leakage flux generator, and cooperates with the leakage flux generator for detecting leakage flux at the outer surface of the wire rope saturated by the generator. The detector provides a high fidelity signal representative of the loss of metallic cross section at individual locations along the wire rope. A signal processor receiving the high fidelity signal representative of the loss of metallic cross section from the detector extracts a wire rope roughness component from the high fidelity signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt having magnetically permeable cords, has a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to magnetize the cords, in use, a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the magnetic field provided, in use, by the cords, the sensing unit comprising an array of spaced magnetic field sensors, the spacing of the sensors being sufficiently close to discriminate between adjacent cords. The spacing of the sensors depends on the spacing of the cords, and may be less than half the spacing between cords of a conveyor belt. The sensors may be direction sensitive and the sensors may be oriented in more than one direction, to sense the perpendicular and other components of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of determining a crack depth of a crack in a metallic material including the steps: feeding a current with a first magnitude to a transmitter coil for generating a magnetic field in the metallic material; controlling the current such that it obtains a second magnitude when the magnetic field is estimated to have penetrated deeper than a deepest crack depth desired to be measured in the metallic material; detecting the magnetic field by means of a receiver coil; determining a first characteristic value of the signal in a first time range; determining a second characteristic value of the signal in a second time range after the first time range; and determining a possible presence of a crack and its crack depth based on the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting components, such as a rotating component of a turbomachines having one or more slots along a perimeter thereof. The method entails mounting to a robotic apparatus a probe assembly that includes a holder assembly to which a probe tip is mounted, an eddy current coil within the probe tip and adjacent a first face thereof, a touch probe contact located at a second face of the probe tip, an element for enabling relative movement between the probe tip and holder assembly, and an element for biasing the probe tip relative to the holder assembly in a direction parallel to the movement. The probe tip is then placed in a slot and caused to travel along the surface of the slot to electromagnetically inspect the slot for cracks in its surface while the first face of the probe tip is maintained in contact with a slot surface.

Abstract: A magnetic inspection device for nondestructively inspecting elongated objects, such as wire cables, pipes, and the like, for loss of metallic cross-section due to abrasion, corrosion, and external and internal discontinuities, having a magnet for inducing in sections of the object between the stations, magnetic flux at the saturation level. A magnetic flux detector having magnetic sensors positioned between the poles and laterally of the elongated object utilizes shields and flux decompressors to render the flux detector more sensitive to leakage flux caused by discontinuities in the objects.

Abstract: A method of testing for defects in the bottom of an above ground storage tank, the tank bottom having a lip extending outwardly from the tank wall around the circumference of the tank. A special magnetostrictive sensor is designed to be placed on this lip. The sensor is placed over a strip of magnetostrictive material, which generally conforms in length and width to the bottom of the probe, with a couplant being applied between the strip and the lip surface. The sensor is then operated in pulse echo mode to receive signals from defects in the bottom of the tank. It is incrementally moved around the circumference of the tank.

Abstract: A segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer capable of generating a high frequency shear wave in a structure such as a rod or a pipe, a structural fault diagnosing apparatus including the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer, and a method of operating the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer are shown. The segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer includes a plurality of magnetostrictive patches attached along a circumference of a rod member; a plurality of insulators that are disposed on the magnetostrictive patches; a plurality of meander coils, each of the meander coils comprising a plurality of coil lines extending along the circumference direction of the rod member on each of the insulators, wherein a current flows through adjacent coil lines in opposite directions to one another; and a plurality of magnets that respectively form a magnetic field along the circumferential direction of the rod member on the magnetostrictive patches.

Abstract: A device for nondestructive testing of a pipe made of ferromagnetic steel for detection of longitudinal, transverse or inclined flaws using magnetic or magnetic-induction test procedures is disclosed. The device includes a magnetizing yoke which transmits the magnetic flux contactless into the pipe and at least two magnetic-field-sensitive scanning probes having GMR sensors. The GMR sensors are combined into sensor groups in form of a sensor array and electrically connected in parallel. A single preamplifier connected to each sensor group in one-to-one correspondence. The device further includes an evaluation unit.

Abstract: A device (10) for the in-line detection of surface defects of a rolled product (30) in a rolling stand (11, 111) comprises an inspection unit (19) having one or more coils (20, 21) able to generate and detect magnetic fields. The rolling-stand (11, 111) is provided with a support structure (28) supporting rolling means (12, 112) that are provided for effecting a roll-mill process on said product (30), a guide element (13) having a guide hole (14) defining a nominal rolling axis (X) and a support unit (15, 115), assembled on the support structure (28) and which is provided as a structural element of the rolling stand (11, 111) that supports said guide element (13). The inspection unit (19) is assembled on said support unit (15, 115), in order to be directly housed and integrated in the structural element already present in the rolling stand (11, 111).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a metallic structure. A first signal is sent into a first location in the metallic structure and a second signal into a second location in the metallic structure at substantially a same time. A first response to the first signal is received. A second response to the second signal is received. The first response is compared with the second response to form a comparison. A determination is made as to whether an inconsistency is present using the comparison.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection tool includes two pole magnets oriented at an oblique angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the tool body. An array of sensor coil sets is located between opposing edges of the two pole magnets and oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Each sensor coil set includes a transmitter coil and two opposing pairs of receiver coils that are gated to receive reflections from the wall of a tubular member. Because the line of sensor coils is rotated relative to the magnetic bias field, the receiver coils are in-line with, and have the same angular orientation as, the transmitter coil. The tool provides improved sensitivity to small defects, substantial decrease in RF pulser power requirements, full circumferential coverage, self-calibration of the transmitted signals, and less interference between transmitter coils caused by acoustic ring around.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing performance curve generation, damage monitoring, and improving non-destructive testing performance. Damage standards used for performance curve generation are monitored using a non-destructive testing (NDT) sensor during a damage evolution test performed with the standard. The evolution test may be intermittently paused to permit ground truth data to be collected in addition to the NDT sensor data. A damage evolution model may be used to estimate ground truth data during the intervening periods of the damage evolution test. The NDT sensor data and ground truth data are used to generate performance curves for the NDT system. Multiple sensors may be monitored at multiple locations on the damage standard and multiple damage evolution tests may be performed with multiple damage standards.

Abstract: A detection apparatus for an eddy current in a heat generating tube using a permeability measurement method, and a method using the apparatus are provided. In the detection apparatus, a bobbin type probe acquires detection information with respect to a magnetic flux change by a magnetic phase occurring in the heat generating tube using a coil which is wound in an axis direction of at least one yoke located in a perpendicular direction with a bobbin of the bobbin type probe, and a material having a corresponding magnetic phase and a circumferential defect, which is difficult to be detected by the bobbin type probe, are detected based on the detection information.

Abstract: An automated, non-destructive anhysteretic magnetization characterization method for studying and modeling soft magnetic materials. This measurement method employs a “reading-waveform” that allows multiple points of reference to be established in tracing out the B waveform. In using the reference values from this waveform, the components of B that cannot be measured directly may be calculated with precision. In turn, the initial magnitude of the B waveform is identified as the unknown component of the anhysteretic state. The processes can be repeated for different values of static fields as well as a function of temperature to produce a family of anhysteretic magnetization curves. The core characterization was performed without physically altering the core, so that the true anhysteretic magnetization curve, and the true B-H loop under applied bias H, is measured.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing an assembly of at least one transmission coil (B1) and one reception coil (B2) for eddy current testing, the reception coil receiving in the absence of fault a complex amplitude signal VR, subject to a variation ?VR in the presence of a characteristic fault to be detected. The method consists in selecting the distance ?ER between the axes of the transmission coil and the reception coil so as to maximize the ratio I?VR/VRI.

Abstract: The method for detecting at least one structural defect in a spherical particle (33) comprises at least the following steps of passing the particle (33) into at least one induction coil (15); exciting the induction coil (15) in order to induce Foucault currents in the particle (33); acquiring an output signal at the terminals of the induction coil (15); and analyzing the signal in order to establish whether or not the particle (33) comprises a structural defect. A plurality of output signals are acquired by passing the particle (33) successively into one or more induction coils (15) with different positions of the particle (33), the or each induction coil (15) being excited at least each time the particle (33) passes in order to induce Foucault currents in the particle (33).

Abstract: A measuring device for determining an operating state variable of a rotating structural element, in particular a bearing, which has a plurality of components. Specifically, the measuring device has a permanent magnet, an encoder ring for manipulating the magnetic field which is generated by the permanent magnet, a magnetic field sensor, a radio unit for transmitting measurement signals from the magnetic field sensor to an evaluation unit, and an energy converter unit for converting rotation energy into electrical energy. The encoder ring is produced from a ferromagnetic and non-premagnetized material.

Abstract: Described are methods for monitoring of stresses and other material properties. These methods use measurements of effective electrical properties, such as magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity, to infer the state of the test material, such as the stress, temperature, or overload condition. The sensors, which can be single element sensors or sensor arrays, can be used to periodically inspect selected locations, mounted to the test material, or scanned over the test material to generate two-dimensional images of the material properties. Magnetic field or eddy current based inductive and giant magnetoresistive sensors may be used on magnetizable and/or conducting materials, while capacitive sensors can be used for dielectric materials. Methods are also described for the use of state-sensitive layers to determine the state of materials of interest. These methods allow the weight of articles, such as aircraft, to be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is an eddy current flaw detection probe that is capable of pressing itself against an inspection target whose curvature varies. A flaw sensor is configured by fastening a plurality of coils to a flexible substrate that faces the surface of the inspection target. A first elastic body is positioned opposite the inspection target for the flaw sensor, is obtained by stacking two or more elastic plates, and has an elastic coefficient that varies in a longitudinal direction. A second elastic body is a porous body positioned between the flexible substrate and the first elastic body. A pressure section is employed to press the first elastic body toward the inspection target.

Abstract: On a friction stir spot welded workpiece having a first side including a friction stir spot weld hole and an opposing smooth second side, an eddy current probe is passed over the spot weld hole from the second side, and an eddy current signal representative of a material thickness of the workpiece is produced. The eddy current is analyzed via an eddy current analyzer, and a graphic representation of the analyzed eddy current signal is monitored as the probe passes over the spot weld hole, and a local minima of the graphic representation defined by a displayed characteristic J-shaped curve is identified, the local minima defining a remaining material thickness of the workpiece at the bottom of the spot weld hole. From the graphic representation, a value of the remaining material thickness is determined, and a weld strength of the spot weld as a function of the remaining material thickness is determined.

Abstract: A device for inspecting an annular sealing wiper extending at the surface of a bladed-wheel drum of a rotor. The device includes a carriage including at least two guide wheels and carrying a probe situated in a location such that, when the carriage is in position, the probe is positioned facing an edge of the wiper for inspection and at a determined distance therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detection of at least one defect in a concave or convex structure comprising an emitting part and a receiving part, in which the emitting part comprises at least one current layer (20, 21) that makes it possible to create currents oriented approximately along the same direction as the defects whose influence is to be minimised and the receiving part comprises at least one magnetic field receiver (28), added on or etched on a flexible support.

Abstract: An eddy current testing device which confirms that a change in characteristics of a target object is detected regardless of the magnitude of the change and specifying the position of a portion from which the change is detected. The device uses an eddy current probe to inspect a bent portion of a metal body, and has an inspection controller and a display unit. The inspection controller calculates a phase angle of a signal detected by the eddy current probe and generates flaw identification image data that indicates an area (or an area of the signal detected and determined to correspond to a flaw signal, based on the phase angle of the detected signal) of a flaw signal in coordinates in which the position of the portion of the target object is plotted along a coordinate axis. The display unit displays the flaw identification image data.

Abstract: A method for integrating a measurement device for use in measuring a machine component includes providing a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and combining eddy current (EC) capabilities and CMM capabilities to form an inspection probe. The method further includes installing the inspection probe on the CMM so that the inspection probe measures external boundaries of the machine component with the CMM capabilities and substantially simultaneously measures at least one of internal boundaries, internal defects, surface defects, and material properties of the machine component with the EC capabilities, which are directly linked to actual component dimensional information provided by CMM. The inspection data can be simultaneously linked to and/or displayed with a CAD model to enable a direct comparison between the inspection data and the nominal requirements specified on the CAD model.