Abstract: A magnetic gradiometer can be used in systems or methods for nondestructive testing, even when the material being tested is weakly magnetic. The magnetic gradiometer can include a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a first end and a second end separated by a base length; an excitation coil encircling at least a portion of the PCB and configured to deliver an alternating current (AC) to generate an excitation magnetic field; and a differential sensor. The differential sensor can include a reference magnetic tunneling junction in magnetic vortex state (vortex MTJ) sensor array at the first end to generate a voltage based on the excitation magnetic field; and a signal vortex MTJ sensor array at the second end to generate another voltage based on the excitation magnetic field due to a composition of the measurement target. The second end of the PCB can be oriented towards the measurement target.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the monitoring and detection of corrosion and/or erosion of pipes, vessels, and other components in an industrial facility. The monitoring system may comprise of an arrangement of guided wave (GW) transducers and a longitudinal wave (LW) transducer affixed to the piping component to collectively measure for localized corrosion of the piping component without necessarily requiring a thickness map. The monitoring system may use an intelligent amplified multiplexer/switch to control the operation of the transducers that may be controlled and operated to generate waves in the kilohertz range and megahertz range with the same hardware.

Abstract: A method for validating non-destructive, electromagnetic methods in atmospheric conditions of a battery cell intended to include a lithium metal layer includes selecting a lithium mimic metal layer to replace the lithium metal layer; and creating a mock-up sample including one or more layers of the battery cell. One or more layers comprise the lithium mimic metal layer. The method includes performing electromagnetic testing of the mock-up sample.

Abstract: A circuit may include a load transistor and a current measuring circuit that is coupled to the load transistor. The load transistor has a main current path, which is connected between a first supply node and an output pin for connecting a load. The current measuring circuit has a sense transistor coupled to the load transistor. The current measuring circuit is designed to deliver a measuring current that represents a load current flowing through the load transistor. The circuit may also include an analog-to-digital converter with a current input, and a digital-to-analog converter. The analog-to-digital converter is designed to output a digital signal representing an input current of the analog-to-digital converter. The digital-to-analog converter is designed to output an output current that depends on the digital signal. A control circuit is designed to output the measuring current.

Abstract: An eddy current sensor for deriving an eddy current and sensing the derived eddy current in order to detect a crack in a battery cell, the eddy current sensor comprises: a core unit in which a coil is wound around a magnetic member; and a case for accommodating the core unit of which there are at least two, which are arranged so that the central axis of the coil is oriented in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

Abstract: System and method for characterizing material condition. The system includes a sensor, impedance instrument and processing unit to collect measurements and assess material properties. A model of the system may be used to enable accurate measurements of multiple material properties. A cylindrical model for an electromagnetic field sensor is disclosed for modeling substantially cylindrically symmetric material systems. Sensor designs and data processing approaches are provided to focus the sensitivity of the sensor to localize material conditions. Improved calibration methods are shown. Sizing algorithms are provided to estimate the size of defects such as cracks and corrosion. Corrective measures are provided where the actual material configuration differs from the data processing assumptions. Methods are provided for use of the system to characterize material condition, and detailed illustration is given for corrosion, stress, weld, heat treat, and mechanical damage assessment.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field sensor includes a conductor plate, a signal output terminal to output a potential difference between the conductor plate and the signal output terminal, and a linear conductor including a first end electrically connected to a plate face of the conductor plate and a second end opposite to the first end and provided with a signal output terminal. The electromagnetic field sensor includes a loop plane that is formed by the conductor plate and the linear conductor and orthogonal to a plate face of the conductor plate when viewed from the side.

Abstract: Sensors measure magnetic field components, and the measured fields are used to calculate and estimated transverse position of a longitudinal electric current flowing as an electric discharge across a discharge gap. Based on the estimated position, and according to a selected transverse trajectory or distribution of the estimated discharge position, magnetic fields are applied transversely across the discharge gap so as to control or alter the estimated discharge position. Inventive apparatus and methods can be employed, inter alia, during operation of a vacuum arc furnace.

Abstract: A position sensor according to some embodiments includes a first position sensor board having first sensor coils and a first transmit coil; a second position sensor board having second sensor coils stacked with, and separated from by a distance Z, the first position sensor; and at least one target positioned relative to the stacked first position sensor and second position sensor. A redundant position sensor according to some embodiments includes a plurality of stacked sensor boards, each of the plurality of sensor boards including sensor coils, wherein one of the plurality of stacked sensor boards includes an active transmit coil; and a target positioned over the plurality of stacked sensor boards.

Abstract: A method is provided for sensing proximity of a target. The method includes sensing inductance associated with a magnetic field, wherein the inductance is affected by the target when the target is proximate the magnetic field. The method further includes providing the sensed inductance for processing. The processing includes determining an inductance value from at least the sensed inductance and estimating a parameter of a gap between a location of sensing the inductance and the target as a function of the inductance value and application of a nonlinear model of a relationship between the gap and inductance.

Abstract: A sensor includes a flexible cable arranged to provide a plurality of independent electrical coils and a connector. Each of the plurality of independent electrical coils extend from a first end to a second end and is configured to be wrapped at least partially around a surface of a structure to be tested. The connector is electrically coupled to the first end of at least one of the plurality of independent electrical coils. The plurality of independent electrical coils is configured such that current will flow in a common direction between the first ends and the second ends within each said independent coil. Systems and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: An eddy current (EC) detection system comprises an EC probe including a plurality of sensors to provide corresponding EC response signals; and processing circuitry to evaluate speed of the EC probe based on a measurement of similarity of the EC response signals; determine whether the speed of the EC probe is too fast or two slow based on quality of the measurement; and generate a command to adjust speed of the EC probe during further EC inspection.

Abstract: A flaw detection apparatus for use with a tubular has a helixing conveyor adapted to receive the tubular thereon, a frame positioned over a center section of the helixing conveyor, and a plurality of inspection devices retained by the frame so as to detect flaws in the tubular as said helixing conveyor moves the tubular through the frame. The helixing conveyor has a plurality of sets of rollers that are angularly adjustable relative to a longitudinal axis of the helixing conveyor. The plurality of inspection devices include a longitudinal inspection device, a Hall Effect wall thickness inspection device, an oblique inspection device, a transverse inspection device, and a grade verification/comparator device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a low-frequency electromagnetic detection method for large-scale damage of ferromagnetic materials based on broadband excitation. Detection direction of the magnetic field signal of low-frequency electromagnetic sensor is determined according to the size of ferromagnetic member detection defect; the reference signal and detection signal acquisition position are selected, fix the distance between sensor and tested part, excite a Chirp signal as a broadband excitation signal to perform broadband excitation low-frequency electromagnetic detection; the computer processes collected broadband detection signal; use the difference of Euclidean distance between reference signal and defect detection signal as a defect characterization parameter to obtain the Euclidean distance curve of different depth defects on the upper and lower surfaces of ferromagnetic components with the detection position.

Abstract: A probe including a plurality of links connected together in series, wherein the plurality of links create a flexible compartment containing at least a first and second exciter means and at least one pair of detector means, wherein the exciter means are driven by an alternating current to produce an alternating magnetic field, and the detector means are configured to detect the magnetic field of an induced eddy current caused by the exciter means magnetic field.

Abstract: Eddy current sensing is governed by the diffusion equation of magnetoquasistatic fields. As such the eddy current sensor's proximity to the object to be inspected (i.e., “liftoff”) significantly affects the sensor's response signal. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving performance for an eddy current sensor, though they may also be used for other sensor types. These solutions are beneficial for both single channel eddy current sensors and arrays, and are particularly beneficial for measuring parts with complex surfaces. In some aspects improved performance is achieved by varying the stiffness of the mechanical support for the sensor. Some mechanical supports may exhibit anisotropic stiffness. After performing a scan with an eddy current array, a multi-channel shape filtering module is applied to improve defect detection. The module reduces the variability of defect response measured due to the unpredictability of the defect location transverse to the scan direction.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) power-up testing method, an IC power-up testing device, a storage medium and an electronic equipment are disclosed. The IC power-up testing method includes: obtaining power-up testing parameters for an IC; obtaining a plurality of power-up testing waveforms; generating a plurality of power-up test instances by conducting parameter assignments for the power-up testing waveforms based on the power-up testing parameters; and performing power-up tests on the IC using the plurality of power-up test instances. The method allows simulating various IC power-up scenarios through a plurality of power-up test instances.

Abstract: An eddy current flaw detection probe includes first coils, second coils, and a switching circuit configured to cause the first or the second coils in each unit U, the unit U being composed of adjacent four coils, to serve as excitation coils that generate eddy currents in an inspection target and cause the other coils in the unit U to serve as detection coils that detect a change in the eddy currents. The first coils each have one end thereof connected to a first common wiring, and the second coils each have one end thereof connected to a second common wiring. The switching circuit includes a first switching circuit connected to the other ends of the first coils and the second coils arranged in a first row, and a second switching circuit connected to the other ends of the first coils and the second coils arranged in a second row.

Abstract: A hose includes a generally cylindrical tubular structure with at least one layer of steel ligaments near the outer surface, the steel ligaments being enclosed within a tubular layer including polymeric material; the flexible hose also incorporates a multiplicity of sensing coils embedded within the tubular layer, each such sensing coil being a flat coil lying in a plane substantially parallel to the adjacent layer of steel ligaments, so that an axis of the coil orthogonal to the plane of the flat coil extends in a radial direction relative to the hose. Each such sensing coil may form part of an electronic module that also incorporates a signal processing circuit and an RE power-receiving and data-transmission circuit. When that portion of the hose is subjected to an alternating magnetic field, signals from the sensing coils can be analysed to deduce information about the stress in the steel ligaments.

Abstract: A robotic inspection system for corrosion detection within external post-tension bridge tendons includes a sensing device. The sensing device is configured to move along a bridge tendon to detect magnetic flux leakage of the bridge tendon as the sensing device moves along the bridge tendon. In addition, the system includes a location device coupled to the sensing device, where the location device is configured to determine the location of the sensing device on the bridge tendon. The system also includes a control station configured to wirelessly interface with the sensing device and the location instrument. The control station is also configured to generate a bridge tendon condition assessment report from the detection of magnetic flux leakage to identify locations and sizes of discontinuities of the bridge tendon.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor and method for weld defect detection. The sensor includes several piezoelectric elements which form a matrix arranged on a flexible substrate. Each piezoelectric element is covered with a damping block and surrounded by sound absorbing material, within a flexible protective film. The sensor is simple, highly adaptable and high detection efficiency, which is especially suitable for the quick in-service inspection of long distance welds in large equipment, it has high degree of automation.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention may include an eddy current nondestructive evaluation device. The eddy current nondestructive evaluation device may include a rotating body; a motor coupled with the rotating body such that the motor rotates the rotating body; a permanent magnet coupled with the rotating body; a pickup coil coupled with the rotating body; and an integrator circuit electrically coupled with the pickup coil that integrates a voltage from the pickup coil to produce integrated voltage data.

Abstract: A device for demagnetizing a ferromagnetic, elongated component of any length having a uniform profile which has an accessible surface on one side along its length. The device comprises a rod-shaped, ferromagnetic core having a circumferential shell surface, which is closed off by a front end face and a rear end face. At least one coil is wrapped around the shell surface, with the coil connected to a current source which can generate an alternating current, whereby a magnetic alternating flux is induced in the ferromagnetic core, the flux entering and exiting at the two end faces. A coil is wrapped around the shell surface, with the coil connected to a current source which can generate a direct current to superimpose the magnetic alternating flux with a thereby induced magnetic unidirectional flux through the ferromagnetic core, the flux entering and exiting at the two end faces.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and a device for detecting and evaluating a defect with electromagnetic multi-field coupling. The method includes magnetizing a pipeline with the electromagnetic multi-field coupling; detecting a defect of the pipeline along an axial direction of the pipeline at a constant speed; collecting signals at a position of the defect to obtain magnetic leakage signals in three dimensions and an electrical impedance signal; pre-processing the collected signals; decoupling the pre-processed signals, to obtain decoupled magnetic leakage signals and a decoupled electrical impedance signal; performing impedance analysis on the decoupled electrical impedance signal, and determining a type of the defect based on a phase angle of the decoupled electrical impedance signal; and performing quantification analysis on the decoupled magnetic leakage signals and performing quantification evaluation on a size of the defect using a neural network defect quantification method.

Abstract: A handheld pipeline inspection tool for inspecting a section of pipe. The tool includes two wings mounted to opposing sides of a central body using hinges. Each wing includes an excitation coil and is rotatable about the hinges so that the wings may be positioned around pipes of different sizes. Each excitation coil is energized by alternating current (AC) produced by an AC generator within the body. The energized excitation coils generate magnetic fields that interact with the section of pipe. An array of magnetometers within the body detects variations in the magnetic field due to the presence of defects within the adjacent section of pipe. In this fashion, the handheld pipeline inspection tool facilitates the inspection of pipelines in unusual configurations and hard to access conditions.

Abstract: There is described an eddy current array probe for detection and depth sizing of a surface-breaking defect in a metallic material, said eddy current array probe comprising: a probe body comprising a plurality of probe elements arranged in a linear configuration, the probe elements each comprising at least one coil, the probe body being adapted to be displaced along a surface of the metallic material so that a longitudinal axis of the coil be parallel to the surface of the metallic material, the coil, when in use, being adapted to induce an eddy current within the metallic material detect the eddy current; and a set of active elements of the plurality of probe elements being adapted to be selectively operated at a plurality of time-spaced instances.

Abstract: A method for identifying a defect opening profile includes: acquiring a vertical component of a magnetic flux leakage signal of a defect; identifying right-angle features and corresponding right-angle position points of the defect from the vertical component; obtaining all possible right-angle types at each right-angle position point of the defect according to the corresponding right-angle feature of the vertical component; traversing all the possible right-angle types at each right-angle position point to determine respective optimal right-angle type at each right-angle position point; and drawing the defect opening profile according to the respective optimal right-angle type at each right-angle position point.

Abstract: Provided is a wire rope flaw detector, which is capable of improving detection accuracy for a wire rope breakage by keeping an interval between a wire rope to be subjected to a measurement and an adjacent wire rope. The wire rope flaw detector includes: a magnetizer, which is configured to form a main magnetic path in a predetermined set interval of a wire rope in an axial direction of the wire rope; a detection coil, which is arranged in the predetermined set interval so as to be magnetically insulated from the magnetizer and is configured to detect a leakage magnetic flux generated by a damage portion of the wire rope; and position restricting mechanisms, which are configured to keep an interval between the wire rope passing through the detection coil and a wire rope adjacent to the wire rope passing through the detection coil.

Abstract: To provide a surface characteristics inspection method of inspecting a heat treatment on a steel product subjected to a surface treatment in a nondestructive manner. A surface characteristics inspection apparatus is used which includes an alternating-current bridge circuit, an alternating-current power supply that supplies an alternating-current power to the alternating-current bridge circuit, and an evaluation device that evaluates the surface characteristics of a subject, which is a steel product subjected to a heat treatment, based on an output signal of the alternating-current bridge circuit. Coils of a reference detector and an inspection detector in the bridge circuit are energized to produce an alternating-current magnetism to induce an eddy current in a reference subject and the subject, respectively, and the electromagnetic characteristics of the subject obtained in the state where the reference detector detects a reference state is output as a first output signal.

Abstract: Quantization noise in an oversampled eddy current digital drive circuit is reduced using a noise shaping filter.

Abstract: A method for operating an inductive conductivity sensor, wherein a first electric transmitter signal having a first signal frequency is generated and supplied to the transmitter coil, a first electric receiver signal is measured at the receiver coil and a first conductivity of the medium determined from the first electric receiver and first electric transmitter signals using a first calibration model. At least one further electric transmitter signal having a different signal frequency is generated and supplied to the transmitter coil, a further electric receiver signal is measured at the receiver coil and a further conductivity of the medium determined from the further electric receiver and electric transmitter signals using another calibration model, at least one conductivity difference is determined between each of the determined conductivities of the medium and when the at least one conductivity difference exceeds a threshold conductivity difference, the conductivity difference is signaled as an error.

Abstract: A magnetic field measuring method using a magnetoelectric composite element as an oscillator, in which a time-dependent measurement magnetic field acts on the magnetostrictive phase of the composite element, and an electrical measurement voltage is tapped off across the piezoelectric phase of the composite element and is used to infer the measurement magnetic field. At least one dielectric phase is connected to the magnetostrictive phase of the composite element by a material bond. When an electrical voltage is applied, the dielectric phase exhibits a change in length, the magnitude of which depends in a non-linear manner on the magnitude of the voltage, and a temporally periodic electrical modulation voltage is applied to the dielectric phase.

Abstract: A magnetizer configured to form a main magnetic flux path so as to include a set interval in an axial direction of a wire rope includes a first pole piece and a second pole piece, which are arranged so as to sandwich the set interval therebetween, each have a U-shaped cross section which is formed so as to surround the wire rope in a circumferential direction of the wire rope for about a ? turn without coming into contact with the wire rope. When the wire rope is magnetized by the magnetizer, a leakage magnetic flux generated from the wire rope damaged portion is detected by a magnetic sensor.

Abstract: Pipeline inspection systems are provided. In one embodiment, a pipeline inspection system can include at least one sensor module having a module body and a plurality of sensor holders mounted to the module body. Each sensor holder can include a holder body with a first body end, a second body end, and a plurality of sensors positioned therebetween, and a plurality of rotational guides that can be coupled to the holder body and configured to be biased towards an interior surface of the pipeline wall so as to define a standoff distance between each sensor and the interior surface of the pipeline wall. Each sensor holder can be at least partially pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the holder body extending between the first body end and the second body end. Methods of inspecting a pipeline are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a wire rope flaw detector including a magnetizer configured to form a main magnetic flux in a part of a wire rope in a longitudinal direction thereof. A plurality of search coils are configured to detect a leakage flux that occurs from a damaged part of the wire rope in a segment in which the main magnetic flux is formed. A control unit is configured to detect induced voltages generated in the plurality of search coils. Further, the control unit is configured to superimpose voltage waveforms of the plurality of search coils on one another while shifting the voltage waveforms by a time calculated based on an interval between the plurality of search coils adjacent to each other and on a relative moving speed of the wire rope with respect to the magnetizer, to thereby amplify a peak of the induced voltage.

Abstract: An automated circuit test system includes a magnetic sensor array configured to measure, at a plurality of locations, a magnetic field induced by a circuit under test. A circuit drive module can energize the circuit under test to induce the magnetic field. Optionally, the circuit drive module detects an electrical response from the circuit under test. Optionally, magnetic field data is combined with electrical response data prior to outputting the test result.

Abstract: An approach to determining the crash dynamic behavior of structural castings made of a AlSi10MnMg alloy in a simple and cost-effective manner is provided. In this approach eddy current testing is carried out using a high-resolution measuring coil which is adjusted to the cast-specific conductivity.

Abstract: A non contact sensor for use in magnetostrictive testing of a solid ferrous structure. In its simplest form, the sensor has a set of permanent magnets arranged in a row with their poles in the same direction, an electrical coil wrapped around the set of magnets, wrapped in direction parallel to the common poles of the magnets, thereby forming a top portion above the set of magnets and a bottom portion below the set of magnets, and a metal shield interposed between the top portion of the coil and the set of magnets. The sensor is operable such that a time varying current in the coil causes guided waves to travel to the structure and to be reflected from anomalies in the structure even when there is no ferromagnetic coupling material between the sensor and the structure.

Abstract: A magnetometer configured to measure low field strength magnetic fields is provided. Certain embodiments of the magnetometer include a cylindrical coil assembly having a variable permeability core and terminals disposed at both ends. A current source circuit may be operably connected to the terminals and configured to apply a voltage controlled current across the terminals. A voltage readout circuit may be operably connected to the terminals and configured to measure a voltage across the terminals due to the applied current from the current source. An inductance of the coil assembly directly varies as an ambient magnetic field strength varies a permeability of the variable permeability core, and a voltage across the terminals varies directly with the inductance such that the measured voltage across the terminals is a direct measure of the ambient magnetic field strength.

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: Various examples of methods and systems are provided for traveling wave spot probes. In one embodiment, among others, a traveling wave spot probe includes one or more antennas positioned proximate to a coated surface. The one or more antennas can be configured to excite a surface traveling wave moving over an area under test by launching radio frequency (RF) energy at approximately a grazing angle to the coated surface under test. The one or more antennas can be positioned on a base placed proximate to the coated surface. The base can define the area of the coated surface under test. In another embodiment, a method for non-destructive testing of a coated surface includes positioning one or more antennas proximate to a coated surface and exciting a surface traveling wave over an area under test by transmitting RF energy via at least a portion of the one or more antennas.

Abstract: Processing signals acquired during guided wave testing A method of processing signals acquired during guided wave testing of an elongate member (2), such as a pipe, in which at least one guided wave (7) is generated in the elongate member, the at least one guided wave is reflected by reflectors (8) in the elongate member and reflected guided waves (9) are detected. The method comprises determining at least one reflection coefficient or a parameter for calibrating a guide wave test in dependence upon reflections from the reflectors which include at least one multiple reflection. The reflections may include a single reflection from a first reflector, a single reflection from a second reflector and a multiple reflection from the first and second reflectors.

Abstract: A magnetic field applicator for the magnetic stimulation of body tissues comprising a core carrier (1) in which a plurality of magnetically conductive flow guide pieces comprised of layered iron sheets is disposed, upon which at least one live coil (3) is disposed that generates an upward-emitted magnetic field having a plurality of field line bundles (8), wherein the magnetic field applicator comprises a polygonal coil (3) that is wound as a pancake coil in one or more planes in such a way that the direction of the individual coil conductors (27) is selected such that the coil conductors (27) run in pieces in a predominantly straight line and perpendicular to the plane of the flow guide pieces that are made of layered sector iron cores (5-8).

Abstract: A sensor for use in magnetostrictive testing of a structure. An array of sensor elements is attached to a flexible backing. Each sensor element has a thin strip made from magnetostrictive material, a first coil wrapped around the width of the strip and operable to provide a DC bias magnetic field, and a second coil wrapped around the width of the strip and operable for MsS generation and detection. Typically, the first coils of all strips are electrically connected to each other and the second coils of all strips are electrically connected to each other, to form two separate coil circuits. The probe may be wrapped around the circumference of a cylindrical structure, and used for magnetostrictive testing.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically adjusting a gain of an eddy current device are provided. The method includes providing calibration information to the eddy current device using a probe and switching between a first mode and a second mode of the eddy current device, the first mode exciting only a first coil to measure liftoff of the probe from a surface of a workpiece, the second mode exciting the first coil and a second coil to measure dimensions of a flaw within a workpiece. The method also includes determining a thickness of a non-conductive coating covering at least a portion of the workpiece using the first coil, adjusting a gain setting of the eddy current device based on the determined thickness and the calibration information, and determining dimensions of the flaw using the first and second coils and the adjusted gain setting.

Abstract: The eddy current flaw detection probe (100) includes a first yoke (1), a second yoke (2), a first permanent magnet (3), a second permanent magnet (4), a sensing coil (6). The second yoke (2) is inserted in a freely insertable and extractable manner along an inner peripheral surface of the first yoke (1).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a testing head of a non-destructive testing sensor based on eddy currents includes: optimizing a geometric design of coils of the testing head based on a criterion for minimizing an electromotive force induced in at least one coil having a receiving function and/or maximizing a variation, due to presence of a standard defect to be detected in a part to be inspected, of the induced electromotive force; optimizing the geometric design of the coils further based on at least one criterion for optimizing a further variation, due to a variation in distance between the testing head and the part to be inspected, of the induced electromotive force; optimizing geometric dimensions of each of the coils; and manufacturing the testing head in accordance with the geometric design of the coils carrying out the optimization.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an object. A support structure physically associated with a first sensor and a second sensor is moved to an area for inspection. The support structure is in a first configuration and the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned about an axis extending through the support structure when the support structure is in the first configuration. The support structure is changed from the first configuration to a second configuration. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate information when the support structure is in the second configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sensing whether carburization occurs or not on an inner surface of a pipe or tube by an electromagnetic testing, comprising: a first step of inserting a carburized tube P0 into an excitation coil 11 and into a detection coil 12, and determining a value of a parameter K; and a second step of setting conditions of the excitation coil so as to obtain the value of the parameter K determined in the first step, and thereafter, inserting a pipe or tube that is an inspection target into the excitation coil 11 and into the detection coil 12 and sensing whether carburization occurs or not on an inner surface of the pipe or tube based on an output signal outputted from the detection coil 12.

Abstract: Provided is an eddy current inspection device, an eddy current inspection probe and an eddy current inspection method that make it possible to detect defects existing in deeper parts of test objects. Three or more odd number of excitation coils are arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on a postulated circumference. Excitation currents applied to the excitation coils are controlled so that the phase difference between excitation currents applied to adjacent ones of the excitation coils arranged in the circumferential direction on the postulated circumference equals one cycle divided by the number of excitation coils. A magnetic field generated according to an eddy current occurring in the test object due to a magnetic field caused by the application of the excitation currents to the excitation coils is detected by use of a detector arranged on a postulated plane containing the postulated circumference but inside the postulated circumference.