Automatic Generation and Execution of Eddy Current Scan Plans

Abstract

<p>Eddy current inspection is highly sensitive to the position of the probe relative to the component being scanned. Ensuring that the probe maintains a constant lift-off and remains perpendicular to the surface being scanned is very import to the scanning process, as the signal strength is best under the these constraints. Variations of tilt or lift-off during a scan can introduce large, spurious signals that may mask flaw indications. Earlier work on scan automation used the probe signal to control the lift-off variations so that a constant lift-off could be maintained over a non-planar surface[1]. The present study focuses on achieving probe perpendicularity and constant lift-off all through a given scan, to attain accurate and rep eatable eddy current measurements.</p>