Application: Eddy Current Testing of Materials One of the most common methods of testing conducting materials for
flaws is the eddy current method. It consists essentially of a coil, connected to a constant current or constant voltage AC
source. A current flows in the coil and produces a magnetic field in the vicinity of the coil as shown in Figure 10.28a. If the
conditions in the space around the coil do not change, the coil inductance, and therefore its AC impedance, remains constant.
Now, suppose we bring the coil near a conducting material as in Figure 10.28b. There are now induced currents in the
conducting material due to the induced emf. This causes the impedance of the coil to decrease (i.e., more power must be
provided by the source). The current in the coil changes (for constant voltage supply) or the voltage on the coil changes (for
constant current supply). This establishes the reference reading (current, voltage, or impedance). If, however, there is a flaw
in the material, such as a crack or inclusion, the induced currents in the conducting material change and so does the
impedance of the coil. Monitoring the coil impedance (measuring the current for constant voltage sources or the voltage for
constant current sources) gives a direct reading of the condition of the material. Any variation from the constant reading
obtained with the “good” material is an indication of some change in the material, either material condition (cracks,
inclusions, corrosion) or material properties (changes in conductivity or permeability of the material). This configuration is
shown in Figure 10.28c. A test and the voltage on the coil (for constant current supply) is shown in Figure 10.29. This
method of testing is commonly employed for testing of conductors, including airframes in aircraft, aluminum skins on
wings, and other critical parts, and in testing of tubing in air-conditioning units and power plants. In testing tubes, two coils
are inserted inside the tubes and the two coils connected in series (Figure 10.30a) to provide a differential output as in
Figure 10.30b. As long as both coils are in the vicinity of sound material, the output is zero. If one coil approaches a defect,
such as a hole, it will show a different impedance than the other coil and the output will be nonzero, as shown in
Figure 10.30b.