3-D movement simulation techniques using FE methods: Application to eddy current non-destructive testing

In this paper, sample calculations were performed with a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical method to describe the response of an eddy current (EC) probe to defects in a conducting plate. The governing field equations are given in terms of coupled magnetic vector and electrical scalar potentials and solved using a 3-D finite element method implemented in Matlab environment. The displacement of the sensor operating in absolute or differential mode is simulated using three methods: The first and second methods known, respectively, as the nodal interpolation technique (NIT) and the Lagrange multiplier technique (LMT) consist in ensuring the connection between fixed and moved 3-D independent meshes. The third method known as the properties assignment technique (PAT) is based on the geometrical band.In this work, these methods are used to compute the real and imaginary parts of the impedance correlation at every position of the coil(s). This allows the characterisation of the presence of a defect through the EC distribution.