Article
Development and Application of Wireless Eddy Current System for Nondestructive Testing
IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering
(2017)
Abstract
In this research, a wireless communication between the sensor and main unit was developed for nondestructive eddy current inspection technique. Such wireless probe aims at being inserted into different parts of the targeted structure such as aircrafts for internal and external inspections without sacrificing Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) capabilities when compared to a conventional cable-wired probe. The new wireless probe interface can generate various types of activation signals that are synchronized wirelessly with the main unit, and also, it can process the received signal at the probe and send it back wirelessly to the main unit. The aim of developing the wireless sensor was particularly the applications in aircraft inspections. Aircrafts usually experience frequent maintenance on structure and engine. Many inspections are undertaken to identify critical flaws which could cause failure of engine or structure. Nondestructive inspection (NDI) plays an important role in these tests. Conventionally, a NDI probe is placed on the testing structures and is connected to a NDI main unit through cable, but the use of cable may cause problems such as foreign object damage (FOD) and limitations of maneuverability. The cables are also non-repairable and expensive. Running cables through tight and hazardous areas adds to the difficulty of the task for the technician. On the other hand, wireless NDI has the advantage of safety, economic benefits, and maneuverability. Experiments on the detection of different defects and test set up were carried out and compared to wired NDI system to evaluate the wirelessly transmitted eddy current (EC) signals. Experimental results showed that the eddy current signals can be wirelessly communicated with main unit, the wireless prototype can detect defects of various sizes under various environments. The wireless signal distortion still need to be improved when compared to wired signals.
Keywords
- Development,
- Application,
- Wireless eddy current system,
- Nondestructive testing
Disciplines
Publication Date
November, 2017
DOI
10.9790/2834-1206014150
Citation Information
Hossein Taheri, Jikai Du and Fereidoon Delfanian. "Development and Application of Wireless Eddy Current System for Nondestructive Testing" IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering Vol. 12 Iss. 6 (2017) p. 41 - 50 ISSN: 2278-2834 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hossein-taheri/3/