Eddy current nondestructive evaluation — The challenge of accurate modeling

Eddy current nondestructive testing (EC NDT) has been used in industry for almost 100 years and in the nuclear power generation industry for over 30 years with mixed results. Whereas the method is robust, it has been plagued by problems of accurate interpretation of results. Computational electromagnetic methods have in the past provided some guidance to testing but were unable to accurately model and interpret the results. Current attempts in modeling based on finite elements in conjunction with surface impedance boundary conditions and accurate modeling of geometry are shown to be much more effective in resolving this long-standing issue. The methods espoused apply well beyond eddy current nondestructive testing and evaluation.