Evaluation of crack depth using eddy current techniques with GMR-based probes

This paper presents experimental and simulated results obtained using the eddy current nondestructive method to conclude about the depth of linear cracks machined on an aluminum plate. Experimental tests were performed with a sinusoidal excitation field of fixed-amplitude and with a giant magnetoresistance-based sensor to measure the resultant magnetic field on the plate surface. To validate and better insight the experimental results, numerical simulations have been carried out with a commercial program for conditions similar to the experimental case studies. A scheme to infer about crack depth is proposed.