A REVIEW ON EDDY CURRENT THERMOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING APPLICATION

Abstract

Eddy current thermography is one of the non-destructive testing techniques that provide advantages over other active thermography techniques in defect detection and analysis. The method of defect detection in eddy current thermography has become reliable due to its mode of interactions i.e. eddy current heating and heat diffusion, acquired via an infrared camera. Such ability has given the technique the advantages for non-destructive testing applications. The experimental parameters and settings which contribute towards optimum heating and defect detection capability have always been the focus of research associated with the technique. In addition, the knowledge and understanding of the characteristics heat distribution surrounding a defect is an important factor for successful inspection results. Thus, the quantitative characterisation of defect by this technique is possible compared to the conventional non-destructive which only acquired qualitative result. In this paper, a review of the eddy current thermography technique is presented which covers the physical principles of the technique, associated systems and its applications. Works on the application of the technique have been presented and discussed which demonstrates the ability of eddy current thermography for non-destructive testing of conductive materials.