Patent ID: 6563309
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for using eddy currents to non-destructively measure the depth of a crack in a workpiece, the method comprising:a) electrically exciting a sample workpiece having a crack of an initially unknown depth a plurality of times as a depth of said crack is altered by removing successive layers of said sample workpiece; b) recording measured eddy current responses generated by said sample workpiece as a result of electrically exciting said sample workpiece in step a); c) using information obtained in steps a) and b) to produce a response curve indicative of an eddy current response that results at each one of a plurality of different crack depths; d) electrically exciting an actual workpiece having a crack of initially unknown depth, said actual workpiece comprised of the same material as said sample workpiece; e) recording a measured eddy current response generated by said actual workpiece as a result of electrically exciting said actual workpiece; and f) comparing the measured eddy current response of said actual workpiece to said response curve and interpolating from said response curve the depth of said crack of said actual workpiece.