A very fast numerical analysis of benchmark models of eddy current testing for steam generator tube

Summary form only given. A thin-opening crack in conductive materials is very common in eddy current testing (ECT). The eddy current field problem in this case is difficult to solve using finite element methods (FEM) because fine meshes are required due to the thin width of the crack. J.R. Bowler presented the ideal crack model which assumes the thickness of the crack to be 0 and the crack to be impenetrable to eddy current. Such a flaw can be represented in terms of an equivalent current dipole layer located on its surface The dipole orientation is normal to the surface and its density can be found by solving an electric field integral equation (EFIE). Similar work has been done by J. Pavo and K. Miya. The main benefit of this approach, apart from its intuitive appeal, is that it reduces a 3D vector field problem to one of finding a single component source distribution on a surface. In this paper, the ideal crack model is applied to solve the thin flaw problems in a conductive plate and in a tube. The Benchmark models of ECT for steam generator are calculated.