Prediction of Eddy current signals for nondestructive testing of condenser tubing

Eddy current nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques are used widely in the nuclear industry for the detection of defects in a variety of critical power plant components. Modeling of the interaction between induced eddy currents, their corresponding magnetic fields and defects in the part under test can provide physical insight into eddy current NDT phenomena, and can also serve as a theoretical ´test-bed´ for situations impossible to replicate experimentally. This paper describes the application of finite element analysis techniques to the modeling of eddy current nondestructive testing phenomena in power plant condenser tubing inspection. Finite element predicted eddy current signals are compared with experimental results obtained in the laboratory.