Abstract
Heat-treatments were carried out on carbon steels ranging from 0.03 to 0.78 wt%C, in order to produce various ferrite-pearlite microstructures. The specimens were characterized by metallographic examinations and microhardness measurements. A clear dependence was found between microstructure characteristics and eddy current outputs measured by means of an electromagnetic sensor: resistance was observed to increase, while inductive reactance decreased in the order of pearlite and ferrite microstructures, and with decreasing interlamellar spacing of pearlite. These components are related to the electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability of the steels. The potentiality of this technique was highlighted for monitoring phase proportions, quantitatively assessing pearlite interlamellar spacing, giving also information about mechanical properties, such as hardness. It reveals the great potential of eddy current testing as a reliable non-destructive tool for metallurgical and mechanical characterization of carbon steels.
Highlights
The knowledge and adequate control of the microstructural and mechanical properties of steels are a part of a general approach for improving performance of manufacturing process and enhancing final product quality
A clear dependence was found between microstructure characteristics and eddy current outputs measured by means of an electromagnetic sensor: resistance was observed to increase, while inductive reactance decreased in the order of pearlite and ferrite microstructures, and with decreasing interlamellar spacing of pearlite
Eddy current method was used to investigate the influence of metallurgical characteristics on the electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability of carbon steels
Summary
The knowledge and adequate control of the microstructural and mechanical properties of steels are a part of a general approach for improving performance of manufacturing process and enhancing final product quality. In this context, non-destructive techniques have attracted considerable interest for the evaluation of material characteristics and monitoring in-service degradation of components. Among the various non-destructive techniques, eddy current testing is a widely used electromagnetic method for discontinuities and defects detection, corrosion damage inspection and coating thickness measurement in conductive materials [1,2]. Eddy current method was used to investigate the influence of metallurgical characteristics on the electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability of carbon steels.
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