Theoretical prediction of remote-field eddy current response for the nondestructive evaluation of metallic tubes

Abstract

The remote-field eddy current effect refers to low-frequency eddy current nondestructive testing (NDT) phenomenon in tubular conductors in which the behavior of both amplitude and phase of induced magnetic field are in apparent contradiction to the well-known ‘‘skin-effect’’ theory. Near-equal detection sensitivity across the wall thickness, the ability to measure wall thickness, and the absence of lift-off problems are some of the attractive features of this technique. Despite its early recognition and useful application in down-hole inspection of oil-well casing, no development of adequate scientific basis that could explain this phenomenon has been reported in the open literature. Modeling of the remote-field eddy current phenomenon using the axisymmetric finite element computer code is described in this paper. The results presented show that the finite element numerical technique originally developed for the computation of fields in electrical and magnetic devices can be used as well for the modeling of remote-field eddy current NDT problems.