Development of an Improved Magneto-Optic/Eddy-Current Imager
Abstract
Magneto-optic/eddy-current imaging technology has been developed and approved for inspection of cracks in aging aircraft. This relatively new nondestructive test method gives the inspector the ability to quickly generate real-time eddy-current images of large surface areas. An earlier Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program demonstrated the ability to generate improved, complete, real-time magneto-optic/eddy-current images of subsurface corrosion and cracking. Multidirectional eddy-current excitation, enhanced low-frequency operation, improved electromagnetic shielding, image processing, and sensor improvement were all demonstrated or evaluated. Favorable results from Phase I led to this Phase II SBIR program. The Phase II research has resulted in the development of a next generation prototype magneto-optic imager (MOI) with multidirectional eddy-current excitation, remotely programmable system settings, on-screen display of system setup information, and improved shielding for enhanced images. Some of these new features have already been successfully incorporated into an improved imager, the MOI 303, which is now commercially available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA350709
Entities
People
- David K. Thome