NEW FINDINGS IN THE FIELD OF NONDESTRUCTIVE MAGNETIC LEAKAGE FIELD INSPECTION

Non-destructive inspection of defects using the magnetic leakage flux method presents several experimental and theoretical difficulties. It is shown that the leakage field strength around a defect is linked linearly with the field strength inside it. Thus a prerequisite to a better understanding of the phenomenon is the determination of the magnetic field strength inside the defect as a function of defect geometry, magnetic properties of the material and applied field strength. Equations are presented which enable computation of this quantity. Discrepancies between measurement and calculations using the method of finite elements emphasize the need for accurate knowledge of the magnetic field strength inside the defect.