Eddy Current Probe Performance Variability

Eddy current testing is used extensively by the Air Force for nondestructive inspection of many aircraft structural components. Although the reliability and consistency of inspections depends to a large extent on the characteristics of the eddy current probes used, no adequate specifications or certification methods presently exist for assuring probe performance. Because of the variability in probe performance, a need exists for establishing a means to control probe performance characteristics which will eventually lead to improved test results