Advanced EMAT Inspection Systems: Projectiles and Welds

EMAT\u27s appear particularly suitable for automated inspection systems because of their ability to operate at high temperatures, at high speed, and without couplant. This paper reviews the progress in two important areas: the high speed inspection of artillery projectiles and high temperature inspection of MIG welds. In each case, material is presented illustrating the system concept and the ease of detection of appropriate flaws. Included is a discussion of the operational characteristics of such systems using SH and SV waves for inspection. The paper also describes the advantages of employing SH waves for volumetric inspection of very thick sections of complex geometries