Simulation apparatus for eddy current inspection techniques

摘要

An apparatus for simulating and analyzing discontinuities in a tube using eddy current inspection techniques is disclosed. The simulation apparatus includes inner and outer tubular members arranged to define an annular chamber having a predetermined tubular configuration corresponding to the tubular configuration of a tube under investigation. The outer tubular member has an opening through the wall thereof and the inner tubular member defines an axially extending hollow interior. A supply of electrically conductive liquid material is provided in the annular chamber, the quantity of liquid material being such as to substantially and completely fill the annular chamber in the vicinity of the opening through the wall of the outer tubular member. A defect simulation member is supported in the opening in the outer tubular member for movement along a predetermined direction extending transverse to the axis of the inner tubular member. Further, an eddy current test probe is positioned in the hollow interior of the inner tubular member adjacent the position of the defect simulation member for generating eddy current responses which are representative of the eddy current responses which would be obtained for a tube having a configuration corresponding to the predetermined tubular configuration and having a discontinuity in the wall thereof corresponding to the predetermined type of discontinuity.