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In recent years, additive manufacturing technologies have gained in importance. Laser powder bed fusion can be used for complex functional components or the production of workpieces in small quantities. High safety requirements, e.g. in aerospace, demand comprehensive quality control. Therefore, non-destructive offline inspection methods such as computed tomography are used after production. Recently, online non-destructive testing methods such as optical tomography have been developed to improve profitability and practicality. In this presentation, the applicability of eddy current inspection using GMR sensors for online inspection of PBF-LB/M parts is demonstrated. Eddy current testing is performed for each layer during the production process at frequencies uo to 1.2 MHz. Despite the use of high-resolution arrays with 128 elements, the testing time is kept low by an adapted hardware. Thus, the measurement can be performed during the manufacturing process without significantly slowing down the production process. In addition to the approach, the results of an online eddy current test of a step-shaped test specimen made of Haynes282 are presented.
The rising popularity of additive manufacturing processes leads to an increased interest in possibilities and methods for related process monitoring. Such methods ensure improved process quality and increase the understanding of the manufacturing process, which in turn is the basis for stable component quality, e.g., required in the aerospace industry or in the medical sector. For laser powder bed fusion, a handful of process monitoring tools already exist, such as optical tomography, thermography, pyrometry, imaging, or laser power monitoring. Although these tools provide helpful information about the process, more information is required for an accurate in-depth understanding. In this article, advanced approaches in eddy current testing (ET) are combined, such as single wire excitation, magnetoresistive (MR) sensor arrays, and heterodyning to build up a system that can be used for online process monitoring of laser powder bed fusion. In addition to detailed information about the developed ET system and underlying signal processing, the first results of magnetoresistance-basedonline ET during the laser powder fusion process are presented. While producing a step-shaped cuboid, each layer is tested during recoating.
Test results show that not only the contours of the topmost layer are detected but also the contours of previous layers covered by powder. At an excitation frequency of 1 MHz, a penetration depth of approx. 400 μm is obtained. To highlight the possibilities of ET for online process monitoring of laser powder bed fusion, results are compared with postexposure images of the integrated layer control system (LCS).
Background Due to physical coupling between mechanical stress and magnetization in ferromagnetic materials, it is assumed in the literature that the distribution of the magnetic stray field corresponds to the internal (residual) stress of the specimen.
The correlation is, however, not trivial, since the magnetic stray field is also influenced by the microstructure and the geometry of component. The understanding of the correlation between residual stress and magnetic stray field could help to evaluate the integrity of welded components.
Objective This study aims at understanding the possible correlation of subsurface and bulk residual stress with magnetic stray field in a low carbon steel weld. Methods The residual stress was determined by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD, subsurface region) and by neutron diffraction (ND, bulk region). SXRD possesses a higher spatial resolution than ND. Magnetic stray fields were mapped by utilizing high-spatial-resolution giant magneto resistance (GMR) sensors.
Results The subsurface residual stress overall correlates better with the magnetic stray field distribution than the bulk stress.
This correlation is especially visible in the regions outside the heat affected zone, where the influence of the microstructural features is less pronounced but steep residual stress gradients are present.
Conclusions It was demonstrated that the localized stray field sources without any obvious microstructural variations are associated with steep stress gradients. The good correlation between subsurface residual stress and magnetic signal indicates that the source of the magnetic stray fields is to be found in the range of the penetration depth of the SXRD measurements.
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, generally called 3D printing, are widely used because their use provides a high added value in manufacturing complex-shaped components and objects. Defects may occur within the components at different time of manufacturing, and in this regard, non-destructive techniques (NDT) represent a key tool for the quality control of AM components in many industrial fields, such as aerospace, oil and gas, and power industries. In this work, the capability of active thermography and eddy current techniques to detect real imposed defects that are representative of the laser powder bed fusion process has been investigated. A 3D complex shape of defects was revealed by a μCT investigation used as reference results for the other NDT methods. The study was focused on two different types of defects: porosities generated in keyhole mode as well as in lack of fusion mode. Different thermographic and eddy current measurements were carried out on AM samples, providing the capability to detect volumetric irregularly shaped defects using non-destructive methods.
Heterodyne Eddy Current Testing Using Magnetoresistive Sensors for Additive Manufacturing Purposes
(2020)
In recent years additive manufacturing technologies have become widely popular. For complex functional components or low volume production of workpieces, laser powder bed fusion can be used. High safety requirements, e.g. in the aerospace sector, demand extensive quality control. Therefore, offline non-destructive testing methods like computed tomography are used after manufacturing. Recently, for enhanced profitability and practicality online non-destructive testing methods, like optical tomography have been developed. This paper discusses the applicability of eddy current testing with magnetoresistive sensors for laser powder bed fusion parts. For this purpose, high spatial resolution giant magnetoresistance arrays are utilized for testing in combination with a single wire excitation coil. A heterodyne principle minimizes metrology efforts. This principle is compared to conventional signal processing in an eddy current testing setup using an aluminum test sample with artificial surface defects. To evaluate the influence of the powder used in the manufacturing process on eddy current testing and vice versa, a laser powder bed fusion mock-up made from stainless steel powder (316L) is used with artificial surface defects down to 100 µm. This laser powder bed fusion specimen was then examined using eddy current testing and the underlying principles.
With rising popularity and availability of additive manufacturing (AM), companies mainly in the aerospace sector, set high requirements on quality control of AM parts, especially produced with selective laser melting (SLM). Since it was shown that those parts are prawn to flaws like pores or cracks, every part needs to be tested. Therefore, NDT Methods, like eddy current testing (ET), could help to characterize SLM parts. Research on ET has shown, that offline ET with high spatial resolution MR (magneto resistive) sensor arrays is possible and that flaws as small as 50 µm could be detected while significantly reducing testing time. A first approach on automated online ET method for testing SLM parts is proposed in this contribution.
This paper discloses two high-sensitivity probes for Eddy Current Nondestructive Test (NDT) of buried and surface defects. These probes incorporate eight and 32 magnetoresistive sensors, respectively, which are optimized for high sensitivity and spatial resolution. The signal processing and interfacing are carried out by a full-custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC signal chain performs with a thermal input-referred noise of 30 nV/√Hz at 1 kHz, with 66 mW of power consumption, in a die with 3.7 × 3.4 mm 2 . NDT results are presented, showing that there is an increase in spatial resolution of surface defects when contrasted to prior art, enabling the probes to resolve defects with diameters of 0.44 mm, pitches of 0.6 mm, and minimum edge distance as low as 0.16 mm. The results also show that the probe for buried defects is a good all-round tool for detection of defects under cladding and multiple-plate flat junctions.
The application of composite pressure vessels is of great interest due to tremendous weight saving. Nevertheless, ageing of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) composites pressure vessels underlies complex interactions between metallic liner and composite and is not fully understood yet. One main challenge is the application of appropriate testing methods for detecting the influences of pressure cycles and creep behavior on the material. This contribution presents results achieved by using conventional eddy current testing (ET) and high frequency ET. Here, we could show that also conventional ET with low frequencies are useable to investigate pressure vessels of different material combinations like aluminum-CFRP and synthetics-CFRP.
This study examines the relationship between the magnetic mesostructure with the microstructure of low carbon steel tungsten inert gas welds. Optical microscopy revealed variation in the microstructure of the parent material, in the heat affected and fusion zones, correlating with distinctive changes in the local magnetic stray fields measured with high spatial resolution giant magneto resistance sensors. In the vicinity of the heat affected zone high residual stresses were found using neutron diffraction.
Notably, the gradients of von Mises stress and triaxial magnetic stray field modulus follow the same tendency transverse to the weld. In contrast, micro-X-ray fluorescence characterization indicated that local changes in element composition had no independent effect on magnetic stray fields.
Composite pressure vessels consist of an internal liner (Steel, aluminum, or plastic) which stores the liquid or gas and CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) which serves as pressure resistance. These vessels comprise some advantages compared with conventional vessels made of steel or aluminum and their application grew strongly over the last decade. The reason for this trend is the tremendous weight saving.
However, the long-time behavior for filling and discharging cycles and the creep strength of composite vessels is not fully understood. Therefore, BAM started an internal project to investigate degradation of these material systems. Normally, high-frequency eddy current testing (HF-ET, f > 10 MHz) is deployed for CFRP due to the low conductivity of the fibers, which is in the order of 0.01 MS/s, and the capacitive coupling between them. Nevertheless, in some cases conventional ET can be applied.
Some first results using conventional ET for detecting leakages in the internal liners are already presented. This contribution gives an update of our investigation using both conventional and high-frequency ET. Therefore, we developed an ET equipment based on a vector network analyzer using frequencies between 300 kHz and 2 GHz. The focus concerns the study of the aging effects.
Magneto resistance sensors like GMR (giant magneto resistance) or TMR (tunnel magneto resistance) are widely used in industrial applications, examples are position measurement and read heads of hard disk drives. However, in case of non-destructive testing (NDT) applications these sensors, although their properties are outstanding like high spatial resolution, high field sensitivity, low cost and low energy consumption, never reached a technical transfer to an application beyond sci-entific scope.
This paper deals with benefits of GMR/TMR sensors in terms of high spatial resolution testing for different NDT applica-tions. The first example demonstrates the preeminent advantages of MR-elements compared with conventional coils used in eddy current testing (ET). The probe comprises one-wire excitation with an array of MR elements. This led to a better spatial resolution in terms of neighboring defects.
The second section concentrates on MFL-testing (magnetic flux leakage) with active field excitation during and before test-ing. The latter illustrated the capability of highly resolved crack detection of a crossed notch. This example is best suited to show the ability of tiny magnetic field sensors for magnetic material characterization of a sample surface. Another example is based on characterization of samples after tensile test. Here, no external field is applied. The magnetization is only changed due to external load and magnetostriction leading to a field signature which GMR sensors can resolve. This gives access to internal changes of the magnetization state of the sample under test.
The use of composite pressure vessels instead of conventional vessels made of steel or aluminum grew strongly over the last decade. The reason for this trend is the tremendous weight saving in case of composite vessels. However, the long-time behavior is not fully understood for filling and discharging cycles and creep strength and their influence on the CFRP coating (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) and the internal liner (steel, aluminum, or plastics). The CFRP ensures the pressure resistance while the inner liner is used as container for liquid or gas. To overcome the missing knowledge of ageing BAM started an internal project to investigate degradation of these material systems. Therefore, applicable testing methods like eddy current testing are needed. Normally, high-frequency eddy current testing (HF-ET, f > 10 MHz) is deployed for CFRP due to its low conductivity of the fiber, which is in the order of 0.01 MS/s, and the capacitive coupling between the fibers. Nevertheless, in some cases conventional ET can be applied. We show a concise summary of studies on the application of conventional ET of composite pressure vessels.
An internal project at BAM (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung) pursue the goal to develop methods and models to investigate ageing of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) composites pressure vessels. One main challenge is the application of appropriate testing methods for detecting the influences of pressure cycles and creep behavior on the material. This contribution presents results we achieved using conventional eddy current testing (ET) and high frequency ET. Before investigating pressure vessels, we studied test samples with artifcial defects. Here, we could show that also conventional ET with low frequencies are useable for CFRP samples which have at bottom holes of different size and depth. On the basis of the received results we deployed conventional ET besides high-frequency applications in order to investigate pressure vessels of different material combinations like steel-CFRP,
Aluminum-CFRP and synthetics-CFRP. The thickness of the CFRP varies from 4 mm up to 8 mm. Here, we could detect both defects in the metal liner and in the CFRP.
Electromagnetic methods are widely used in Non-destructive Testing industries (NDT). In order to meet the requirements, safety-relevant products and structures have to be tested reliably during production or within subsequent maintenance cycles. For this purpose industrial users call for adapted testing methods which allow the detection of relevant defects such as cracks and pore in ferromagnetic or conductive materials. Automated testing systems and the application of sensor arrays are of great interest in order to enhance inspection quality and to decrease testing time and costs. Magneto resistance (MR) sensors like giant magneto resistance (GMR) or tunnel magneto resistance sensor (TMR) have proofed their suitability in many NDT-applications due to their extraordinary properties which combine high field sensitivity, a high spatial resolution and low costs. Due to their small size these sensors can be useful – in addition to the pure detection task – for a more detailed defect characterization and defect reconstruction providing defect size, orientation and geometry. This chapter gives a brief introduction of electromagnetic testing methods, i.e., magnetic particle inspection (MPI) and eddy current testing (ET), followed by two different approaches for which MR sensor arrays were successfully adapted.
The use of composite pressure vessels instead of conventional vessels made of steel or aluminum grew strongly over the last decade. The reason for this trend is the tremendous weight saving in case of composite vessels. However, the long-time behavior is not fully understood for filling and discharging cycles and creep strength and their influence on the CFRP coating (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) and the internal liner (steel, aluminum, or plastics) [1]. The CFRP ensures the pressure resistance while the inner liner is used as container for liquid or gas. To overcome the missing knowledge of ageing BAM started an internal project to investigate degradation of these material systems [2]. Therefore, applicable testing methods are needed. Normally, high-frequency eddy current testing (HF-ET, f > 10 MHz) is deployed for CFRP due to its low conductivity of the fiber, which is in the order of 0.01 MS/s, and the capacitive coupling between the fibers. Nevertheless, in some cases conventional ET can be applied. We show a concise summary of studies on the application of conventional ET of composite pressure vessels.
Main concept of magnetism and, therefore, of magnetic imaging can be subdivided into different levels, macroscopic, magnetic domain, and atomic. While conventional sensor solutions cover only the macroscopic level, the spatial resolution of GMR (Giant Magneto Resistance) sensors go down to the domain scale. In addition, those low cost sensors are well suited for automotive and industrial applications, particularly high-speed solutions. Main reason is their outstanding performance in terms of high spatial resolution, high accuracy, high bandwidth combined with field sensitivity, energy efficiency and durability.
In contrast to industrial use, down to the present day GMR sensors do not get beyond scientific scope in case of non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. Nevertheless, there are scientific and industrial NDT applications in which adapted GMR sensor can be promising compared to the conventional NDT methods.
This contribution summarizes findings at the BAM over the last decade which demonstrates the preeminent properties of GMR-based testing solutions. This comprises the active and passive testing of different materials with hidden defects and flaws near geometric boundaries like edges where conventional methods meet their limits. Another promising application for adapted GMR sensors is the characterization of magnetic materials, where the sensors provide additional information on microstructure, mechanical stress state, phase transformations and their interaction with magnetic fields. The examples show the need and benefit of NDT adapted GMR sensors.
Magneto resistive (MR) sensors are suited for a wide range of different applications. Especially due to their small sizes and their frequency-independent behaviour, they are eligible candidates for non-destructive testing methods where high spatial resolution is required. The use of specialized magnetic field probes enables not only a defect evaluation, but also a localized characterization of ferromagnetic materials.
This paper presents some NDT (non-destructive testing) examples concerning magnetic flux leakage applications (MFL) and eddy current testing (ET). For MFL-testing we used an NDT-adapted GMR (Giant MR) sensor array for the detection of small inclusions in thin steel sheets. We also investigated the effects of microstructure on magnetic properties using GMR sensors. The ET-example describes an MR array probe consisting of 32 MR-elements, an ASIC, subsequent readout components and a one-wire excitation to generate eddy currents inside the material (developed in the EU-funded IMAGIC-project , 2011-2014, 7th Framework Programme). Using this MR-probe we achieved results with a better spatial resolved defect detection of neighbouring boreholes compared to “conventional” ET-probes.
Magneto resistive (MR) sensors are suited for a wide range of different applications. Especially due to their small sizes and their frequency-independent behaviour, they are eligible candidates for non-destructive testing methods where high spatial resolution is required. The use of specialized magnetic field probes enables not only a defect evaluation, but also a localized characterization of ferromagnetic materials.
This paper presents some NDT (non-destructive testing) examples concerning magnetic flux leakage applications (MFL) and eddy current testing (ET). For MFL-testing we used an NDT-adapted GMR (Giant MR) sensor array for the detection of small inclusions in thin steel sheets. We also investigated the effects of microstructure on magnetic properties using GMR sensors. The ET-example describes an MR array probe consisting of 32 MR-elements, an ASIC, subsequent readout components and a one-wire excitation to generate eddy currents inside the material (developed in the EU-funded IMAGIC-project, 2011-2014, 7th Framework Programme). Using this MR-probe we achieved results with a better spatial resolved defect detection of neighbouring boreholes compared to “conventional” ET-probes.
Evaluation of high spatial resolution imaging of magnetic stray fields for early damage detection
(2017)
The paper discusses the evaluation of elastic and plastic strain states in two low-carbon steels of the same steel group with high spatial resolution GMR (giant magneto resistance) sensors. The residual stress distributions of tungsten inert gas welded plates were determined by means of neutron diffraction as a reference. The normal component of local residual magnetic stray fields arise in the vicinity of the positions of maximum stress. The experiments performed on flat tensile specimen indicate that the boundaries of plastic deformations are a source of stray fields. The spatial variations of magnetic stray fields for both the weld and the tensile samples are in the order of the earths magnetic field.
Evaluation of high spatial resolution imaging of magnetic stray fields for early damage detection
(2016)
Metal magnetic memory (MMM) technique with associated ISO 24497-1:3 is gaining considerable interest in the magnetic NDT community. In contrast to traditional Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) testing, the inspection objects are not intentionally magnetized by an external magnetic field. Due to the physical coupling between mechanical stress and magnetization of ferromagnetic materials, it is assumed that the distribution of the residual MFL correspond to the internal stress of the specimen, or in the most general sense, to a degradation of the material.
Usually, MMM measurements are performed by relatively bulky magnetic inspection sensors. The evaluation of local magnetic field distribution is limited thereby. Highprecision GMR (Giant Magneto Resistance) measurements in the micrometer regime can provide a higher degree of information due to better spatial resolution.
We present a concise summary of studies on the correlation of magnetic structure and microstructure of steels. In particular, we compare residual stress measurements in S235JRC steel welds by means of neutron diffraction with high resolution magnetic field mappings. Results indicate a qualitative correlation between residual stresses and local stray field variation. In addition, stray field measurements of plastically deformed specimens for quasi-static and cyclic loading cases are discussed. The present study concludes that GMR sensors can detect inhomogeneous plastic deformations of S235JR steel in a very early stage, without specific signal processing according to the ISO 24497-1:3.
Development of adapted GMR-probes for automated detection of hidden defects in thin steel sheets
(2016)
Thin steel sheets with a thickness of 0.3 mm and less are the base materials of many everyday life products (cans, batteries, etc.). Potential inhomogeneities such as non-metallic inclusions inside the steel can lead to a rupture of the sheets when it is formed into a product such as a beverage can. Therefore, there is a need to develop automated NDT techniques to detect hidden defects and inclusions in thin sheets during production. For this purpose Tata Steel Europe and BAM, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Germany), collaborate in order to develop an automated NDT-system. Defect detection systems have to be robust against external influences, especially when used in an industrial environment. In addition, such a facility has to achieve a high sensitivity and a high spatial resolution in terms of detecting small inclusions in the μm-regime. In a first step, we carried out a feasibility study to determine which testing method is promising for detecting hidden defects and inclusions inside ferrous thin steel sheets. Therefore, two methods were investigated in more detail – magnetic flux leakage testing (MFL) using giant magneto resistance sensor arrays (GMR) as receivers [1,2] and eddy current testing (ET). The capabilities of both methods were tested with 0.2 mm-thick steel samples containing small defects with depths ranging from 5 μm up to 60 μm. Only in case of GMRMFL-testing, we were able to detect parts of the hidden defects with a depth of 10 μm trustworthily with a SNR better than 10 dB. Here, the lift off between sensor and surface was 250 μm. On this basis, we investigated different testing scenarios including velocity tests and different lift offs. In this contribution we present the results of the feasibility study leading to first prototypes of GMR-probes which are now installed as part of a demonstrator inside a production line.
Magneto-resistive (MR) sensor arrays are suited for high resolution eddy current testing (ET) of aerospace components due to two significant advantages compared to conventional coil systems. First, to obtain high spatial resolution they can be manufactured down to the µm-regime without losing their outstanding field sensitivity. Secondly, MR technology has a relatively frequency-independent sensitivity in the range of common ET-frequencies thus providing a benefit for low frequency applications.
This paper presents measurements using MR array probes consisting of 32 TMR-elements (tunnel magneto resistance), an ASIC, and subsequent readout components. A source for generating the eddy currents inside the material under test is also implemented onboard of the PCB. These probes were developed in the IMAGIC-project* for detection and imaging of surface breaking defects.
The performance of the new sensor system has been investigated for several mock-ups, Aluminum and Titanium plate specimens having small adjacent boreholes with diameter of 0.44 mm and micro notches in the µm-range, respectively. To compare our results we used conventional eddy current probes. The MR sensor elements have a length of around 60 µm leading to a nearly 'point like' measurement. Neighbouring boreholes (depth 0.25 mm) with a separation of 0.6 mm between their centres could be resolved with a good SNR, and more important, the boreholes could be confidently distinguished using the TMR-probes. In case of conventional probes a reliable separation was not possible. In this paper we present the MR-ET-probes of the IMAGIC consortium and a comparison with conventional techniques.
*The IMAGIC-project ('Integrated Magnetic imagery based on spIntronics Components', 2011 – 2014, project reference: 288381) was funded by the European Commission, Seventh Framework Programme. Further partners involved in the consortium beside BAM and CEA were INESC-ID and INESC-MN (Portugal), Sensitec GmbH (Germany), Tecnatom S.A. (Spain), and Airbus Group (France).
Development of adapted GMR-probes for automated detection of hidden defects in thin steel sheets
(2015)
Micro-cracks in a magnetized ferromagnetic material cause stray fields that can be observed using giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors. This work investigates the applicability of GMR sensors to the non-destructive evaluation of micro-cracks via the observation of stray fields. For this purpose, our measurement setup is assessed using a fast new sensitivity analysis based on adjoint states, employing the finite-element method. A model for the GMR sensor is developed and verified. We are able to resolve micro-cracks with an opening of 3 µm and a depth of 30 µm. GMR positioning inaccuracies are analyzed.
At BAM, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, a group of scientists develops NDT-applications based on GMR sensor technology. In particular, the knowledge gained in the field of automated testing systems based on the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) were combined with GMR sensors to achieve high resolution testing of ferromagnetic materials.
In cooperation with Europe's second largest steel producer, Tata Steel Europe, BAM is working on solutions for the detection of small inhomogeneities in thin steel plates. The objective is to incorporate an automated testing facility in a production line.
Before setting up an automated testing system, a feasibility study was carried out in order to verify the ability of GMR-MFL-testing and eddy current testing (ET) for the detection of hidden defects in thin steel plates. For this purpose, Tata Steel Europe fabricated in a first step test samples of 0.2 mm thick steel plates in which defects of different depth (5 – 60 µm) were introduced. Only in case of GMR-MFL-testing, we were able to detect parts of the hidden defects trustworthily with a SNR better than 10 dB. The lift off between sensor and surface was 250 ìm. On this basis, we investigated different testing scenarios including velocity tests and different lift offs. The achieved results for this special testing problem were presented leading to a practical example for GMR-based testing and paving the way to an automated testing system in a production line.
We present a simulation study which pursues the objective to find probe geometries for a MR-based eddy current (EC) probe (MR magneto resistance, e.g., GMR giant magneto resistance, TMR tunnel magneto resistance). MR sensor technology exhibits two significant advantages compared with conventional coil systems. First, MR sensors are relatively frequency-independent within common EC-frequency ranges which enable us to operate them in hidden defects testing problems. Secondly, MR technology is well suited for miniaturization helping us to design small elements in the order of below 100 µm. In this paper simulation and experimental results obtained with the probes for low frequency application, i.e. for hidden defects detection are discussed.
Our simulations are based on two different approaches for a better validation, a commercial finite element method software (Opera, Vectorfields) and the semi-analytical software CIVA. We investigated both coil arrangement in order to excite sufficient high eddy currents inside the test samples and position of MR-elements at the array chip. In doing so the MR sensors were positioned that they are not exposed to excitation fields. In addition, different coil geometries, in particular coil length, e.g. Ι = 20 mm, were analyzed in order to generate a consistent eddy current distribution beneath an array of up to 32 MR-elements. To prove obtained probe principles we built GMR-EC-probes. The first test measurements are in good agreement with the simulations performed by BAM and CEA. On basis of our findings the IMAGIC consortium developed new MR-EC-probes using integrated ASIC technology.
We present a prototype for automated magnetic stray field testing of ferromagnetic roller bearings. For this purpose NDE-adapted GMR sensor arrays (giant magneto resistance) are used for the detection of surface breaking cracks. The sensors are miniaturized down to the lower µm-regime to achieve adequate spatial resolution. In doing so, sensor arrays with up to 48 elements are used to inspect the bearing surface within a few seconds only. In contrast to magnetic particle inspection (MPI), where the global magnetization requires a further inspection step and succeeding demagnetization, the presented prototype only locally magnetize the surface area in the vicinity of the GMR Sensors. For the local magnetization, the applied sub-surface magnetic field was simulated and proofed for detecting flaws with a depth of a few 10 µm. By multiplexing the sensor array with an adapted read out electronics we quasi simultaneously detect the normal field component of about 100µm above the surface. The detection of artificial notches with a depth of 40 µm and more could be resolved with a SNR better than 20 dB. The presented testing facility is fast and provides a step towards automated testing of safety relevant steel components.
Eddy Current Technique is a powerful method for detection of surface notches and of buried flaws during inspection of metallic parts. Recent EC array probes have demonstrated a fast and efficient control of large surfaces. Nevertheless, when the size of flaws decreases or the defect is rather deep, traditional winding coil probes turn out to be useless. Magnetoresistive sensors present the advantages of flat frequency response and micron size. These sensors are hence very attractive for the detection of buried defects that require low frequencies because of skin depth effect. An optimization of the probe with magnetoresistive sensors as receivers has been made by simulations using CIVA software and finite elements methods with OPERA. EC probes for buried flaw detection have been designed. Experimental results have been compared with simulations.
Size adapted GMR arrays for the automated inspection of surface breaking cracks in roller bearings
(2014)
Their small size together with a remarkable field sensitivity are the most prominent features of present-day GMR sensors paving the way for various applications in automated non-destructive testing (NDT). This work presents a prototype for fast and automated magnetic testing of roller bearings. A local magnetization unit excites the magnetic field inside the bearing. As a result of a design study and the following wafer fabrication the probe was equipped with NDT-adapted GMR sensor arrays in which 48 elements measures the field response. The detection of artificial and 40 µm deep defects could be resolved with a SNR better than 20 dB. In addition, we report of first results of a POD (Probability of Detection) analysis using GMR sensors to investigate bearings with EDM (electronic discharge machining) notches having depths down to 10 µm. Finally, we estimate successfully the depth of a 57 µm notch from the measured data.
NDT is a multidisciplinary research area fusing the disciplines of natural Science and engineering. Particularly in the early development stages of a new testing method, feasibility investigations focus on the fundamental physical interaction between the sensing mechanism and specimen. Research activities during subsequent phases of modular prototype development, technical System Integration and Validation primarily attempt to solve the practical engineering and real-life aspects of a testing method. We show several examples of new methods in different stages of development and highlight the potential for further industrial use. The first section deals with Steel surfaces of lightweight components which are
inspected with pm-sized magneto resistive sensor arrays. This quantitative magnetic stray field approach combines high spatial resolution and very high sensitivity, enabling the user to detect even very small micro-defects. Tuming to CFRP components we also show new developments in airbome ultrasonic testing. Here we use ferroelectret foils to reduce the acoustical mismatch between transducer and air, which enhances the signal-to-noise ratio. A further example illuminates the use of metallic nano layers as a broadband thermo acoustical emitter. Their use provides both high sound pressures and very broadband Signal characteristics. When it comes to CFRP components and other anisotropic and highly Scattering materials, ultrasonic matrix arrays in conjunction with many angles of incidences per transducer position can help to enhance the statistics of a testing problem. In the field of conventional water-coupled UT testing we also show the use of matrix array transducers
providing a tomographic-like 3D-image of impact damage in CFRP samples.
GMR sensors are widely used in many industrial segments such as information technology, automotive, automation and production, and safety applications. Each area requires an adaption of the sensor arrangement in terms of size adaption and alignment with respect to the field source involved. This paper deals with an analysis of geometric sensor parameters and the arrangement of GMR sensors providing a design roadmap for non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. For this purpose we use an analytical model simulating the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) distribution of surface breaking defects and investigate the flux leakage signal as a function of various sensor parameters. Our calculations show both the influence of sensor length and height and that when detecting the magnetic flux leakage of µm sized defects a gradiometer base line of 250 µm leads to a signal strength loss of less than 10% in comparison with a magnetometer response. To validate the simulation results we finally performed measurements with a GMR magnetometer sensor on a test plate with artificial µm-range cracks. The differences between simulation and measurement are below 6%. We report on the routes for a GMR gradiometer design as a basis for the fabrication of NDT-adapted sensor arrays. The results are also helpful for the use of GMR in other application when it comes to measure positions, lengths, angles or electrical currents.
GMR sensors are increasingly used for magnetic surface inspection due to their high
sensitivity and high spatial resolution. In case of simple planar or cylindrical shaped
components, the GMR-based inspection procedure can be automated easily. In order to
reduce the inspection time we present a GMR-based NDT-system consisting of a yoke
and a coil as a local magnetization unit. This way the global magnetization step and, if
necessary, the corresponding demagnetization cycle can be avoided reducing the
number of working steps. Using a local probe we measured plates, bearings, and rails,
each of which containing real fatigue cracks and reference artificial cracks of different
depths and orientations. Cracks with a depth of 40 ìm could be resolved with a signalto-
noise ratio of about 20. A reduction of the measuring time can be obtained using a
sensor array. We present an optimized sensor array for nondestructive testing
application, where gradiometric arranged GMR layers were fabricated on a board with
up to 48 GMR sensors. Each sensor detects the vertical field gradient. In our example
the baseline was chosen to be 250 ìm which efficiently suppress external background
fields without losing sensitivity for the detection of surface breaking defects.
GMR sensors are increasingly used for magnetic surface inspection due to their high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. In case of simple planar or cylindrical shaped components, the GMR-based inspection procedure can be automated easily. We present GMR measurements of real fatigue cracks. In addition, we present a probe design using a local magnetization unit and commercially available GMR sensors. The design was carried out by means of finite-element method (FEM) simulations. Using the local probe we measured bearings containing artificial reference cracks of different depths and orientations. Cracks with a depth of 40 µm could be resolved with a signal-to-noise ratio better than 6. A further reduction of the measuring time can be obtained using a sensor array. For this purpose we present a study of the optimized size of the sensing GMR-layers for a NDE-adapted sensor array. The geometric sensor parameters were investigated through simulations of the magnetic flux leakage of surface cracks using an analytic model.
High-precision magnetic field sensors are of increasing interest in non destructive testing (NDT). In particular GMR-sensors (giant magneto resistance) are qualified because of their high sensitivity, high signal-to-noise ratio and high spatial resolution. We performed magnetic flux leakage measurements of artificial cracks with a GMR-gradiometer and a 3-axes GMR-magnetometer. Cracks of a depth of 44 μm still could be detected with a sufficient high signal-to-noise ratio. A semi-analytic magnetic dipole model was used for swiftly predicting magnetic stray fields. The reliable reconstruction based on measurements of artificial rectangular-shaped defects is demonstrated.
Fast defect parameter estimation based on magnetic flux leakage measurements with GMR sensors
(2011)
We present a fast inverse scheme that is capable of simultaneously estimating the parameters depth, opening and length for rectangular 3D geometries of surface-breaking defects. The parameter estimation is realized by an iterative least-squares minimization using the trust-region reflective algorithm. A semi-analytic magnetic dipole model that allows the sensor characteristics to be incorporated is used for predicting the stray magnetic fields. Giant magneto-resistance (GMR) measurements were carried out on a test specimen that includes a series of artificial defects. For the estimation of the defect depths relative errors between 0.6% and 15.9% have been obtained. Due to its very low computational costs, the inverse scheme can suitably be employed in automated production environments.