Enhanced Feature Extraction Algorithms Using Oscillatory-Mode Pulsed Eddy Current Techniques for Aircraft Structure Inspection

A review of the existing literature shows that modern pulsed eddy current (PEC) technique for flaw detection in aircraft structure inspection is typically carried out in aperiodic mode. Аt the same time, the unstable characteristic points of the EC signal usually used as informative parameters can restrict the potential of this excitation mode due to significant measurement errors. This article considers an advanced PEC method of NDT based on the oscillatory mode. To obtain the conditions concerned with different modes of EC probe response oscillations, an equivalent scheme of the “testing object – EC probe” system was developed and analyzed. The frequency and attenuation coefficient of natural oscillations are proposed as the informative parameters of the probe signals. The obtained mathematical model of the probe signals allows for the dependence of proposed signal parameters on the characteristics of the testing object to be evaluated. Herein, we first develop algorithmic software for determining and analyzing the discrete amplitude and phase characteristics of PEC NDT signals based on the simulation results. The errors of the natural frequency oscillations and the attenuation coefficient determination as well as the optimal time for its determination are analyzed in order to minimize the possible errors. Next, the proposed informative parameters are experimentally investigated using a set of specimens. The obtained results confirm the possibility of the proposed methodology to enhance the inspection procedures related to the electrical conductivity and geometric parameters measurements as well as the detected defect sizing.