Giant magneto resistance (GMR) sensors for non destructive testing

Abstract

The thesis investigates the use of giant magneto resistance sensors for eddy current testing in order to identify defects in steel pipes. An automated test rig which included the device under test, sensor array, excitation unit, electronic measurement equipment, mechanical setup and LabVIEW automation was designed and built. This was used to investigate the effect of excitation parameters such as current, frequency and distance to the pipe. Some preliminary algorithms to improve the signal were developed and tested. The effect of the shape and size of the defect and aluminum shield on the magnetic field was investigated. A qualitative model to describe the magnetic field, including measured defect signals, was developed. Minimum defect parameters and maximum distance values were evaluated in the context of signal to noise.