Benchmark models of eddy current testing for steam generator tube: Experiment and numerical analysis

In this paper the benchmark models of eddy current testing for steam generator (S/G) tubes are proposed. The experimental set-up and numerical methods for the models are explained. Eddy current testing (ECT) is a type of non-destructive testing and effective for detecting surface cracks or flaws in conducting materials. Since the phenomena occurring in the testing are 3D in nature, 3D numerical analysis is required in order to evaluate the signals for the ECT and to improve the ECT technique. In this paper we proposed three ECT models for S/G tubes to evaluate and to improve the accuracy of numerical methods. Five numerical techniques are applied to the benchmark models. Numerical results of 3D numerical methods agreed well with experimental ones and those of 2D showed agreement in the case of a through-crack. These experimental results could be used as practical benchmark models to verify numerical calculations for ECT probe signals.