Crack detection using fluxgate magnetic field sensor

Abstract

In this study, the variation of the magnetic flux distribution in a magnetised ferromagnetic material which has in homogeneity as a crack is studied. An orthogonal fluxgate magnetic field sensor was used in the inspection of cracks. In the fluxgate sensor, the sensing element (Co(0.94)Fec(0.06))(72.5)Si2.5B15 amorphous ferromagnetic wire was placed inside a pickup coil winding with 50 mu m copper wire and connected to a signal generator and the output from pick-up coil was detected using a lock-in amplifier. The surface profile of magnetic materials with a crack was obtained using a specially designed 3-dimensional moving system. A large decrease in the output voltage of the sensor was observed when the sensor was moved on the top of the crack, after the further movement of the sensor the output voltage came back to the previous value.