Novel E-style sensor based on surge eddy current for rough surface crack inspection

This paper introduces a high-sensitivity eddy current method featuring new E-style sensor design and input signal shape. Current improvement of traditional eddy current testing is focused on the sensor design, signal model and signal processing. A new type of eddy current sensor is developed for coarse surface crack testing. In addition, the input signal is not AC or traditional rectangular pulsed wave, but a transformative signal named pulsed surge eddy current. These new design features and signals have the advantage, that the surge eddy current could transform low input energy into a much higher voltage instantly, which is beneficial for testing sensitivity. Also, the pick-up uses the phase change to detect cracking, and it is easier to process.