Remote field eddy current technique applied to the inspection of nonmagnetic steam generator tubes AIP Conf.

This CRCD project combines research from the areas of wireless communications, low-power embedded systems, virtual environments, and human factors in an interdisciplinary program. Education in the hardware and software of virtual reality (VR) systems serves as a testbed for training engineers in a truly interdisciplinary environment. The ultimate goal of this project is to create new courses that cover real-time software and embedded systems, design of virtual environments, and design of practical wireless devices.

The first prototype wireless eddy current (EC) probe for on-wing inspection was demonstrated in a F100 PW-220 engine without external cabling at the Air National Guard overhaul facility in Des Moines Iowa. Wireless NDE probes have potential safety and economic benefits leading to prevention or mitigation of safety significant propulsion system malfunctions. Data from 2 MHz Eddy Current probes was transmitted using a dual-frequency, phase modulated wireless analog communication system. Notches down to 0.010" were detected by the system. This is comparable to the wired state-ofthe-art EC technology currently used to inspect engines.