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Three groups of laser weld specimens made of steel 316L for nuclear applications were fabricated -acceptable, missed seam (MS) and lack of penetration (LOP). An array eddy current technique was developed and investigated. The specimens top and bottom surfaces were scanned parallel and transverse to the weld line. The MS and LOP were easily imaged, detected and sized. Additional flaw indications were found in visually acceptable weld areas. Limited weld destructive testing was performed validating characteristic eddy current flaw indications.

Butt-welded specimens were fatigued to produce cracks in the weld heat-affected zone. Advanced eddy current (AEC) techniques were used to detect and size the cracks through a coating. AEC results were compared with magnetic particle and phased-array ultrasonic techniques. Validation through destructive crack measurements was also conducted. Factors such as geometry, surface treatment, and crack tightness interfered with depth sizing. AEC inspection techniques have the potential of providing more accurate and complete sizing flaw data for manufacturing and in-service inspections.