The thermoelectric method for non-destructive evaluation: a finite element study

Abstract

The thermoelectric method for non-destructive evaluation of inhomogeneous samples is analysed using the finite element technique. As a case study, the magnetic field generated by thermoelectric currents induced in niobium plates with tantalum inclusions is considered. It is shown that this technique can be effectively used to evaluate niobium plates used for superconducting radio frequency resonators. It is further shown that this technique could also be used for non-contact weld inspection and is superior to weld characterization by direct measurement of the thermopower using a reference electrode in contact.