Eddy current inspections function through the use of:

Eddy current inspections function through the use of:

• A. Electromagnetic waves
• B. Nuclear radiation
• C. Acoustic waves
• D. Thermal imaging

Answer: (A)

Eddy current inspection relies on electromagnetic fields. A probe carries an alternating current that creates a changing magnetic field which, in turn, induces circulating currents—eddy currents—within the conductive metal near the surface. If there’s a flaw, crack, or variation in material properties, these eddy currents are disturbed, and that disturbance changes the impedance of the probe. The system detects and interprets these impedance changes as indications of defects. This is fundamentally about electromagnetic interaction, not nuclear radiation, sound waves, or heat patterns, which is why it’s the correct concept. It’s best for small, near-surface flaws in conductive metals and is less effective on nonconductive materials or for deep defects, with sensitivity affected by coating, geometry, and material properties.

Eddy current inspection relies on electromagnetic fields. A probe carries an alternating current that creates a changing magnetic field which, in turn, induces circulating currents—eddy currents—within the conductive metal near the surface. If there’s a flaw, crack, or variation in material properties, these eddy currents are disturbed, and that disturbance changes the impedance of the probe. The system detects and interprets these impedance changes as indications of defects. This is fundamentally about electromagnetic interaction, not nuclear radiation, sound waves, or heat patterns, which is why it’s the correct concept. It’s best for small, near-surface flaws in conductive metals and is less effective on nonconductive materials or for deep defects, with sensitivity affected by coating, geometry, and material properties.