Characteristic Analysis of Eddy Current Testing According to the Finite Element Formulations

In the numerical analysis of ECT (eddy current testing) using 3-dimensional FEM (finite element method), MVP (magnetic vector potential) and electric scalar potential are used as variables in conductor region. Three dimensional modeling makes number of unknowns increase, and the degree of freedom of variables also makes number of unknowns increase. Because of this reason, modified MVP is used to reduce the number of unknowns. Gauge condition is enforced artificially on existing FEM formulations to insure the uniqueness of MVP. So in this paper the effects of these FEM formulation procedures on ECT are investigated and the appropriate FEM formulation is suggested for accurate ECT simulation.