Characterization of Rolling Contact Fatigue Cracks in Rails by Eddy Current Pulsed Thermography

Locating and characterizing rolling contact fatigue (RCF) cracks in rails is gaining attention the railway industry. Eddy current pulsed thermography (ECPT) can detect such by combining benefits of electromagnetic excitation thermal diffusion. To date, most studies focus on investigating specific features based artificial defects, verification real lacking. In this article, to establish best means different inclination angles, eight spatial temporal ECPT are evaluated idealized RCF cracks. Results show that longer time slots pulse durations make relations clearer. For evaluation cracks, area-based kurtosis-based suitable robust measures for angles.