Rail Surface Defect Detection and Analysis Using Multi-Channel Eddy Current Method Based Algorithm for Defect Evaluation

Abstract The railroad rail support trains and contributes to their operation. Internal surface defects occur on the due various combinations of causes including fatigue loading cyclic tension compression among others from deterioration along with temperature differences seasonal changes. Surface such as head check, shelling, squats start out in become internal poor maintenance, ultimately resulting failure. In order prevent failure, it is important that are identified through nondestructive evaluation (NDE) advance carry maintenance techniques grinding. NDE methods include MFL, EMAT, ECT, these, ECT method a representative excellent detection sensitivity nondestructively inspects metal surfaces rails pipes using an electromagnetic field. Also, since defect signal obtained electrical signal, depth, length, width can be assessed algorithm. This study investigated field applicability future practical use 16 channel eddy current testing equipment algorithm developed this study. Therefore, was artificial varying size depth. Afterwards, evaluated by inspection areas naturally occurring analysis (length, width), phenomena.