How does electrical conductivity affect Eddy Current Testing?

In Eddy Current Testing (ECT), the material's electrical conductivity plays a significant role in how eddy currents are generated and behave. Higher conductivity allows for the creation of stronger eddy currents when an alternating magnetic field is applied. These stronger currents can penetrate deeper into the material and will respond more effectively to any flaws or discontinuities present. Consequently, enhanced detection capabilities arise because the induced eddy currents can interact more effectively with any defects, leading to clearer and more pronounced signals when a flaw is present.

Stronger eddy currents not only improve the sensitivity of the test but can also result in more accurate measurements of material properties. This means that for non-destructive testing applications, materials with higher conductivity enable better inspection results, contributing positively to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the ECT method.