Precision Eddy Current Sensor for Nondestructive Evaluation of Spacecraft Structures

NASA develops and manufactures complex high-performance structures for space applications. In order to mitigate risk to equipment and crew, NASA needs nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques and sensors that are capable of detecting cracks and corrosion of structures when these defects reside below conducting and non-conducting surfaces. Eagle Harbor Technologies, Inc. (EHT) is developing an eddy current NDE tool based their high gain integrator developed for fusion science applications. The high gain integrator sensitivity is comparable with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDS), without the need for low temperature components. EHT proposes further evaluation and optimization to produce a NDE for NASA applications.