Magnetic Methods for On-Line Non-Destructive Mechanical property Measurement

A pressing challenge in automotive, aerospace, and other manufacturing industry is the ability to measure the mechanical properties of formed metal and alloy components on a part-by-part basis. We propose to develop a non-destructive testing system suitable for rapid on-line measurement of critical mechanical properties of steel parts as they are being produced. Our approach is based on measurement of the Barkhausen effect and hysteresis loops. The feasibility studies will focus on (1) development of material standards, (2) development of flexible and miniaturized production-compatible probes, and (3) development of novel interpretation algorithms. The materials standards will enable the NDT system to have self-calibration and auto-testing features to assure consistent and reproducible results in a production environment. The algorithms will incorporate calibration results, as well as a broad range of characteristics derived from the Barkhausen spectra and hysteresis data, in order to provide unambiguous, rapid, and robust determination of the mechanical properties of products fabricated from steel.