T.O. 33B-1-13-15Figure 3-18. Electromagnetic Probe or Yoke3.1.9.9 AlternatingCurrent(AC)Yoke.Alternating current, which is single phase when used directly for magnetizing purposes, usually has a frequency of 50or 60 Hertz. The AC longitudinal magnetizing field induced in the part is restricted to the surface due to its skin effect.AC provides a very desirable field for maintenance and overhaul inspection work due to it’s high sensitivity to surfacedefects. The peak AC current produces a surge peak in the magnetic field that is well above the average DC currentrequired to develop a field of equivalent strength.3.1.9.9.1AC magnetic fields form eddy currents that tend to guide or restrict the magnetic lines of flux into a narrow patternbetween the poles. Another by-product is avibratory action at the work piece, which adds mobility to the inspectionparticles to form larger and more distinct build up of particles at the defect.3.1.9.9.2An AC magnetic field can be used when it is necessary todiscriminate between surface indications and subsurfacedefects that might be revealed with a DC magnetizing field. Yokes utilizing AC magnetization also have the additionaladvantage that they can be readily used for demagnetization.3.1.9.10 DirectCurrent(DC)Yoke.An electro-magnet powered by DC provides a very strong magnetic field. However, being a constant field and lackingany vibratory action, it is sometimes difficult to gather enough particles at the defect to form a visible indication. Toovercome this difficulty, full-wave or half-wave rectified single-phase alternating current is used. This adds mobility tothe magnetic inspection particles comparable to that produced by AC.3.1.9.11 PermanentMagnetYoke.Permanent magnets can be used to magnetize parts for MPT. This method of magnetization has severe limitations andis properly used only when these limitations do not prevent the formation of satisfactory leakage fields atdiscontinuities.3.1.9.11.1Permanent magnets create longitudinal fields. The poles created on the parts can result in confusing particleindications. Control of field direction is possible only over a limited area. A permanent bar magnet, set on end on thesurface of a steel plate, creates a radial field in the plate around the pole at the end of the bar as shown in Figure 3-19.The flux of this field leaves the plate surface at some distance from the point of contact to return to the pole at theopposite end of the magnet. Cracks crossing such a field pattern can be indicated provided the field produced in theplate is sufficiently strong. When the poles of a permanent magnet yoke are placed upon the surface of a steel plate orpart, the field travels through the object from one pole of the yoke to the other. The flux generally follows along astraight line drawn between the poles, and is strongest near the poles of the yoke and weakest at the point midwaybetween the poles. The magnetic field strength within the part depends on the strength of the yoke magnetization andthe distance between the poles. Cracks at right angles, or nearly so, to this line can be indicated, provided the field
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