Eddy-Current Induction by a Coil Whose Axis is Perpendicular to that of a Tube

We have derived analytical expressions for the quasi-static time-harmonic electromagnetic field of a circular coil used to induce eddy currents in a tube or pipe, the axis of the coil being perpendicular to that of the conductor. The results are used to determine coil impedance variations with frequency and position due to induced current. The analysis is based on a derivation of the transverse electric field of a circular current filament in free space expressed as a single layer potential. Integration of the filament field yields the coil field and its impedance in the presence of a tube. We have used the theory and a numerical approximation in fitting the frequency dependence of experimental coil impedance and thereby determined accurate estimates of the electrical conductivity of an inconel tube and the coil lift-off. Finding these parameters is a preliminary step in evaluating coil interactions with flaws.