Inspection of hidden defects in metal-metal joints of aircraft structures using eddy current technique with GMR sensor array

To realise increased inspection depths in eddy current (EC) technique, giant magnetoresistive (GMR) magnetometer can be used as receiver element for an EC sensor. This paper reports on the efficient GMR sensor array for ET inspection of hidden defects in metal-metal joints of aircraft structures. This new developed sensor array is a result of the collaboration of Airbus Deutschland (Bremen) and Fraunhofer Institute for Non-destructive Testing (Fraunhofer IZFP, Saarbrücken).