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Sliding probes have been named so because they move over fasteners in a
sliding motion. There are two types of sliding probes, fixed and adjustable,
which are usually operated in the reflection mode. This means that the
eddy currents are induced by the driver coil and detected by a separate
receiving coil.
Sliding probes are one of the fastest methods to inspect large numbers of
fastener holes. They are capable of detecting surface and subsurface
discontinuities, but they can only detect defects in one direction. The
probes are marked with a detection line to indicate the direction of
inspection. In order to make a complete inspection there must be two scans
that are orthogonal (90 degrees) to each other.
Probe Types
Adjustable probes, as the name implies, are adjustable with the use of
spacers, which will change the penetration capabilities. The spacer
thickness between the coils is normally adjusted for the best detection. For
tangential scans or 90 degree scanning with an offset from the center, a
thinner spacer is often used.
The spacer thickness range can vary from 0 (no
spacer) for inspections close to the surface and
small fastener heads to a maximum of about 0.3
inch for deep penetration with large heads in the
bigger probe types. A wider spacer will give
more tolerance to probe deviation as the
sensitive area becomes wider but the instrument
will require more gain. Sliding probes usually
penetrate thicker materials compared to the donut probes.
Reference Standards
Inspection Variables
Signal Interpretation
When the probe moves over a fastener hole with a crack, the indication
changes and typically will create a larger vertical movement. The vertical
amplitude of the loop depends on the crack length, with longer cracks
giving higher indications.
If the crack is in the far side of the fastener, as the probe moves over it, the
dot will follow the fastener line first but will move upwards (clockwise) as it
goes over the crack. If the crack is in the near side, it will be found firs
first and
the dot will move along the crack level before coming down to the fastener
level.
If two cracks on opposite sides of the fastener hole are present, the dot will
move upwards to the height by the first crack length and then come back to
the fastener line
ine and balance point. If the second crack is longer than the
first one, the dot will move even higher and complete the loop (clockwise)
before going down to the balance point. See Figures 3 and 4.
Probe Scan Deviation
Most probes are designed to give a narrow indication foforr a good fastener
hole so that the loops from the cracks are more noticeable. Some probes
and structures can give wider indications and a similar result can be
obtained if the probe is not straight when it approaches the fastener. It is
important to keep the
he probe centralized over the fastener heads. Doing this
will give you a maximum indication for the fastener and a crack.
If the probe deviates from the center line, the crack indication will move
along the loop that we saw in Figure 5 and is now present in in Figure 6. The
crack indication is at "a" when the probe is centralized and moves toward
"b" as it deviates in one direction, or "c" as it deviates in the opposite
direction. Point "b" gives an important indication even if it loses a small
amount of amplitude
tude it has gained in phase, giving a better separation
angle. This is because we deviated to the side where the crack is located.