Magnetic Particle Inspection is a method of locating surface and subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials. It depends on the fact that when the material or part under test is magnetized, magnetic discontinuities that lie in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the magnetic field will cause a leakage field to be formed at and above the surface of the part. The presence of this leakage field, and therefore the presence of the discontinuity, is detected by the use of finely divided ferromagnetic particles applied over the surface, with some of the particles being gathered and held by the leakage field.
This magnetically held collection of particles forms an outline of the discontinuity and generally indicates its location, size, shape, and extent. Magnetic particles are applied over a surface as dry particles, or as wet particles in a liquid carrier such as water or oil.
Ferromagnetic materials include most of the iron, nickel, and cobalt alloys. Many of the precipitation-hardening steels, such as 17-4 PH, 17-7 pH, and 15-4 pH stainless steels, are magnetic after aging. These materials lose their ferromagnetic properties above a characteristic temperature called the Curie point. Although this temperature varies for different materials, the Curie point for most ferromagnetic materials is approximately 760 degree C (1400 degreeF).
The magnetic particle method is a sensitive means of locating small and shallow surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials. Indications may be produced at cracks that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye, but exceedingly wide cracks will no produce a particle pattern if the surface opening is too wide for the particles to bridge.
Discontinuities that do not actually break through the surface are also indicated in many cases by this method, although certain limitations must be recognized and understood. If a discontinuity is fine, sharp, and close to the surface, such as a long stringer of nonmetallic inclusions, a clear indication can be produced. If the discontinuity lies deeper, the indication will be less distinct. The deeper the discontinuity lies below the surface, the larger it must be to yield a readable indication and the more difficult the discontinuity is to find by this method.
Magnetic particle indications are produced directly on the surface of the part and constitute magnetic pictures of actual discontinuities. There is no electrical circuitry or electronic readout to be calibrated or kept in proper operating condition. Skilled operators can sometimes make a reasonable estimate of crack depth with suitable powders and proper technique. Occasional monitoring of field intensity in the part is needed to ensure adequate field strength.
There is little or no limitation on the size or shape of the part being inspected. Ordinarily, no elaborate precleaning is necessary, and cracks filled with foreign material can be detected.