What is one common use for eddy current testing (ECT)?

Eddy current testing (ECT) is primarily utilized for detecting surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials. This method works by inducing eddy currents within the material being inspected, and the presence of any discontinuities or flaws can disrupt the flow of these currents. As a result, changes in the eddy current signal can indicate the presence and nature of flaws such as cracks, corrosion, or other surface imperfections.

While the ability to measure electrical conductivity of materials is a feature of eddy current testing, it is not its main application. Similarly, ECT is not suitable for testing non-conductive materials and does not primarily evaluate the thickness of coatings, although it can provide some insights into such characteristics under specific conditions. Therefore, the most accurate and relevant application of ECT among the provided options is in detecting surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials.