Magnetic particle testing :

Magnetic particle testing is a non destructive testing method for

detection of surface and near surface discontinuities in
ferromagnetic materials.

* Applicable only to :
* ferromagnetic materials, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel and their magnetic
alloys.
* Detection sensitivity diminishes rapidly with depth.
* If the flaw is deeper, it must be larger to produce indication.
* Deeper flaws produce broad and fuzzy indication which require
careful interpretation.
Magnetic particle testing :
detection of ‘surface and sub surface’ flaws
[ depth of detection depends on the type and size of the flaw ]
Leakage field above the flaws collects and hold magnetic particles to form
caterpillar like visible indication pattern.
Discontinuities at or near the surface produce magnetic leakage field on the
surface :
Magnetic flux in a magnetized part pass through the body of the part.
Discontinuities at or near the surface of the part disturb the normal flow of
magnetic flux and leakage flux fields are produced on the surface above the
discontinuities. These leakage fields attract iron particles and are detected
by applying iron powders.
Leakage field :
flaws at or near the surface of a magnetized part produces leakage field at
the surface which is detected by sprinkling iron powders.
Magnetic lines of force is entirely within the part for a flawless specimen.
Leakage field :
flaws at or near the surface of a magnetized part produces leakage field at
the surface which can be detected by sprinkling iron powders.
Detection of leakage field :
Finely divided iron particles are used for detection of leakage field.
Leakage field at the surface collects and hold the iron particles together to
form visible indication patterns.

• Flaws at or near the surface

disturb the magnetic flux flow and
produce leakage field at surface
above the flaw.
• Magnetic particle build up at the
leakage field produces recognizable
patterns which are interpreted.
• Color of the particles must be
chosen to provide adequate
contrast against the part’s natural
color.
Surface discontinuities produce strong leakage field, which produces
sharp indications, which are easy to recognize.
Sub surface discontinuities produce wide and fuzzy indications, which are
difficult to recognize as the depth of the discontinuities increases. Thus
there is a loss of sensitivity with increasing depth from the surface.
 Magnetized : Particles applied :

Magnetic particle testing :

leakage field produced by tight cracks are indicated by accumulation of
colored dry particles.
Flaw depth to width ratio for good detection sensitivity
flaws should be deeper than the opening.

• For detection sensitivity, the depth of the flaw should be at least 3 times
deeper than the surface roughness of the part.
• For good detection sensitivity the ratio of
width: depth: length should be : 1 : 5 : 10