Non-destructive evaluation via measurement of magnetic drag force

Abstract

Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a magnetic drag force between a ferromagnetic sample that is or has been in motion relative to one or more measurement magnets are described. Such sensors include at least one measurement magnet and a sensing element operably associated therewith, such that upon or after exposure of the measurement magnet(s) to a ferromagnetic sample in motion relative thereto, the sensor can sense the drag force, if any, or changes therein, experienced by the measurement magnet. Devices for detecting and/or measuring magnetic drag force that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.

1 . A magnetic drag force sensor comprising:
 a. a measurement magnet; and   b. a sensing element operably associated with the measurement magnet, wherein the sensing element outputs a signal indicative of a magnetic drag force experienced by the measurement magnet upon exposure to a ferromagnetic sample in relative motion to the measurement magnet.   
   
   
       2 . A magnetic drag force sensor according to  claim 1  wherein the measurement magnet is selected from the group consisting of an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. 
   
   
       3 . A magnetic drag force sensor according to  claim 1  wherein the sensing element senses physical displacement of the measurement magnet in response to the magnetic drag force. 
   
   
       4 . A magnetic drag force sensor according to  claim 1  wherein the sensing element senses pressure applied to the measurement magnet in response to the magnetic drag force. 
   
   
       5 . A magnetic drag force measurement device, comprising:
 a. at least one magnetic drag force sensor according to  claim 1  positioned such that the measurement magnet is proximately spaced from a ferromagnetic sample capable of moving relative to the measurement magnet; and   b. a processor configured to process signals from the sensing element to determine a parameter of the magnetic drag force experienced by the measurement magnet.   
   
   
       6 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 5  further comprising a drive for moving a ferromagnetic sample past the measurement magnet. 
   
   
       7 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 5  further comprising an upstream magnet to achieve sufficient magnetization of a ferromagnetic sample upon association of the ferromagnetic sample with the device. 
   
   
       8 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 5  configured to measure magnetic drag force in a ferromagnetic sample selected from the group consisting of a ferromagnetic strip, ferromagnetic bar, a ferromagnetic plate, a ferromagnetic wire, and a ferromagnetic cable. 
   
   
       9 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 5  that comprises first and second magnetic drag force sensors, each according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       10 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 9  wherein the first magnetic drag force sensor is proximately spaced from one surface of the ferromagnetic sample and the second magnetic drag force sensor is proximately spaced from a second surface of the ferromagnetic sample. 
   
   
       11 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 10  wherein the first magnetic drag force sensor is disposed substantially opposite the second magnetic drag force sensor. 
   
   
       12 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 5  that comprises a plurality of a magnetic drag force sensors each according to  claim 1  spaced concentrically about an opening through which a ferromagnetic sample of substantially uniform geometric cross-section can be passed. 
   
   
       13 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 12  wherein the geometric cross-section of the ferromagnetic sample is selected from the group consisting of a circle, an ovoid shape, and a polygon. 
   
   
       14 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 5  that comprises a plurality of a magnetic drag force sensors each according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       15 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 14  wherein the magnetic drag force sensors are disposed in an array selected from the group consisting of a staggered sensor array, a segmented sensor array, and a staggered, segmented sensor array. 
   
   
       16 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 15  wherein a sample surface area that can be swept by the measurement magnets of the array is less than the sum of the surface areas that can be swept by each of the measurement magnets of the magnetic drag force sensors in the array. 
   
   
       17 . A method for measuring magnetic drag force, comprising:
 a. moving a ferromagnetic sample relative to a magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 5 ; and   b. measuring the magnetic drag force experienced by the measurement magnet as a result of relative motion between the ferromagnetic sample and the measurement magnet.   
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the measurement of the magnetic drag force allows evaluation of the ferromagnetic sample's identity, quality, or position, or position of an inhomogeneity within the ferromagnetic sample. 
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the ferromagnetic sample is magnetized prior to passage past the measurement magnet. 
   
   
       20 . A magnetic drag force measurement device, comprising:
 a. a sample stage; and   b. a sensing element operably associated with the sample stage, wherein the sensing element outputs a signal indicative of a magnetic drag force experienced by a ferromagnetic sample upon exposure to a pre-determined magnetic field generated by a magnet spaced from and in motion relative to the ferromagnetic sample.   
   
   
       21 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 20  further comprising a processor configured to process signals from the sensing element to determine a parameter of the magnetic drag force experienced by the ferromagnetic sample. 
   
   
       22 . A magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 20  further comprising a drive for moving the magnet past the ferromagnetic sample. 
   
   
       23 . A method for measuring magnetic drag force, comprising:
 a. moving a magnet that provides a magnetic field of pre-determined strength relative to a magnetic drag force measurement device according to  claim 20  having a ferromagnetic sample positioned on the sample stage; and   b. measuring the magnetic drag force experienced by the ferromagnetic sample as a result of relative movement between the ferromagnetic sample and the magnet.