The Optimization Method of Magnetic Flux Leakage Detection Equipment in Rail Surface Inspection Based on Finite Element Simulation

The parameters of the magnetic excitation circuit can significantly impact the Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) signal of rail inspection. This research proposes a unique approach for optimizing the parameter of the magnetic excitation circuit in MFL detection based on finite element simulation. The magnetic circuit equation was established firstly to find the key parameter that affected the MFL signal most significantly. Then, the size parameters, including the thickness of the magnets, the cross-sectional width, and the thickness of the steel brush, were compared and analyzed in the finite simulation model. Meanwhile, the detection parameter of the liftoff value was compared and analyzed by finite element simulation. Finally, the experiments were designed to verify the optimization method. The finite element situation and experiment results showed that the MFL signal did not change linearly as the parameters were changed. This method demonstrates that the parameters of the MFL detection equipment can be optimized by the simulation results. © 2024 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.