The aim of this work is the eddy-current testing (ECT) of ferromagnetic materials within magnetic sensors, such as Giant Magneto-Resistances (GMR). Two complementary aspects have been studied. Experimental measurements have been carried out in order to quantify and minimize the noise coming from the materials structure and residual magnetization. On the other hand, a model has been developed in order to be able to simulate the electromagnetic interactions between a ferromagnetic specimen and the EC probe. The GMR sensors are characterized by high sensitivity at low frequency, large dynamic range and are relatively easy to implement. The studies carried out during this thesis allowed us to identify and analyse the “ghost signals” due to magnetic materials. In order to minimize the noise coming from the materials structure, a linear multi-frequencies combination of experimental signals has been employed successfully and the detection of buried flaws has been improved. The residual magnetization in ferromagnetic materials has been experimentally analyzed and an electronic system has been realized to fix the polarisation point of the sensor in the linear response zone of the GMR. Thus, disturbances caused by residual magnetization are successfully reduced. Beside, in order to develop simulation tools aiming at improving the understanding of experimental signals and optimizing the performances of ECT procedures, a model has been developed to simulate the ECT of planar, stratified and ferromagnetic materials affected with multiple flaws. CEA developed for many years semi-analytical models embedded into the simulation platform CIVA dedicated to non-destructive testing. Following a previous work carried out at the laboratory and already integrated in the simulation platform CIVA, developed at CEA-LIST, the new model extends CIVA functionalities to the ferromagnetic planar case. Simulation results are obtained through the application of the Volume Integral Method (VIM) which involves the dyadic Green’s functions. Two coupled integral equations have to be solved and the numerical resolution of the system is carried out using the classical Galerkin variant of the Method of Moments (MoM). Finally, the probe response is calculated by application of the Lorentz reciprocity theorem. A collaboration with the University of Cassino (Italy) and Laboratoire de Génie Electrique de Paris (France) allowed us to compare the three models on experimental and numerical results from literature. Results showed a good agreement between the three models and the model stability has been analyzed.
