Method and apparatus for detecting defects in metallic components

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the detection of faults, especially cracks in metal components. The inventive method is characterized in that a pulsed high-frequency magnetic field is coupled into the area being audited 6 of the component 1, and the temperature distribution of the heating caused by eddy currents is detected immediately after a magnetic field pulse. The inventive apparatus for detecting defects in metallic components 1 consists of a strong, pulsed alternating magnetic field generating assembly, which is preferably formed of a coreless coil 3 and a high-frequency generator 4, and a means for detecting the temperature distribution of the to be tested range 6 of the component 1, which preferably consists of a thermographic camera. 5