What type of equipment is similar to a temporary horseshoe magnet?

The correct answer is a yoke, which is a type of magnetic particle testing equipment designed to create a magnetic field. Similar to a temporary horseshoe magnet, a yoke consists of two poles that can be placed on either side of the test specimen. When activated, the yoke generates a magnetic field that allows for the inspection of surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.

Using a yoke is advantageous because it is portable and easy to handle, making it effective for field applications. The magnetic field created can be altered in strength and direction based on how the yoke is positioned. This characteristic is akin to a horseshoe magnet, which relies on its shape and magnetism to effectively hold or attract ferromagnetic objects. Therefore, because of these features and the method of operation, the yoke can be compared to a temporary horseshoe magnet in terms of its application in magnetic particle inspection.

Other types of equipment like a magnetic coil generate magnetic fields through electromagnetic induction but do not have the same structural similarities to a horseshoe magnet. Prods are used for applying the magnetic field directly to a small area of the test piece but lack the overall magnetic design like a yoke. A generator is involved in powering the equipment but does