This work presents numerical results obtained by simulating the first eddy current benchmark problem proposed by the World Federation of Nondestructive Evaluation Centers (WFNDEC) as part of an international effort. The problem involves prediction of responses generated by eddy current coil sensors scanning an inconel tube containing a defect. A variety of defect geometries are considered both in the presence as well as absence of a ferromagnetic support plate. The simulations involved the use of A‐V formulation based finite element method (FEM). © 2004 American Institute of Physics