Evaluation of a prototype thermal wave imaging system for nondestructive evaluation of composite and aluminum aerospace structures

John J. Selman; J. Ted Miller

doi:10.1117/12.141967

6 April 1993 Evaluation of a prototype thermal wave imaging system for nondestructive evaluation of composite and aluminum aerospace structures

John J. Selman, J. Ted Miller

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1933, Thermosense XV: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.141967
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Several issues must be resolved before confidence in infrared thermography nondestructive evaluation (NDE) approaches that of more established NDE methodologies. Foremost among these are system sensitivity, repeatability, and interpretation of results. In recent years, synchronous imaging techniques have been demonstrated using a computer to control the thermal excitation, infrared image acquisition, and image processing. Advantages include simplified system setup and operation, repeatable measurements, and signal-to-noise ratio enhancement. In late 1991, LASC began a beta-site evaluation of a prototype Thermal Wave Imaging (TWI) system developed by the Institute for Manufacturing Research at Wayne State Univ. (Detroit, MI). This prototype is the forerunner of a production version currently under development for commercial offering as a fully integrated thermal NDE system. Applications will include quality assurance of manufactured aerospace composite structures and inspection for first and second-layer corrosion in aluminum (aging) aircraft structures. This paper describes the prototype system, and discusses results of specific experiments selected to demonstrate present capabilities of the system.

Citation Download Citation

John J. Selman and J. Ted Miller "Evaluation of a prototype thermal wave imaging system for nondestructive evaluation of composite and aluminum aerospace structures", Proc. SPIE 1933, Thermosense XV: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications, (6 April 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.141967

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