cen:proj:80755

Non-destructive testing — Pulse thermography using optical excitation cen:proj:80755

Scope

This document specifies a method and establishes guidelines for non-destructive testing using active
thermography with inductive excitation. By using inductive heating of the test object, this active
thermography method is suited to inspect test objects made of metals or other electrically conductive materials. Such tests are conducted for:
• the detection of surface-breaking discontinuities, particularly cracks; and
• the detection of discontinuities located near the surface.
The functional principle of the defect detection can be based on a direct interaction of defect and excitation signal (defect selective) or an indirect interaction by using derivations of the applied heat flow.
For this purpose, active thermography with inductive excitation is conducted using different sources of excitation (inductors) in reflection and transmission configurations. Typical in one shot tested areas are in between of few mm² up to 20.000 mm². In dynamic configuration, larger areas
can be tested. Fields of application for active thermography with inductive excitation are to be found in industrial production (vehicle,drive system and power plant components, jointing technique, semi-finished products etc.)