Pulsed thermography: philosophy, qualitative and quantitative analysis on certain aircraft applications

Abstract

Thermal non-destructive testing (NDT) is commonly used for assessing aircraft structures. This research work evaluates the potential of pulsed thermography (PT) for certain applications. In particular, real-time monitoring was obtained using PT. In some cases, thermal modelling or other non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques (ie acoustography, ultrasonic wheel array) were also used with the intention of providing supplementary results. The following features were studied and presented: □ Through-skin sensing on aluminium (Al) alloy and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures. □ Drilling-induced defects on multi-ply laminates of CFRP. □ Impact damage on CFRP fibre reinforced plastic panels and honeycomb sandwich structures. It is concluded that pulsed thermography is a rapid large-area NDT technique that can find adequate use on aircraft - aerospace materials and structures.