Quantitative thermal imaging analysis of aircraft materials: through skin sensing

Nicolas P. Avdelidis; L. J. Nelson; D. P. Almond

doi:10.1117/12.592437

28 March 2005 Quantitative thermal imaging analysis of aircraft materials: through skin sensing

Nicolas P. Avdelidis, L. J. Nelson, D. P. Almond

Proceedings Volume 5782, Thermosense XXVII; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.592437
Event: Defense and Security, 2005, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Thermal non-destructive testing (NDT) is commonly used for assessing aircraft structures. This research work evaluates the potential of pulsed -- transient thermography for locating fixtures beneath aircraft skins in order to facilitate accurate automated assembly operations. Representative aluminium and carbon fibre aircraft skin-fixture assemblies were modelled using thermal modelling software. The assemblies were also experimentally investigated with an integrated pulsed thermographic evaluation system, as well as using a custom built system incorporating a miniature un-cooled camera. Modelling showed that the presence of an air gap between skin and fixture significantly reduced the thermal contrast developed, especially in aluminium. Experimental results show that fixtures can be located to accuracies of 0.5 mm.

Citation Download Citation

Nicolas P. Avdelidis, L. J. Nelson, and D. P. Almond "Quantitative thermal imaging analysis of aircraft materials: through skin sensing", Proc. SPIE 5782, Thermosense XXVII, (28 March 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.592437

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