Mobile Thermographic Testing Unit for Internal Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermographic material testing methods, such as those using ultrasonic thermography, are inadequate for detecting internal defects in large composite materials like those found in aircraft and wind turbines, as they primarily focus on surface cracks and cannot identify internal irregularities like detachments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile thermographic material testing device integrating an excitation source and an infrared camera within a compact, portable unit, equipped with a holding device that allows secure attachment to complex surfaces, enabling the detection of internal defects by observing temperature changes over time without the need for individual alignment of the excitation source and camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed thermographic testing system is used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to different component sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into separate functional modules: excitation source, infrared camera, and holding device. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision, and enables flexible reconfiguration for different component sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a mobile, dynamically adjustable setup. The holding device with suction cups enables the system to be positioned and repositioned on various component surfaces, providing adaptability while maintaining measurement precision through controlled positioning.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ultrasonic excitation is used, then certain defects like cracks can be detected, but detection of internal irregularities such as detachments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation method is changed from ultrasonic to thermal excitation. This parameter change in the excitation type enables the detection of internal irregularities like detachments that are not detectable with ultrasonic methods, while the infrared camera captures thermal responses that reveal these internal defects.
3Measurement precision
If individual alignment of excitation source and camera is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation source and infrared camera are merged into an integrated mobile testing unit with a common holding device. This merging maintains the precise relative alignment needed for accurate measurements while simplifying operation, as the entire unit moves together and requires only single-point positioning rather than individual component alignment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and effective testing of large and complex components by allowing the device to be easily positioned and fixed on any surface, including inclined or curved ones, facilitating the detection of internal defects such as fabric layer detachments within composite materials.
Implementation Method 1
An excitation, in particular thermal excitation of the material takes place with a suitable excitation source
Implementation Method 2
A thermal image of the component is then recorded over a certain period of time using a thermographic or infrared camera. Based on the surface temperature and the changes in the surface temperature over time
Implementation Method 3
For fixing, in particular for attaching to a surface to be tested, suction cups are provided
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermographic material testing device with an excitation source and an infrared camera, characterized in that the excitation source (22) and the infrared camera (24) are integrated into a mobile testing unit (2) which has a holding device (4) designed for attaching the mobile testing unit (2) to a component to be tested.