OPTICAL NDT METHOD FOR COATING ANALYSIS ON METAL AND COMPOSITE SURFACES

摘要

Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods are well established for the measurement of coatingthickness on metal surfaces. The use of traditional NDT methods for similar measurements oncomposite substrates has been challenging due to the difficulty in distinguishing coatings from thesubstrate material. Molecular spectroscopy, which provides specific chemical signatures fordistinct layers, holds great promise in monitoring coating thickness for these challengingsubstrates. In particular, near-IR spectroscopy provides sufficient chemical specificity to allow fora measurement while allowing for NDT measurements on relatively thick coatings. Near-IRspectroscopic results will be presented on paint layers and other coatings of interest using pointmeasurements, with a discussion on implementing this technology for automated analysis across alarge surface.