Active Thermography with Uncooled Infrared Cameras

摘要

In cooperation with the participants involved a universal measuring system was created by IZFP-D. It is based on a computer with an integrated generator and a low-cost, uncooled infrared (IR) camera. Various excitation modes, such as infrared radiation, hot air jet or ultrasonic vibration (US), are supported by this variable active infrared (VacIR) system. In order to evaluate the IR measurements signal processing like periodic averaging and lock-in algorithms were implemented. The software also allows the implementation of user defined algorithms. System performance was verified by a series of tests on different samples. The heat flow thermography using hot air and the infrared heating of composite materials delivered very good results. Using ultrasonic excitation the spectral behavior of the system consisting of actuator, coupling device, and test object is analyzed in order to determine suitable frequencies (resonance) for the excitation. The project was supported in the context of technology promotion with means from the European fund for regional development (EFRE) 2000-2006 and with means of the Free State of Saxony.