An Infrared Diagnostic Technique for Evaluation of Automotive Tires

摘要

A real time infrared tire diagnostic procedure is described which utilizes a method of pattern recognition to predict and classify real and developing failures in pneumatic automotive tires. The instrumentation developed for this inspection method comprises a dual mode AC-DC high speed indium antimonide detector radiometer capable of measuring both absolute high resolution tire temperature in the AC mode and thermal profile in the DC condition. Tire defects as small as 0.5-inch square can be discriminated at speeds of 60 MPH. Pattern recognition of standard tire defects was 'learned' by examination of specially prepared tires having built-in or known type defects. The report classifies ten types of defects and describes the instrumentation and diagnostic techniques developed during the course of the program.