Infrared Nondestructive Testing Techniques in which a Scanning CO2 Laser Heat Source Is Used

摘要

Active infrared nondestructive testing (IRNDT) instrumentation and techniques were used to detect programmed defects in metallic materials. A CO2 laser was employed to inject relatively large amounts of thermal energy into a sample, and a sensitive infrared radiometer was used to detect the resulting surface temperature perturbations. The unique method described is anticipated to have wide application to many problems associated with the detection of fatigue cracks, voids, and inclusions in military items such as gun tubes, artillery recoil mechanisms, and aircraft components. (Author)