Excitation Source Optimisation for Active Thermography

Abstract

In active thermography, the use of an optimised excitation source can simplify the interpretation of measurement results. Our custom designed source, especially designed for dynamic line scanning thermography, minimises the needed excitation power and the biasing side effects generated by a wide-range heat source. The source is redesigned, starting from a regular heat source, to focus the available energy such that the needed heating power is provided in a small band. Ray tracing software is used to design absorbers and reflectors to focus the electromagnetic radiation as well as the heat in a thin line. The most optimal design is manufactured and validated on a laminated test sample. The acquired thermographic data are then compared to the data captured in the old-fashioned way with widely available excitation sources. The redesign is also tested on durability and practical use to make sure that it is easy to handle and that it can be used as a long-term solution. Experienced inspectors evaluated the ease of use of it in comparison to the existing sources. A redesigned excitation source minimises the generated biasing side-effects resulting in more energy efficient and safer measurements.

Keywords

• infrared thermography
• optimisation
• reflector