CTA is seeking to commercialise an infrared thermography system that can detect delamination in composites where ultrasound has failed. A thermal imager looks at the heat output of a structure that has been excited by a laser, vibration system or powerful flashlamp, and the heat patterns show different elements of the internal structure.
"A problem with ultrasonics is that you need a medium, and that is often water. Water and composites don't mix well," says CTA, which is evaluating marketing the technology with Aernnova. "One company came to us after ultrasonics had detected [an issue with their component], but only the infrared system found the delimination."
Source: Flight International