A Kevlar composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) is set up for Infrared (IR) thermography testing.
NASA WSTF
Thermography allows us to see variations in temperature that can be indicative of a weakness or impending failure in a test article. Using an infrared (IR) camera, thermal information is rapidly collected over a wide surface area. The collected information goes through thermal analysis to reveal information such as:
- Electrical and mechanical issues – hotspots indicating loose electrical connections, failing components, improper component installation, overloaded motors or pumps, coupling misalignment, and other undesirable condition.
- Metal thinning – Material thinning can be observed since heat is conducted away from the surface faster by thicker regions.
- Flaw detection – Flaws can be detected because the flow of heat from the surface of a solid is affected by internal flaws such as disbonds, voids or inclusions.