14 Jun Thermal-infrared testing in NDT

All objects that have a temperature above the absolute zero (-273 C) will radiate some amount of energy in the form of infrared rays. These infrared radiations emitting from objects are not visible to the human eye and it is in the form of heat.

Thermography is the technology used to derive visual images based on the amount of heat emitted from an operational equipment. Thermography can also be used to create images based on infrared radiations to view objects in dark environments.

Thermal/Infrared NDT Method

Thermal or infrared nondestructive testing method uses a camera that has a large number of infrared sensors which can detect even minute temperature differences. This image containing temperature difference can be downloaded and displayed on screen in colour or greyscale screen.

There are 2 different types of thermography methods to develop the thermal image, active and passive thermography.

In passive thermography, the infrared camera is simply pointed at the test material and a thermal image is developed based on the thermal radiations emitted from different part of test material.

In active thermography, the surface of test material is rapidly heated using an external source and the rate at which temperature decays from the surface is recorded. The temperature decay rate in the damaged or flawed areas will show a variation from the normal surface temperature decay rate.

Benefits of thermal/infrared non-destructive testing

• Thermal testing can cover large areas of test materials
• Thermal or infrared testing methods can be conducted without contacting the test material.
• It is a high speed and portable testing system
• Temperature changes can be automatically recorded by data collection systems over time

Industrial application of thermal-infrared testing

The major application of thermal testing is seen in automotive, aerospace and power plant industries.

Automotive industry applications: Used to inspect composite structures, spot welds and adhesive bonds

Aerospace industry applications: Used for the inspection of carbon/epoxy composites , sandwich panels, and impact damage

Power plant applications: For inspecting blades of wind turbines, coating uniformity and delamination in composites

Enrol for 1 month preparatory classes for Thermal/Infrared testing exam

Gamma NDT academy offers NDT preparatory classes for candidates who intend to appear for the ASNT Level 3 thermal/infrared testing certification exam. 

We will cover all the syllabus under ASNT for thermal/infrared testing exam and conduct mock tests to prepare you for the exam. We will also share study materials and sample questions which you need to revise. We have a 100% success rate for NDT certification courses.

Gamma NDT academy training institute is located in Kerala, India. We provide online classes for candidates who cannot attend our training sessions in-person.