Pulsed thermography: philosophy, qualitative & quantitative analysis on aircraft materials & applications

Thermal non-destructive testing (NDT) is commonly used for assessing aircraft structures. This research work evaluates the potential of pulsed thermography (PT) for certain applications. In particular, real time monitoring was obtained using PT. In some cases, thermal modelling as well as other non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques (i.e. acoustography, ultrasonic wheel array) were also used with the intention of providing supplementary results. The following features were studied and presented: Through skin sensing on aluminium (Al) alloy and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures. Defect detection under multi-ply composite repairs. Impact damage on carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels and honeycomb sandwich structures. Drilling induced defects on multi-ply laminates of carbon fibre composites. It is concluded that PT is a rapid large area non-destructive technique that can find adequate use on aircraft - aerospace materials and structures.