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US 11,386,545 B2Granted
Surface crack detection
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMorteza Safai, Gary Ernest Georgeson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of thermographic inspection is disclosed, including applying a thermal pulse to a surface and capturing an image of a thermal response of the surface. The image is captured with an infrared camera through a polarizer having a first orientation. The method further includes determining, by analysis of the image, whether the thermal response is indicative of a crack on the surface.
Claims20
A method of thermographic inspection, comprising:
- applying a thermal pulse to a surface,
- capturing a first image of a thermal response of the surface with an infrared camera through a first polarizer having a first orientation, and
- determining, by analysis of the first image, whether the thermal response is indicative of a crack on the surface,
- wherein analysis of the first image includes identifying an area of lower temperature and comparing the intensity of light captured from the identified area to another image of a thermal response of the surface.
1 more element
A method of detecting cracks in a surface, comprising:
- heating the surface,
- capturing a first image of thermal emissions from the surface through a polarizer in a first orientation,
- capturing a second image of thermal emissions from the surface through a polarizer in a second orientation,
- identifying an area of lower temperature in the first and second images,
- comparing the intensity of light captured from the identified area in the first and second images,
- determining, for the identified area, whether the area is indicative of a crack on the surface.
3 more elements
A system for detecting cracks in a surface, comprising:
- a light source configured to generate a thermal pulse incident on the surface,
- an infrared camera configured to capture an image of a response of the surface to the thermal pulse,
- a first wire grid polarizer interposed between the surface and the infrared camera, having a first orientation, and
- a data processing system in communication with the infrared camera, including a processor and a plurality of stored instructions executable by the processor to:
- identify an area of lower temperature in the captured image of the response of the surface, and
- compare the intensity of light captured from the identified area to another captured image of a response of the surface to a thermal pulse.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.