Automated non-destructive weld evaluation method and apparatus

A method of for non-destructive evaluation of a weld in a sample, comprising the steps of:

• heating the sample;
• capturing a plurality of infrared images of the sample over time;
• determining a time-temperature history of the sample;
• and
• comparing a time-temperature characteristic in the time-temperature history with a threshold value to evaluate the weld wherein the determining step further includes the steps of:
• obtaining a time-temperature characteristic for each pixel in the plurality of images;
• creating a least one histogram based on all of the time-temperature characteristics from the obtaining step.

An apparatus for non-destructive evaluation of a weld in a sample, comprising:

• a heater that heats a surface of the sample;
• a heat-detecting camera that collects temperature data form the sample over a selected time period;
• and
• a computer coupled to the heat-detecting camera for monitoring a time-temperature characteristic from the temperature data, and for comparing the time-temperature characteristic with a predetermined standard indicating weld quality, wherein said computer further includes means for using said temperature data for generating a histogram representing a thermal flux through a weld region.

An apparatus for non-destructive evaluation of a weld in a sample, comprising:

• a heater for heating a surface of the sample;
• a heat-detecting camera for collecting temperature data from the sample over a selected time period;
• and
• a computer coupled to the heat-detecting camera for using the temperature data for determining a half-max time and for comparing the half-max time with a predetermined standard indicating weld quality.

A method for non-destructive evaluation of a weld in a sample, comprising the steps of:

• heating the sample;
• capturing a plurality of infrared images of the sample over time;
• determining a half-max time-temperature history of the sample;
• and
• comparing the half-max time-temperature history of the sample with a threshold value to evaluate the weld integrity.