System and method for generating chaotic sound for sonic infrared imaging of defects in materials

A defect detection system for detecting a defect in a structure, said system comprising:

• a sound source for applying a sound input signal to the structure, said sound source being coupled to the structure in a manner so that the sound signal causes the structure to vibrate and heat the defect;
• a hard metal disk positioned in contact with the sound source and the structure, said coupler including an annular rim for preventing a tip of the sound source in contact with the disk from sliding off of the disk when the sound signal is applied to the structure;
• and
• a thermal imaging camera for generating thermal images of the structure to identify the heated defect.

A defect detection system for detecting a defect in a structure, said system comprising:

• a sound source for applying a sound input signal to the structure, said sound source being coupled to the sound structure for inducing acoustic chaos in the structure that causes the structure to vibrate and heat the defect;
• a thermal imaging camera for generating thermal images of the structure to identify the heated defect;
• and
• a device for measuring vibrations in the structure in response to the sound input signal.