Induction Thermography System (ITS^TM)

The ITS^TM system is effective in detecting disbonds in coatings or electrically insulating layers applied over metals.  Disbonds show up as "cold" spots on the infrared image.  The system is available either in a PC based data acquisition (Model PCDAS) configuration or in a heads-up data acquisition (Model HUDAS) configuration.  The HUDAS configuration allows the rapid inspection of large surface areas while the PC based system allows imaging processing to enhance feature detection.

The ITS^TM uses electrical currents induced by eddy currents to provide a controlled and powerful way to stimulate a material for observation by sensitive infrared cameras.  Resistive heating from conducting members results in temperature rises of a few degrees F.  Using sensitive infrared cameras that can detect as little as 0.08 degrees F, subsurface flaws show up as variations in the surface temperature pattern.  This technique has the ability to inject thermal energy precisely at the bondline between aluminum honeycomb and composite skinned structures.  The US Air Force uses this technique to inspect components of F-15 aircraft.