Every material emits thermal energy to the environment in the form of invisible infrared (IR) radiant energy. Infrared thermography is a technique that makes radiant energy visible and measurable.
The fact that different materials radiate heat in different ways enables us to detect anomalies.
On both mechanical and electrical systems differences in temperature can indicate flaws. This makes thermography a powerful diagnostic tool for these systems, which can be readily inspected whilst in operation and/or after a working cycle (Passive Thermography).
Thermographic inspection of composite stuctures requires the induction of a temperature gradient (Active Thermography).
Composite Structures
Delaminations & disbonds to hull, decks & superstructures.
Water ingress into the core material.
Electrical Systems
Condition assessment of switch boards &
sub-panels.
Assessment of connection condition & resistance.
Quality assessment of batteries.
Mechanical
Bearing wear & general misalignment.
Pump assessment.
HAVAC
Overall performance & Air-flow.
Insulation condition assessment.
There are some limitations due to the nature of infrared. Finding a flaw with this technique is based on differences in heat transfer between different materials. If characteristics are very similar, detection of flaws within those materials can be difficult
Furthermore, thermographic inspections of composite materials require the induction of a thermal gradient which is not always straightforward to apply.
