Technologies

Flash Infrared Thermography Software

Computer simulation and data analysis software for nondestructive testing and evaluation of composite and metallic materials

Researchers at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) have developed an effective, cost-efficient, infrared (IR) flash thermography software program capable of detecting anomalies, such as voids, cracks, and delamination, in composite and metallic structures. Using an innovative IR contrast methodology, this software accurately measures flaw depth, width, and diameter. The software has applications in aerospace, as well as nondestructive testing and evaluation, IR camera manufacturing, and IR thermography analysis.

Additional technical details are presented below. For more information about this opportunity, please contact us by phone or e-mail: (919) 249-0327,

Benefits

Precise: Provides detailed characterization of flaw shape, size, depth, and location
Robust: Provides objective, repeatable, numerical measurements of subsurface anomalies
Camera and operator independent: Normalizes data which reduces errors due to operator and equipment variability
Versatile: Can be used to analyze composite or metallic materials and flat or curved surfaces
Cost-efficient: Can be incorporated easily and inexpensively into existing equipment

Applications

Nondestructive testing and evaluation of materials and surfaces in the following areas:
—Aerospace (e.g., aircraft wings, propeller blades)
—Power generation (e.g., turbine blades, pipelines)
—Manufacturing (e.g., welds, adhesive joints, semiconductors)
—Chemical and petrochemical industries
IR camera manufacturers
Software developers

JSC's flash IR thermal data analysis software identifies and evaluates delamination-like defects in materials and components.

How it works

Originally developed as a nondestructive evaluation technique for the space shuttle, this innovation analyzes raw IR thermography data to detect anomalies, such as voids, cracks, or delamination, in both composite and metallic materials. In IR thermography applications, a pulse of infrared light is directed onto a material and the reflected thermal response of the material generates an infrared image. If a defect is present in the subsurface of the material, heat flowing at the structure’s front surface will be impeded relative to the surrounding, defect-free regions. Variations in the thermal diffusivity of the material manifest themselves as anomalies in the thermal image of the test surface. This innovative flash IR thermography analysis uses the evolution of measured pixel intensity over time, and compares it with a calibrated empirical simulation, to evaluate anomaly depth and size.

Why it is better

Critical components in aerospace structures, although optimized for performance, can be difficult, if not impossible, to inspect adequately due to the complexity of structural design and/or the use of advanced materials. This computer simulation and data analysis software offers a robust, repeatable, objective measurement of subsurface defects.  It is capable of analyzing composite or metallic materials and flat or curved surfaces. Currently available commercial thermography software does not distinguish between image contrast and temperature contrast and therefore provides less accurate characterization of defects. Furthermore, because this software normalizes data, it provides more stable measurements and greatly minimizes errors due to operator variability.

Patents

Johnson Space Center is currently seeking patent protection for this technology.

Commercial Opportunity

This technology is part of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program, which seeks to transfer technology into and out of NASA to benefit the space program and U.S. industry. NASA invites companies to consider licensing the Flash IR Thermography Contrast Computer Simulation and Data Analysis Software (MSC-24444-1 and MSC-24506-1) for commercial applications.

For More Information

If you would like more information about this technology, please contact us by phone or e-mail: (919) 249-0327,

For information about other technology licensing opportunities, please visit:

Advanced Planning Office
NASA’s Johnson Space Center
http://technology.jsc.nasa.gov (link opens new browser window)

This technology is owned by NASA's Johnson Space Center
MSC-24444 (JS-0032)