A method and apparatus for inspecting large flat composite parts by using the Infrared LST technique

The principle of Line Scan Thermography (LST) was used to develop a self-propelled infrared thermographic nondestructive testing device for the inspection large, relatively flat composite aerospace parts, such as aircraft wings. design unit allowed suppression noise from reflected radiation. new equipment, using LST method, provided defect detectability similar that achieved with classic, static, flash heating procedure, but higher rate testing. Also, line ensured more uniform thermal patterns, and proper choice scan speed field view allows selection optimal time delays creation maps defects at different depths. Defect characterization efficiency improved by trained neural network.