Progress in thermosonic crack detection

摘要

We describe progress in thermosonic crack detection. In this technique, a short single pulse of ultrasound is used to cause cracks to heat up and become visible in the infrared. A low frequency (say 10's of kHz) ultrasonic transducer infuses the sample with sound. Where cracks, disbonds, delaminations or other defects are present, the sound field causes the defect to heat locally. The technique is applicable to large and irregularly shaped objects. We present illustrative applications of this technology to aerospace, and automotive inspections.