A New Spark Detection Method for Direct Effects Using a Video System

The video system with a CCD-Micro-Camera allows the detection of the sparks within the structure. The camera itself with a diameter of 25 mm and a length of 120 mm is protected against the electromagnetic field by a faraday cage. The signal will be transferred by a fibre optical link to the receiver in the measuring cabinet. The signal of the camera will be stored with a digital video recording system, using the data compression procedure M-JPEG. The development of the spark will be recorded by about one or a few pictures, supported by the slow reaction of the camera on the fast brightness change of the real spark. The experiences with the camera system have shown that this is a reliable tool to detect sparks during the test of direct effect of carbon fibre reinforced structures and provide the possibility to detect sparks also within closed components. The paper will also show the sensitivity of the system in order to compare the measurements with the required recommendations in the Standards.