Thermographic Detection of Near and Far-Side Corrosion

Active thermography has been demonstrated to be an effective tool for detection of near-surface corrosion hidden under paint, as well as hidden material loss due to corrosion. Compared to established point inspection techniques (e.g. ultrasound, eddy current), thermography offers fast, wide-area inspection of flat or curved surfaces that does not require direct contact or coupling. In its simplest form, it can be used to perform qualitative inspection using a heat gun or lamp and an uncooled IR camera. Recent developments in thermographic signal processing, coupled with improved IR camera and thermal excitation technology have resulted in significant advances in resolution, sensitivity and probability of detection of near and far-surface corrosion, and the ability to perform quantitative characterization of corrosion.