Application of the thermal shock response spectrum (TSRS) methodology to various forms of heat sources by pulse thermography and comparison by using a rotating line scan contour search algorithm.

In this paper, we propose a novel contour search algorithm (CSA) for image processing. Its efficacy is evaluated through a comparative analysis with established techniques such as Canny Edge and Snakes: Active contour models, utilizing infrared thermography (IRT) images. Based on the new CSA, we investigate the influence of different pulse shapes on the IRT post-processing methodology, particularly focusing on the thermal shock response spectrum (TSRS), using two different heat sources: xenon flash lamps and a laser. Moreover, this allows for a more precise quantitative comparison of the TSRS with existing IRT post-processing techniques, including pulse phase thermography and thermal signal reconstruction, concerning the detection of defects in composite materials, particularly in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. A quantitative comparison was performed using the Tanimoto criterion and signal-to-noise ratio. A more detailed analysis is conducted to identify inherent limitations and potential benefits of the new TSRS methodology. We further investigate and experimentally confirm our previous finding on the qualitative correlation between the one-dimensional thermal N-layer model and test data from the TSRS optimization process for defect determination. This correlation can eliminate the time-consuming optimization step, making TSRS a more attractive alternative to common IRT methods and enhancing the quantitative description of defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]