Stimulated dual-band infrared computed tomography: a tool to inspect the aging infrastructure

The authors have developed stimulated dual-band infrared (IR) computed tomography as a tool to inspect the aging infrastructure. The system has the potential to locate and quantify structural damage within airframes and bridge decks. Typically, dual-band IR detection methods improve the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of ten, compared to single-band IR detection methods. They conducted a demonstration at Boeing using a uniform pulsed-heat source to stimulate IR images of hidden defects in the 727 fuselage. The dual-band IR camera and image processing system produced temperature, thermal inertia, and cooling-rate maps. In combination, these maps characterized the defect site, size, depth, thickness and type. The authors quantified the percent metal loss from corrosion above a threshold of 5%, with overall uncertainties of 3%. Also, they conducted a feasibility study of dual-band IR thermal imaging for bridge deck inspections. They determined the sites and relative concrete displacement of 2-in. and 4-in. deep delaminations from thin styrofoam implants in asphalt-covered concrete slabs. They demonstrated the value of dual-band IR computed tomography to quantify structural damage within flash-heated airframes and naturally-heated bridge decks.