Defect Detection Using Pulse Phase Thermography - Repeatability and Reliability of Data

Abstract

A study has been carried out to characterize the effect of variation of processing parameters on the phase contrast data between defective and defect-free areas obtained through the use of pulse phase thermography (PPT). Processing parameters used to implement the fast Fourier transform (FFT) have been varied. Phase contrast was maximized when the datum used as the start point for the FFT was taken as the frame just after the pulse. Optimum recording duration was found when the surface temperature had returned to its initial temperature. A truncation shorter than this resulted in a reduced phase contrast. Sampling interval and range is required to be balanced against the quantity of data produced and the computational expense. A sampling frequency of 0.06 Hz was suggested for the sample studied as this allowed peak phase contrast to be captured without unnecessarily increasing data size. Repeatability of tests was also investigated. It was found that PPT phase contrast results have been found to be repeatable with a maximum standard deviation of 6°.