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Air-Coupled Acoustic Thermography for In-Situ Evaluation

  • US 20100019153A1
  • Filed: 07/23/2008
  • Published: 01/28/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An acoustic thermography system, comprising:

  • a housing configured for thermal, acoustic and infrared radiation shielding, said housing having an open side adapted to be sealingly coupled to a surface region of a structure wherein an enclosed chamber filled with air is defined by said housing and the surface region;

    at least one acoustic source supported by said housing and positioned to direct, when activated, an acoustic wave therefrom through the air in said enclosed chamber and towards the surface region;

    means, coupled to each said acoustic source, for generating a pulsed signal to activate and control each said acoustic source, said pulsed signal being defined by a time series of pulses having specified frequency, amplitude and phase;

    an infrared imager focused on the surface region and spaced apart therefrom for detecting a thermal image of the surface region; and

    data capture means coupled to said means for generating and said infrared imager for recording said thermal image in synchronicity with each of said pulses of said pulsed signal wherein a time series of thermal images is generated.

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