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Infrared thermographic methods for wrinkle characterization in composite structures

  • US 9,519,844 B1
  • Filed: 01/22/2016
  • Issued: 12/13/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for inspecting a composite structure comprising:

  • (a) moving an infrared camera to a location whereat a field of view of the infrared camera encompasses an inspection area on a surface of the composite structure;

    (b) activating at least one flash lamp to output light that illuminates at least portions of the inspection area;

    (c) activating the infrared camera to acquire infrared imaging data while the field of view of the infrared camera encompasses at least the inspection area;

    (d) processing the infrared imaging data to create a thermal signature; and

    (e) determining whether the thermal signature is similar within a specified threshold to any one of a multiplicity of reference thermal signatures stored in a reference database or not, the reference thermal signatures having one or more characteristics indicating the presence of wrinkles.

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