Assessment of feasibility the use of infrared techniques in aviation : testing structures and aviation parts

This paper presents the use of infrared thermography in aviation. Each of the described applications has been proved experimentally and revealed the advantages and disadvantages of the thermography method. Thermography is a discipline of research that allows observation of many phenomena, e.g. simple temperature analysis, defectoscopic tests and actions of aerodynamic. Its use in aviation is multidirectional therefore; thermography is an attractive method for research. Thermal techniques seem simple; however require extensive knowledge of infrared radiation, the areas in which this technique is used, the influence of camera parameters on its capabilities and software knowledge applied depending on the purpose. This paper undertakes the verification of temperature analysis method, which is based on the tests of whole machine assembly and its parts during their operation - widely known as passive thermography. Another raised issue is defectoscopic study which aim is to detect structural defects by non-destructive testing (NDT) - active thermography. Several types of sandwich and composite materials were selected, and on the basis of the test results the limitations and possibilities of thermography in the field of active thermography were concluded. The last application considered in this study is the use of thermography for aerodynamic testing, i.e. verification transition point, laminar to turbulent layer on the aerodynamic profile.