Patent ID: 6517236
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for automated non-destructive evaluation (NDE) thermal imaging testing of a sample including combustor liners comprising the steps of:providing a flash lamp positioned at a first side of the sample; providing an infrared camera positioned near a second side of the sample; providing a linear positioning system supporting the sample; said linear positioning system including a vertical translation stage for vertically translating the sample and a rotation stage for rotating the sample; and a controller and drivers unit for operatively controlling said vertical translation stage and said rotation stage; utilizing a data acquisition and processing computer for performing the steps of; triggering said flash lamp, acquiring and processing image data from said infrared camera; sequentially positioning the sample with said linear positioning system for sequentially acquiring sectional image data of the sample including the steps of rotating the sample a predetermined number of times; and vertically translating the sample a predetermined number of times.