Large-area thermographic inspection of GRP composite marine vessel hulls

Thomas S. Jones; Harold Berger; Elizabeth Weaver

doi:10.1117/12.141969

6 April 1993 Large-area thermographic inspection of GRP composite marine vessel hulls

Thomas S. Jones, Harold Berger, Elizabeth Weaver

Proceedings Volume 1933, Thermosense XV: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.141969
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Every year there is an increase in the number of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) composite vessels the Coast Guard inspects. A fast, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique is needed to facilitate these inspections. The technique must be suitable for use in field environments. Through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the Coast Guard R&D Center, Industrial Quality, Inc. has performed a feasibility study evaluating the use of infrared thermography for such applications. The study demonstrated the ability of infrared thermography to detect hidden flaws through a variety of laminates and sandwich panel core materials. Empirical results matched well with analytical results of the sensitivity of the technique to various sizes of discontinuities at different depths. Following the successful SBIR program results, the Coast Guard R&D Center asked IQI to do a survey of the Steam Yacht Medea. The Medea had been repaired by a unique system of laying foam core and fiberglass over the ship's original steel-clad hull. The hybrid steel/foam core/GRP hull provided an additional structural configuration for the infrared thermography inspection equipment to handle.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas S. Jones, Harold Berger, and Elizabeth Weaver "Large-area thermographic inspection of GRP composite marine vessel hulls", Proc. SPIE 1933, Thermosense XV: An International Conference on Thermal Sensing and Imaging Diagnostic Applications, (6 April 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.141969

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