Developed to inspect the composite over aluminum honeycomb structure of the F-15 vertical stabilizers, Qi2’s Induction Thermography System (ITS™) is a new generation of transient thermography which uses inductive heating of electrically conductive materials to detect flaws. Disbonds, delaminations and cracks are all readily identifiable. Compared to conventional flash thermography, the equipment is much more compact, and its higher energy efficiency delivery enables the detection of smaller flaws.

 

How it Works

The ITS™ uses electrical currents induced by eddy currents to provide a controlled and powerful way to stimulate a material for observation by sensitive infrared (IR) cameras. Using the RF heating wand, electrical current raises the structure’s temperature a few degrees F.

Using sensitive IR cameras that can detect as little as 0.08 degrees F, subsurface flaws show up as anomolies in the surface temperature pattern.

 

Comparison of ITS™ to Flashlamp Thermography

Flashlamp Heating	ITS™	Advantages of ITS™
Heat added to surface by absorption	Heat added internally by resistive heating	Higher resolution
Variations in surface causes non-uniform heating	Inductive heating of subsurface conductors is uniform	Easier to interpret images
Low energy coupling efficiency	High energy coupling efficiency	Rapid inspection of large surfaces

 

Ready to learn more?

For more information about the historical applications and capabilities of each system, please contact our sales and support team.

ITS is a trademark of Qi2/QUEST Integrated, LLC. All rights reserved.